King Dexter of Nullarbor and The Riverland here.
Like most of the new posters here, I only started a few weeks ago. Signed up proper last Saturday. I don't want any aid, but for some reason I seem to be heading that way. I made a common mistake and took a C3 already, made worse by over estimating how many weapons it'd require. Following many helpful hints from the forum, chat and private contact, I've sold off a lot of my offensive weapons, transfered defensive weapons where they're needed in the slave, lowered taxes and invited CEO's (thanks Scott). Selling weapons helped immediately and I guess the other measures take longer, but still getting by on beginner bonuses. Then the earthquake hit the neighboring slave. Got both. Like I said, I'd like to beat this without the aid but I don't like my chances without some education.
Dex.