If I remember correctly, Gotrek and Felix had a running joke about them being big heroes and absolute nobodies at the same time or something. They would get roped up in some big adventure, clear up the issue and save the day, they wouldn't be recognised by the public for their deeds (even if Felix actively publishes them, the running joke is that no one believes his stories. He's seen as some random nobody poet from Reikland), and to add salt to the wound, they would end up destroying whatever tavern they end up in, either running away or paying for damages, and what remaining money they have is spent on alcohol for Gotrek. So the net result is that despite everything they get no money, but they have just enough to live on it and Felix has enough to maintain his writing supplies.
It's almost like a curse in that way.