Try not to keep a fleet when you don`t need it, the ship upkeep can put you into debt. Explore for a couple of planets, 500 land or more to start with is decent, manage those planets and focus on commercail both on infrastructure and research to increase your income. Make sure to keep enough food either by buying it from the marke or by building on ag to feed your growing population. Watch as you go by logging out and back in time to time to monitor your pr as you will go above 5k protection as your population and planet count grows. As you grow your empire you can explore for better planets and make even more.