I haven't bought a single item/weapon, there's no need one can go out an "adventure" for them and/or get some very nice collectors weapons from the desert. I have the collectors sword/axe from the desert and collectors bow from Mineral Wells now and I've found great upgrades for them that my Axe and Sword are Fiery Long Sword or Battle Axe of Defense both +15% w/enchanted (customized +20%) and both with +5 armor. Didn't cost me no 100k or more. People who are patient must pay the price, people like me who are patient and work for what they get save lots of money for other things like 15k armor.

I also got a full set of Monk Superior Runes from the NPC merchants for under 20k, soon I will have a 105/55 monk as well and will get all his gear from the desert as well from collectors.

That's why really the economy doesn't bother me except for the merchant prices on Superior Vigor and Superior Absorption, but, if I play long enough I'm sure I will discover these on my own and save 100's of k as well.
And you wouldn't believe what people are paying premium gold for these days, I've made 1000's just standing in a couple of towns and waiting to see it, WTB ????? (heh I'm not telling you) and I have a slew of the items in my vault and make 5k a set. Haha this game is easy and there should be no complaints about making money. If you just pay attention to what people want and stock up on it.