As you learn the module and its various ways, things become a lot easier. My first character, a Gundarakite rebel, never held more than a thousand gold, and never had any gear outside of that supplied by the faction. My second character managed a little better by 16, acquiring a nice collection of halberds and a few trinquets. My mage, after having been here for two years or so, did a lot better, and his ability to solo and socialize pretty much made him incredibly rich. Now when I start out a new character, I know what stores have what, how to get through dungeons, ways to make gold, and so on.
Edit: There's also the age of the module and the gear that is readily available at any given time. Sometimes there's a surplus on shiny boots, sometimes you can't even find +1 fort rings. The more you play and keep your ear out and the more gold you have stashed away, the chances are you'll nab nice stuff now and then.