Here are some tips and tricks that I have found.

1. Put in the gnome cheat on level 1 and then put in the raise motives cheat. Now click on the gnome and press Raise Motives and all but 1 of your goals will be completed!

2. Before moving from a house sell all the decorative items, and other items that the sim will not need to survive and you will make a pretty penny.

3. In level 1 stay at home and build up ALL of your skills. This will help you getting promoted.

4. Be "Family Friends" with anyone and everyone you meet! This will unlock the social motives.

HAVE FUN!