I use the cheats for... build and buy mode, full edit in CAS and to give a sim a degree for university because I'm opposed to my sim's needs crashing and still being on academic probation even though they did everything they are supposed to do in a timely manner. My sim doesn't need to starve to death because they are trying to better themselves. Yes, that always happens when I have a sim go to university because taking time to eat and sleep and shower and saying hi to som It's not like we actually have the effects of sleep deprivation in the game while my sim is at university. I don't use the ones to fill needs, get skill levels maxed or for aspirations or other needs. I'll flag my sim as immortal temporally to achieve aspirations and max out skills during a life cycle. I don't know if temporary immortality counts as a cheat though.
Also used a money cheat in a rags to riches challenge to start my sim with no money