If I want to play efficient, I start like this:
- Summer in Newcrest, lower right neighborhood with the lilies. Pick, plant and multiply for a nice simoleon cushion.
- Townies will grill for you often enough so that your sim won't starve.
- Meanwhile rush through the Soulmates aspiration and/or Collector. For the latter work as Scientist for easy access to dig sites.
- Once that is done, buy Never weary to get rid of the sleep need. Steel Bladder second.
Alternately become a spellcaster and spam "Ask to teach potion recipe" every hour with the sages for the Potion of Plentiful Needs.
And now you already have a super sim that can put all the other points into youth potions. You're now free to explore to your heart's content.