look for the millions of threads having to do with trade.

If I had a nickel for every time someone told me that my idea of building a giant robotic parrot out of melted down coins was a bad idea, I would have one kick a$$ giant robotic parrot.

Actually, I think he means the "home stretch", where you have no option but to fly the assigned missions. What I generally do is either build up a large amount of money, sell some of the ordinance I don't use often(mines, for the most part), or trade your gear for Order equipment. That usually will give you quite a large sum of money to play around with.

Use only the order weap and shield and VHF...

i used no missiles against nomads, only torpedo's against nomad battleships

i only used my money to buy shield batt and nanoboths