If you want to increase your money making skills, just grow, and make sure you have plenty of gold invested in allies so that you are always at max plunder and are earnings as much as you possibly can of each attack and assassination/steal/scout that you do. Hitting players larger than you is a great way to earn gold, although if you fail they will likely hit back much harder. You can also hit eb's with your clan for a chance at equipment and pots.