drop items that you owned but are NOT using in the game. IE...2nd round on defense you spawn with crossbow but need to melee near flag. Every minute you hold an item you own there is chance you'll need to repair it.
You can save ALOT of money savaging shields and weapons from fallen enemies. Spawn with a cheap decent weapon (short sword, shaska, short spear, bastard sword, etc) and then drop it when you come across something better.
DROP STOLEN WEAPONS at the end of the round/before the start of next round, or you may be charged to repair them as well.
Wear light armor while you save money. 1st gen is very painful, as you have to spend money to buy new gear all the time + repair what you're using. The Gambesons are great armor for the money. Dont wear expensive foot/hand/head armor either. Something light but not useless, any of the leather armors are decent.