[ASK] How can I upgrade anything when all my gold gets looted?

This is a ridiculous cycle I have fallen into: I have 1.8mil or so gold and am saving for a 2.5/3mil upgrade, my shield runs out, I get attacked 4-5 times, I lose 600k, and before I know it I'm back at less than 1mil of gold, and can't do anything with upgrades. Anyone have any advice? Thanks in advance