How do people manage it?

My highest is currently a 36DRG and I'd like to level armourer so that I can try and gear myself as I go (partly, and partly because I kinda like crafting in this game - a surprise for me). However, I've hit the stage where it's become difficult due to money. I don't have the time to level all my gathering skills, so often have to resort to buying materials but can only get huge and expensive stacks.

How can I level crafts without making myself bankrupt, or do I need to level gathering and other crafts too so I can supply myself with materials?