Invest to profit is the norm. So you are out of luck unless you choose wisely.
There are ways to make Forum Gold on Softcore really easy.
They say Clubs = Cheap ... they know they are cheap, but they sell them off at a profit... so you lose out.
They say Enhanced Effect Plate = Cheap ... they know they are cheap, but they sell them off at a profit... so you lose out.
They say to get to Master Quest using a Feeder to level 71 ... they know that it takes time and you have to invest MORE forum gold so they bump up the prices for higher level items... Clubs, Swords, EE Plates / Chains and stat charms... etc... so you lose out.
They all profit right?
Here is a simple way to make FG on SC, everyone is going to tell you to NOT listen to my advice... why, because they don't know better.
#1: Have a Goal within goals to reach. Sounds like a bit of bullshit right.
... A: Buy a set of gear (weapon / armor & main charm) for a Barbarian to equip level 25 gear. This means to reach level 35 fast.
... B: Level 1 to 15 gear. Weapon: EE (now for barbarian, Club, Sword, Battleaxe benefit from +strength gear like armor + main charm).
... B1: Level 1 AND 5 gear should ALSO have +XXX Max life (pref +1xx and more)... You can have an EE weapon, but the armor & main charm needs to have some +Str and +X Max life minimum requirement. (Note: this helps with welling Tier III whites when you find a Well at level 1 in your catacomb).
... B2: Find the cheapest items on the Marketplace in levels of 10 from Level 5... Tier IV, Tier VI, Tier VIII. and update them.
... C: Use the Marketplace and the Trade threads to find out the prices of skill items... like Tier III Arcane items worth to those that skill, also fishing rods. also MAPS you find FULLY exploring catacombs from level 1 to 25 (refer to A: and equipment.
... D: White items (to throw in wells)... find out what the selling prices are, check the MP and Trade thread, also, at lower levels, well Tier III + items during your climb... you not only benefit from prof (level 1 to level 20 character), but you also benefit from items you can put up on the MP for Skillers, and also a chance to upgrade your gear making your runs faster.
... E: RE-ROLL when you find that the TIME you spend climbing from level 35+ takes longer than your time leveling from level 1 TO level 35 and still gain those benefits... oh as well as Prof gain.
#2: Accomplishing the runs established in #1: ... you can keep checking the MP for cheaper items and make a profit, upgrade, establish items for higher levels, spend the FG you made during your runs for better gear, explore higher levels to say 45, get 35 & 45 gear for your to get to Master Quest and maybe even build up a repertoire with those that are more active... but if you are NOT as active as they are, then stick to this plan.
End NOTE: If it is just getting FG quickly... then just play another game and don't bother.
Damn
All you had to say was.
Keep clicking
Follow guides.
Sell higher level items
Resell items off the market place
And long term goal. Skill...
Why you writing novels?