Start doing some basic missions, start earning cred with the factions, the more you do the more you'll make. I started with light trading runs and buying upgrades for my Sidey. I haven't started fresh since Gamma...but I'm sure it's still the same. If you can get into some combat with a decked out Sidewinder or upgraded Eagle, you'll be able to go do some bounty hunting. That's where I'm making my big bucks.
I made the most (well almost 2nd most now...) by trading...space truckin. It gets boring and tedious and grindy...I recommend changing it up...trade a little, do missions...go get into some combat...go explore. The more you do, the more you'll earn.
There's some good guides and youtube vids that can help get ya started too.
You might be able to team up with some players to get help too...though admittedly this game still needs to resolve issue with wings imho. Still get stuck in separate instances last time I tried.
I usually fly solo, keeps better human pilots off your ass...some will harass, some will help, some will kill without warning. But when you're new...all it can do is add to the frustration. I'd say spend time getting used to the game if you haven't...run some missions, and you'll start earning and moving up in no time.