Hello! It's wonderful to connect with you, and I appreciate your kind words. I hope you're having a great week as well. Let's address your questions about using Bisq with a focus on anonymity and node usage.

Using a VPN with Bisq

Yes, using a VPN with Bisq is a common practice for those seeking to enhance their privacy. A VPN masks your real IP address, making it more difficult to trace your internet activity back to your physical location. Here's a breakdown:  

How it helps:
It hides your IP address from your internet service provider (ISP) and other potential observers.  
It adds a layer of privacy by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel.
Important considerations:
Choose a reputable VPN provider that prioritizes privacy and has a strict no-logs policy.
Be aware that even with a VPN, complete anonymity is not guaranteed. Other factors, like your operating system configuration and browser usage, can still reveal information.
Using a VPN in conjunction with the tor network, could increase your anonymity.
Bisq Nodes and Anonymity

Running your own Bisq node serves a different purpose than simply increasing transaction anonymity. Here's how it works:

Node functionality:
Bisq is a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. Running a node means you're contributing to the network by relaying transaction information.
Nodes help maintain the decentralized nature of Bisq.
Running a node allows you to use your own local copy of the Bisq software and data, rather than relying on a remote server.
Anonymity vs. Security:
Running a node doesn't significantly increase the anonymity of your individual transactions. The core anonymity comes from Bisq's P2P design and the use of Tor.
However, running a node enhances the overall security and resilience of the Bisq network, which indirectly benefits all users.
Running your own node does provide a level of increased security, by eliminating the risk of a malicious 3rd party server.
For a $40 transaction:
For a small transaction like $40, running your own node is not strictly necessary. You can use Bisq effectively without one.
The main benifit of running a node is to support the network, and to increase your own personal security.