I have the same kind of transfer market. It sucks.
I'd say that spending that much money and that many tokens on players in your first season is generally a bad idea. Although most other managers will also be active at this stage, a little skill and tactical sense should see you do well.
Also, as you said the players you just bought will go down a star tomorrow, so you should only buy at this stage of the season if you really need that particular player.
But I'm only in season 4 so to me, anything could be a good idea.