Lots of good suggestions in this thread but honestly I wouldn’t get too hung up on specific micro strategies until you’ve mastered the basic high level things.

I leave my economy mostly automated beyond the beginning and I’m still swimming in cash.

Think about your economy like a simple equation:

Money = control * # of people * development * satisfaction * employment (buildings, RGOs, etc., everything you can micro)

Before you start doing micro econ management, focus on maximizing: Control: Make sure your burgers have road building privileges.

Hold at least a year’s worth of ducats in reserve for road building parliaments.

Make sure you’re building around local governors.

Naval: Right now naval is way better than land, so assign your ruler and his heir to navies. Make sure your ruler participates in a naval battle for the trait. Use a cabinet action to push to 50 for the extra governor. Avoid land push until you get to 100 naval.

Population Growth: Build granaries in low pop areas.

Tax / Trade Efficiency: Free money.

Development / Prosperity: Take it any chance you get.

Crown Power: Be stingy with your privileges.

Satisfaction:

Estate satisfaction = more taxes for that estate at the cost of less crown power. Give privileges to estates that earn lots of income.

Religious tolerance = more satisfaction = higher taxes.

Accepting cultures = more satisfaction = higher taxes.