@crinrict Yes, creating another sim from scratch through CAS works perfectly. The issue only seems to appear when I clone sims from the gallery.
Now okay, I have a more clear idea of what the bug is and how to reproduce it:
Product: The Sims 4
Platform:Steam-PC
Which language are you playing the game in? English
How often does the bug occur? Every time (100%)
What is your current game version number? 1.76.81.1020
What expansions, game packs, and stuff packs do you have installed? GP01 (Outdoor Retreat), EP01 (Get to Work), FP01 (Holiday Celebration), GP02 (Spa Day), SP03 (Cool Kitchen Stuff), EP02 (Get Together), GP03 (Dine Out), SP08 (Backyard Stuff), SP09 (Vintage Glamour Stuff), GP04 (Vampires), GP05 (Parenthood), EP03 (City Living), EP04 (Cats and Dogs), EP05 (Seasons), EP06 (Get Famous), EP07 (Island Living), EP08 (Discover University), SP16 (Tiny Living Stuff)
Steps: How can we find the bug ourselves? From the main menu, start a brand-new game. In CAS, do not create a story for the sim by clicking on "No thanks" when prompted for a story. Then, once you have the sim appear in front (make sure that the sim is a young adult), give the sim their traits, aspiration and name and then save that sim immediately to the gallery by going to the top right and clicking save to my library - do not play the sim yet by clicking on the confirm icon on the bottom right. Once the sim has been saved in the gallery (and you are still in CAS), grab the exact sim that you saved in the gallery and then merge the sim with your current sim in the household. Then click the confirm button and play the game. Choose any season if you have seasons installed.
What happens when the bug occurs? Starting funds are $20000, despite 2 sims in the household. Lots that are greater than $20000 in Simoleons cannot be normally purchased.
What do you expect to see? Starting funds are higher for 2 or more sims in the game.
Have you installed any customization with the game, e.g. Custom Content or Mods? Never used.
Did this issue appear after a specific patch or change you made to your system? Neutral/Not Sure