To the OP,
Really, please read my post about playing the market and take is seriously. I say this because what I say is relevant to your plight, and I want to help! Consider:
1) I am not in a clan
2) we are the same gen
3) I've played cav for 2 of my gens, at least part time
4) I have 180k in the bank, and I manage upkeep ok
I'm giving sound advice! Sorry about all the trolls. People just love this game, and when you are passionate about something sometimes you will either be overprotective of it or ridicule those who criticize it.
The other great advice I saw was using a cheap set at 1x, then adding nicer gear at 2x, etc. I do this as well. Once I get 2x or 3x, I bust out the nice armored glove and horse and such. For a nice start, don't take a horse if you are on 1x. Give it a try.
The upkeep has its ups and downs, and that's what keeps it interesting. Also, using different equipment sets keeps if fun! Variety is the spice of life, and of this game. Using your best gear all the time becomes dull (for me anyways) but when I get the multiplier or the gold to earn using it for a while, it's like
Aww yeah!! I've had 500k in the bank at one point...I've also had so little money that I couldn't repair even my most basic equipment. Then I sell something I don't use very often and march on. Look at me now! I'm not gen 14 with 6 million gold...but I'm comfortable and well established. I'm ok with going broke again if I have to, but I have the tools to make it work.
So, I advise to ignore the trolls (this game is full of them, and they give it a great character, so don't hate them either
) and keep at it. Pick up the sound advise in this thread, follow it, and you won't go wrong.