I think it's still easy to make money, it just depends what you do.
I just had a sim move to an empty lot in Sulani with nothing but a tent and a cooler. Just by collecting shells and fossils in the area, within 3 sim days, she now has a small shack with shower, sink, single bed, side table, lights and an outdoor picnic table/bench. She lives near a public bathroom so uses that for the toilet lol. But I'm sure she'll have her own full house in no time.
I have another sim who is a self-employed painter. Need I say more lol.
