Since this forum page has been so helpful... {advice}

TeriyakiTanker: If you are going to be free to play I would consider looking for bonus codes that will give you a free low tier premium tank.  Also changing your password once used to give you a couple hundred free gold which you can use to dismount equipment, not sure that still works but give it a shot.  Also look into missions and marathons to get as much free stuff as you can. This game is a trade off between time and money, so if you aren't going to put any money in be ready to spend some serious time getting things done.  Getting some low tier premiums through missions like on-tracks is also really helpful for earning silver and training crews.  Hope that helps.