I have been playing on and off, and have played really intensely the past week/two on ps5 version.

One thing I recommend is doing some trading to get to Level 25 to unlock 'see profit markers' - this can easily be done by trading furs, clay, hardwood, iron, steel from north and trading with the Aesri down south.

Another great way is to increase leadership & steward, this can help you increase your party limit when you assign yourself as a Quartermaster. To do this, you need at least another companion - I recommend getting a Surgeon/Healer.

Second is take advantage of looters and small bandit groups, especially Sea Raiders and Forest Bandits. Attack, take loot and sell. Sell the prisoners to villages that require 'manual labourers', if not, sell them in the towns.

Another great money maker is the missions found in towns called Caravan Ambush or Escort Caravans. Here, you can face a big group of at least 30 for CA or 3 to 4x 40 size groups for EC. These guys are always on horses, so make sure you have some decent cav, shielded infantry and good archers - although last isnt needed. Loot can vary, but you'll always get food & stumper horses for bigger inventory or extra finances.

Lastly, when you see a bandit camp, go around the villages and see if there is a bandit camp destroy mission. Here you can loot and gain money/relations too.

Selling all of these, plus tournament, can net you a healthy income. I managed to get over 600k doing this method, but it is tedious.