How did you guys do it? I purchased a fine used boat last summer that needs some upgrades...ie. electronics and trolling motor. Now that being said It does have a gen 1 HDS-7 With LSS and a nice 70lb standard trolling motor. I am budgeting for a new electronic and trolling motor package but until then what is the best approach to staying on fish? I have used marker buoys and the trolling motor fighting the wind, a drift sock, and just anchoring. I would like to know if there are any more techniques that can keep me on top of fish that I haven't mentioned

Drift, anchor and Trolling motor. Still use all three. If you are going to try cutbait on the bottom learn how to double anchor. Also keep a drift sock on the boat.

Drift socks & markers.

Once you do spot lock, the old stuff doesn't matter.

I bought an iPilot in 2012 and it is wonderful. Before that I spent 45 years staying on them using an anchor. Anchor tactics; I found that a river anchor works best. For my 17 ft bass boat I use a 15 lb one tied directly on to nylon rope. Use plenty of anchor rope - the more rope you let out the better it holds. When wind is too strong for that combination, I keep a 10 lb bell weight on board to add to the anchor rope. Go up about 3 ft from the anchor, fold the rope and stick the fold through the 10 lb anchor ring. Then pull it through far enough to spread it and loop it over the anchor and cinch it up tight. The added weight will help a whole lot. Also works on your lats and biceps!