There might come a time during the leveling process that one or two items (gear) will lag behind from your current level. When you feel like the content is getting hard, check your gear to see if you have one or two items that 5 levels lower than your current level. If that’s the case, you might want to check if you can replace them without spending a lot of money.

If you go about shopping for gear, shop wisely. Check both the Markets as well as the Vendors in the area you are leveling. But, also check out the Guild Leve’s, since they are also a source for gear and money. (^_~ )

Also, low level gear is easy to make, so don’t be shy and ask if people (preferably friends) can help you out with some gear. High Quality Gear have a slight increase in stats that might just give you that edge you need and will delay the need to replace your gear a bit longer. But… Just don’t ask for items with the intent to sell them for money… That’s a big no-no… (^_^; )

Finally, running dungeons (next to the daily roulette) is a good source for gear as well. If you end up with gear you don’t need anymore and you can’t convert them into Materia, check if you can sell it for Company Seals at the Grand Company you’re affiliated with.

Each Grand Company sells gear at certain levels, which will also grant you additional set bonuses, when you equip more items from the same set. If you are set with gear, but have a lot of Company Seals, try buying either venture coins (in order to send your Retainers out an ventures) or crafting materials that sell well on the Market Boards.