Help with cash, economies, and team building

I have a question. Lately, I have noticed almost everyone is doing the same thing; ignore interest, no savings, spend everything right away, build a team and go. While I might sound like I am exaggerating I am being mostly literal, e.g. my last two games I saw 1 person have 30 coins once and that was it, and most don't even hit 10 coins.

This goes against everything I have read in the guides e.g. 'build up some interest to get money'. These guys are completely ignoring that. I can't say they're doing well from this strategy from this as half flame out quickly and the other half win or close to it, but I almost always find myself lacking from roughly 2-2 to about 5-1 as they have fully developed strong teams and I have the trash I can afford to get my 50 coins, collect a little interest, and start spending.

Am I thinking about this the wrong way? I could spend everything, hope for the best, and pray. Maybe do something in-between like get to 30 coins, spend a little and save a little?

Thoughts? Thanks in advance.