Joeswife, those are some very good tips!!  I never thought of making more than two machines red, but that makes alot of sense.  Now I'm stuck on 5.7 for expert.  Best I have is 28,935 and I need 30,000.  Any tips for that level would be much appreciated!! :-)

Nevermind, I made it past that level.  I'm now on 5.9 so just two more before I can get my expert medal.  I just love this game!

Congrats Pinky, I'm glad you're doing so well, I'd love to hear tips on 5-5 as I'm still stuck. Joeswife, I managed to understand your walkthrough, but I lost more people by doing it than before :( Maybe this game just doesn't like me and I'm doomed. I started playing from level 1 again, hopefully to get more money and upgrade the decor if I can. Also I noticed what you described for the machines etc, I don't have most of that. I'm obviously not earning as much as you guys are :( Any help would be appreciated lol. Debz :)

Deb, I started over at 5.1 and replayed each level til I got a higher score, thus more upgrade money.  Also you really have to keep playing it over and over again to build your momentum.  If you're playing other games and taking a break from it you'll lose your 'mojo', so to speak, lol.  I find it really difficult to try to play a game and read a walkthru at the same time.  That may be why you lost more people trying to use Joeswife's walkthru.  Also, as for the decor items that you mentioned in your post, don't buy any of those until you have everything else possible upgraded.  I'm on 5.10 now going for expert on it and I just now on this level was able to buy the final upgrades for everything and still had 10K leftover.  Hope this helps you some.  Don't give up, you can do it!! Have fun!!  Pinky