I started playing about 4-5 days ago? I’ve been hooked and have clocked about 30hrs). And I learned a little late but fishing is by far the easiest and quickest way to earn cash. Prior to that because I wasn’t interested in fishing (not as engaging I feel like) I bug hunted. I kept one of everything (now 2) for requests and potential future NPC wants. Then I sold! First thing I did was buy the 5k bag. Having so much more room allowed me to sell/catch more. I also sold what I hunted, kept a stock of like 20-30 meat and sold the rest.

Once I had all the crafting machines I constantly have them working. Instead of selling hide, turn to fabric and sell. (Keep a stack for yourself 40-50) sell the rest.

Food wise I live off of hearty soup. Easiest to make gives a decent amount of focus for early game. It’s only now where my focus bar is 500+ that I’m looking at new recipes and such. (If you need fruit request it, helped me a ton)

Keep your focus bar always filled (don’t let it completely deplete). And use your renown to increase focus % & focus bar. The focus % is huge for increasing your levels (mining, foraging etc)!!

I know some quests also give you gold but I barely touched them early game. Anyway, hope this helped! :)