You can trust, ETH is managed by professional people and they know the tech. Ethereum is number 2 on CMC for that reason.
When HODLing I would check the price at least every month and when you notice it's going to a new ATH then sell it.


Yes, Hardware wallet works, but it is very expensive. MEW is also fine if you are carefully when creating the wallet, MEW has also good security.

Good Luck bro