money

Instead of changing it, try not to spend so much. For instance, when you start a new game, set social to zero, and after you have a number of planets, increase social. You'll have more income by this time, as well as a larger population base. Also, early in the game, don't build social projects or ships that have a maintenance cost (unless you've got a particular strategy in mind), and don't Purchase anything with a Lease (except, perhaps, some Colony ships to get a leg up).

If you need some scratch immediately, try selling some of your tech to another race... or, if you've got a decent warfleet, bully some minor civ, then demand tribute to end the war (even better to bully a major civ).

Since the game's turn-based, take your time. Set the AI to Fool and Neutral alignment... then just worry about your own backyard for the first several game-years.


~SDC~

bill- take a deep breath....trust me, you will get the hang of it. I got my butt kicked on FOOL for the first few games because I never had enough money or high enough morale. Made me want to just give up. In fact, my first few posts were all whiney and complaining; but within a few more games I got the hang of it.
You want to put economy improvements in as soon as possible...banking is a good start. As mentioned above, go easy on improvemnts with high maintenance costs. Dont waste alot of money of defensive ships early in the game as the AI wont get powerful ships (nor will you) for a while and a defender or two can hold off most attacks against your planets....if the Ai gets pushy, which it usually doesnt in the early game. Also play on FOOL or BEGINNER until you get the hang of it. Trust me. I was frustrated in the beginning but it really comes around quickly.
Ask anything and everything on these boards and you WILL get help!!
Cheers.