Overal strategy

Dear all,

I love playing medieval2totalwar however I struggle with my finances. I love to upgrade settlements as much as I can but than I find it hard to form enough armies for defence or attacking. Maybe I'm not supposed to have multiple armies or armies inside cities but then where do I keep them.I am currently playing as England. I'm fully aware this is 1 noob question and I probably don't understand some essential and basics mechanics /parts of the game. Anyone that can help?