I don't like to use cheats, but I've used them few times, for example when I wanted to give my Sim a family (father and three adult brothers) and it wouldn't have made any sense to make her elder father to have no skills, no career or money. Same goes with her brothers. My Sim never lived with them, so I didn't feel so bad cheating.
Also I remember I used freerealestate cheat to give my rich family a nice home. I never liked playing that save, so I deleted it later. It didn't feel like my game, because of the cheated house.
I like my Sims earning their own money or learning their skills, so nowadays I avoid using any cheats, even if I could get the story going on easier. If I want to play with successful & rich Sims I don't cheat, I make my Sims earn their money and success by themselves. I get much more invested on their story by that way.
