Need help just getting off the ground, please.

[elsteevo29 0]

Every time I start up a new game I end up going broke.  How can I just get a city off the ground and making money?

[joshriddle 29]

Very simple answer to that one: Spend on only what you need. Or just use the moolah cheat using Buggis Extra Cheats Plugin

[Silur 3,304]

Hi, Elsteevo29 - Welcome ...

1. You can see Tutorial about this on Simtropolis ( see OMNIBUS division here)

2. Development from Poor and Dirty to Rich and High = Step by Step

Don't create police, education, fire, water, coal power before 3000 inhabitants.

Good Luck ...

[Slash -the Texan- 0]

Do a little at a time, wait to see what happens, then do some more.

When you put in Power, school, clinic, hospital, etc., adjust the budget down to just cover what you need. Keep an eye on them so you don't let them get away from you. Later, you will want to keep the margin higher for schools so you can be "well-funded" to be eligible for some of the buildings that can help attract people to your city.

Only use streets until you need to expand them to roads.

Throw in a park every now and then.

When you need water, use one pump. It'll supply quite a few buildings. And put it in a residential area far from any industry or the enviro-nazi will shut it down without telling you. Run a pipe from the pump a long way, then put in a perpendicular pipe, count six tiles sideways from where it has no water, and run another pipe off of your fist pipe. You'll end up with one long pipeline from your pump with perpendicular extensions off of it. This will maximize water coverage at the lowest cost (fewer pipes and no overlap areas).

Only use power lines if you have to. Instead, drop in a zone if you can. I like to use low-end commercial ones.

After your town is up and running, go to the region and start up cities in the adjacent tiles, so your first city is in the center.  The cities will start to work together and your pops will grow.

[Lexandro 0]

I prefer to use a Gamling Ordinance mod. The 200 a month on the Vanilla game is far far to low imo for a Casino to pay a city monthly for rent and taxes. In reality a Casino can generate millions a year in clear profit, and thats after huge tax and city payments. I think a few extra bucks in SC4 is in order, but not to much. I use the 2k a month version myself.

It keeps you afloat when you need it early game and once the city is actually up and running its barely even noticable in the profit margin.

[Silur 3,304]

You can construct Your city without any schools, medicine, libraries. police, water, garbage utility - to 2000- 5000 people in Your city without any problems. Only small Fire Station You need ... 

[Dizastrow 4]

Be deliberate, patient, and meticulous all at the same time!