A good idea, is to try and excel at all areas: Foraging, Mining, Fishing, Farming and Combat. All of them unlock special constructions, that help you unlock more expensive production items, or useful items overall. You have to slowly progress from collecting crops, to processing them (pickles, jams etc) and when you have a good income, then slowly expand over animals (coop, barn).
The big moneymakers continue being pigs that find truffles (and require deluxe barns, but do not overdo it because in winter they are inactive), to turn them into oil with oil-maker. The Crystallariums, that duplicate gems (especially diamonds, or jades to trade for dungeon staircases). And the occasional casks, to age your products. Don't forget beehives, either but they need special placement shape and around a fully bloomed flower (doesn't work in winter, but if you unlock the end-game area, you relocate them there).
You progress slowly. One or two machines at a time, one upgrade at a time. You earn your money the hard way, at first. When you reach the turning point of going deep into mines for adventure and loot, do not forget food for buffs and recovery, drinks for extra buff and bombs. Do not neglect bounties either, especially for Burglar's Ring. Do not overstay in there, you need to be quick and progress to the next level(s) fast, because time for the daily activities is pretty limited.
For anything else, or specialized, do not hesitate to ask!
