Note to admins, sorry for the multi-post, had too much to say to go in one post
As far as other characters, feel free to experiment with them also. I have both an archer and a trickster at L93, and have started leveling my fighter (now at level 45). My mage is level 28. Each has benefits and drawbacks to playing them. Mages are "squishy", but with scrolls and being smart about how you attack when soloing, they are not bad to play. As you get farther into the game, they become the most powerful character in the game. Archers become much better to play at L51 when they get their kiting skills. Fighters are always solid at any level of the game, and tricksters are fun due to the multiple skills they get to have.
Fiesta has added so much content at the lower levels now that leveling quickly really shouldn't be a problem even without money. One final tip - find a good guild academy early to get rewards for leveling. They can also help with quests and finding parties.