I have not donated one cent to the site to tell ya the truth :) I make all my aurum by selling currency from the events that we have had! I make Au, runes, and get many special Items! you should see my invo. I have plenty extras of every past items we have had ^_^ So, use Events as an opportunity as a time to make most of your profits.
Getting the aurum is not the hard part.. trust me. Rune Rushes and trying to get runes it the hard part, you really need to keep your eyes pealed!!! ^_^