I look at the most valuable resources in the game and then work backwards.  Land, workers, cash, books, saws, mallets, (buckets).  When you are running your market, always sell book and saw contracts.  Do everything you can to acquire them.  I tell most people to hold at least 3 contracts worth of almonds and cherries (300-400) so that if a book or saw contract comes up, you can fill it instantly. Your future self will thank you for having a healthy stash of books and saws. (The demand for glass ends much sooner then books and saws, which is why I don't list glass here.  Glass is a rare commodity; collect if you can, but don't hold a glass contract for an hour to fill)