I realize there's going to be different approaches to all of this, but I was hoping that someone could at least say "if you want to do this, then think about that.'

Basically, I'm just starting my first HBD after thinking about it for a while. I'm interested to know what's most important when budgeting. I'm a bit confused on how much to leave for player payroll, what scouting is best/worst, etc. My team I took over for has been historically horrible for some time, so I hate using the history of what's been done already.

Anyway, didn't know if there were some helpful pointers. I searched for "budget" already on here, but didn't come up with a newbie primer of sorts. Thanks

Do you want a quick turnaround or do you want to build from the ground up?

If its the former, budget high in players and sign lots of free agents. If its the latter, budget high in all 4 scouting departments and try trading veterans for prospects.

Up your training(helps develop players and slow down decline) and ADV scouting(you're new. You need it).

College players will be ready sooner. HS players seem to have more upside. Budget those to your preference.

Internationals are expensive. If you're going to chase IFA, budget high in Int'l and prospect.

If you're new to this, it's probably best to not sign any expensive free agents or generally anyone long-term, as most people (including myself of course) make mistakes on players that don't even belong in the big leagues. Also avoid trades the first season.

It'd be a good idea to go high in scouting of all kinds and sign some FAs to 1-2 year deals somewhere around 5 mill and less. Don't sign any Type A's as you'll probably want your draft picks.

And lastly, find a mentor who can make suggestions and give you an idea of how to play the game.