There is other option!

For my experience with a 3* team, for 15 seasons, this is the Best way to save money. The Daily Sponsor is enought to pay wage, meaning your gate and merchandise money can be saved. Your academy players Will have enought quality for the team, dont need to buy so many players in the market, and everytime you sell them after 4/5 seasons or more, you make money.

About being competitive, dont expect to win many titles, but i won the CUP and still manage to qualify in top 4 a few times.