All my Sims start out poor, with only the allotted 10,000 Simoleans. They then go out in the worlds and find harvestable fruit and veggies that they use when cooking their meals. Then they plant a small 'Kitchen Garden' so they have harvestables to sell then purchase basic items like eggs and meat. They must use fresh ingredients when cooking.
Very few of my Sims have a career. I do allow them to have parttime.jobs or they do odd jobs for extra money. And I seldom allow their funds to exceed 25,000 Simoleans because it's too easy to amass a huge fortune in Sims4. I like the challenge of keeping a general Middle Class feel in my worlds. They donate to charities a lot, as well as volunteer their time to help others and clean up the environment.
All the babies in my game are the result of my Sims marrying and starting their family. None are created in CAS. I like watching the genetics at work as the family ages up and the kids grow up, marry, then have babies of their own. The young adults are allowed to choose their own love interests and that can take a long time for some of them. They spend a lot of their time meeting and dating new Sims before they show any interest in a potential mate. I don't interfere with their choices even though it may derail the storyline I had in mind. But it creates a bit of drama when the in-laws take an immediate dislike to the new bride or groom. Or a sibling develops a strong interest in the new family member.
I enjoy knitting items then selling them on Plopsy, utilizing the woodworking table, and hitting up the recycling center for bits that can be sold for cash. Or can be used if I have a Sim who produces candles, furniture and electronic parts.
Solar panels and water catchers are placed when my Sims can afford to purchase them. In RL I am a huge fan of renewable energy.
My Sims gain skill points by doing that skill or by reading about the skill. But I freely admit I cheat their motives from time to time. Especially if their current love interest calls and wants to meet up.
Toddlers must have their skills maxed out before being aged up to a child. All children and teens must take part in after school activities. Good grades are expected and homework has to be finished before dinner is served. And both parents help with their children's needs. Equally. If Mom is busy creating candles at bedtime, Dad must read to the toddler until they fall asleep.
I don't always play the family scenario, but it is my favorite style. I have a couple of saves inhabited by single YAs that party every day and night and generally don't have a set storyline in mind. There are no rules and I love the difference in gameplay that brings whenever I get tired of playing with families.
