A couple of other suggestions for you, as far as spells go:
1. At lowerer levels, when you don't have a lot of cash on hand, check out the mage trainer in your city. There are specific ones for Wizard, Warlock, Necro, Coercer, etc. They will sell you Apprentice-2 level spells for a few copper or silver. Not the total answer, but a cheap way to bump up from Apprentic-1 spells.
2. Find yourself a sage that can craft spells specific to your class of mage. Start at the broker to see who is selling spells. Then mail them to see if they will craft custom spells for you. Most will be willing, for either cash or supplies or a combo of both. A good way to get a spell upgrade you need that you can't currently find at the broker. (Man that's frustrating, isn't it.)
Good luck with your new mage.
~Aeroconn... a.k.a Ekabist the Wizard, Level 70, Kithicor server