I am definately a newbie. Today is my first day playing. When i play I always get the statement that my gold is low in the treasury. How do I go about getting more gold? Thanks.

lower your spending on Science and Entertainment (in the Domestic Advisor screen), and/or work tiles that generate more commerce (in the city view screen, click tiles that have roads and/or are next to rivers). Build roads, and locate cities near rivers or coasts.
Hope that helps,
- Stravaig

Also, don't build more units and improvements than your income can handle...use a few warriors to explore and find those minor tribes and barbarian encampments (they've got gold sometimes!).
dowski

And don't forget to check if the other Civs are willing to give you a small amount of gold if you are trading for something. Sometimes, if you trade tech for tech you can get between 10 and 50 gold.