I use MCCC for custom age settings -otherwise lifespans are out of sync in my opinion, Sims don’t live long enough as adults on the default settings to suit me.
I, too, discovered Meaningful Stories. I do adore how my Sims emotions are stable and also kinda more varied.
I have Hide Lot Trait FX, because the lot traits are useful and fun; the floating lightbulbs etc are distinctly NOT.
Those three and I am now trying Sim National Bank {SimRealist//RoBurky}. I have wanted seperate accounts for roommates for a long, long time. I am also looking forward to being able to take a loan/mortgage one day??
Those are ALL my mods. I try not to use too many.