try to get a t3 weapon. pick a certain type for your class and get any old weapon of that type for each tier (for example a sword for every 5 levels.)
check the weapons str/dex ratio and stat accordingly! when you get more fg worry about getting enhanced effect weapons
try to get a t3 armor for your class. get one for each tier. when you get more fg you can worry about finding armors with either stats for more damage (str/dex - find what ratio of this your weapon needs and stat your cahracter accordingly!) or enhanced effect to tank better!
try to find a t3 charm with +15 of a stat (again, check your weapon's ratio.) then find a level 5 with +20, a level 10 with +25, etc (these are the caps, they go up by +5 for each tier, try to get as close to the cap for that tier as you can afford. you don't need one for every 5 levels)
remember that the
accessory slot only works for ee charms, so if you aren't a caster, use a heal charm in there.
Lastly, read this, including each topic on the right. Especially classes and weapons to learn about ratios
http://ladderslasher.d2jsp.org/index.php?a=0