I was short of tokens too before level 5 but got 50 from the forum at level 3 to help me get through that difficult period. I haven't had a tokens issue since level 5 after getting my first association token reward. I also do not spend much. My core team stays with me for many seasons so less spending required.
Cash for me is tougher to manage. Especially in recent seasons I can no longer get full value for the players i sell. Even selling takes forever for lower quality players.