As a level 2, using all of your redcent reacts each day also gives you 4 redcents (And, rewards redcents to the recipient(s)). This means if you follow the forums and react every day, but never post ever again, you can actually maintain your level 2.
That said, if you actively post and are helpful, people tend to reward that regularly with their own redcent reacts. I've been here for less than a month and am not super active on the forums and can easily maintain my account for the next several months. My only point being, if you're nice, helpful, and (kinda) active, you will be able to stay level 2 from here on out. (That said, it's absolutely worthy the 9.95 if you don't, but you've got a month to see that for yourself)
Checkout Redbot and Sic's videos on their respective youtube accounts to get you rolling in the right direction. Also, IHCmerc is really amazing for something that 'just works' to get you started.