Honestly,your best resource LONG TERM, is to NETWORK. Get in the chatrooms and make friends in the game, who will help support you when you need it. Here are some basics on how to plan: Get 3"x5" index cards, and list 4 major hurdles/resources you want to accomplish around YOUR cities strategy. Put the resources in a list format with the minor acquisition as 1.) and the major hurdle/resource 4.) THEN, list the main acquisition with two main resources required to procure the result. USE one index card for the list of four acquisitions. Keep the card near computer and mark off each item you accomplish. REMIND yourself of your main city-strategy, when you plan for the next set of four acquisitions. This step is important, because when the resources start to accumulate, and the gold is flowing, you will no doubt be tempted to stray for a purchase which may be completely opposite of your strategy-thus costing you a detrimental move which may affect your cities life span. Hope this helps :)
ALSO check into "Remedy" and the "City Defense" tab...
