Most equipment can be synthesized by item creators in towns

When buying Armor and weapons focus on only the next set of body armor and weaponry, check the actual bonus offered for the price... 10,000 avalon aron isn't worth 2 more defense when 2 defense barely changes the damage taken. The recommended order for upgrading equipment is as follows:

1. Weapon

2. Top/Bottom

3. Hat

4. Gloves

5. Shoes

It is recommended to not buy every equip that is coming up to your level. Some equips can be obtained through quests or party quests. Most equipment can be synthesized by item creators in towns.

Pick up everything that drops every thing. Even the stuff that sells for 1 meso (Monster Cards) adds up. If you find something that requires level 20 or greater, or a scroll, check a fan site and see if the item is worth an appreciable amount. If not, sell it back to an NPC store.

That's a lot of free MP, so most mages tend to buy hp potions five times more often than mp potions, maybe even seven to ten times if they obtain lots of mana elixirs (or other mp potions) through quests or pqs.