Looking to make simoleons in The Sims 3 but don’t want to grind through skills like painting or fishing? You’re in luck. This guide covers five different methods for earning money in the base game of The Sims 3 without gaining or using anyskills. While two of these methods require a specific trait, all are effective and straightforward. Let’s dive in.

---

1. Rummaging Through Trash Cans and Dumpsters

Every household in The Sims 3 has an outdoor trash can—and many neighborhoods have dumpsters, especially behind restaurants and supermarkets. Any Sim can rummage through these for a chance at finding valuables.

While most finds are junk—like teddy bears or rubber ducks—there’s always a chance you’ll score something major. One Sim even found Sim Life Goggles worth §7,600 just from a neighbor’s trash. Dumpster diving offers even more variety and value, including used furniture like tables and chairs.

Pros:

• Doesn’t require any traits or skills.
• Occasionally yields high-value items.

Cons:

• Tanks your hygiene bar quickly.
• Mostly yields low-value junk.

Tip: Sunset Valley has dumpsters behind the diner and supermarket.

---

2. Collecting Gems, Metals, Insects, and Space Rocks

Scattered across the world are collectibles that can be gathered and sold—no skill required.

• Insects: Beetles and butterflies can be sold directly, or for slightly more at the Science Facility.
• Space Rocks: Found rocks can be analyzed for their true value, which often increases dramatically.
• Gems & Metals:
  • Metals can be smelted for §40, increasing their value by 75%—only smelt ores worth §54+ to profit.
  • Gems can be cut, with options ranging from basic emerald cuts (+25%) to high-end heart-shaped cuts (+400%) that cost §1,000.

Pros:

• Can be done entirely without gaining collection skills.
• Can lead to consistent income with proper strategy.

Tip: Place collected items on your lot or use inventory interactions to analyze or send for processing.

---

3. Mooching (Trait Required)

With the Mooch trait, your Sim gains the ability to ask others for money, food, or even a meal invite.

Success depends heavily on your relationship with the target, and higher funds in their household = bigger payouts. Avoid Sims with the Frugal trait, as they’re less likely to give anything.

Pros:

• Reusable and repeatable—especially when targeting rich Sims.
• Fits nicely into social gameplay.

Cons:

• Requires a trait slot.
• Can fail if relationship levels are low.

Tip: Mooching often unlocks more variations over time.

---

4. Investing in Real Estate

Once you’ve got some startup money, real estate is a great long-term passive income source.

• Click on buildings like restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals, or stadiums to become a partner or buy out the property.
• You’ll collect income weekly, and most investments break even in 9–13 weeks.

With Patch 1.12 or the Ambitions expansion, you can also invest in public spaces like gyms and museums, upgrading them with specific objects to increase returns.

Pros:

• Reliable long-term income.
• Doesn’t require traits or skills.

Cons:

• Requires a hefty upfront investment.
• Not viable for brand-new Sims with no money.

---

5. Stealing (Trait Required)

The Kleptomaniac trait opens up a life of petty theft.

• Sims with this trait can use Swipe Something up to three times a day between 7 PM and 6 AM.
• Click near valuable items—cars, sculptures, electronics—for a better chance at scoring big.
• Items appear in your family inventory and can be sold for cash.

Pros:

• High-value items can generate quick profits.
• Perfect for chaotic or mischief-driven gameplay.

Cons:

• Requires the Kleptomaniac trait.
• Limited to three swipes per day.

Tip: Build relationships to get invited inside homes for better loot access.

---

Final Thoughts

All five of these methods are viable, skill-free ways to earn simoleons in The Sims 3. Whether you want to dumpster dive your way to riches or sweet-talk your neighbors into giving you cash, there’s a strategy here for every playstyle.

If you’re looking for even more depth, consider checking out a completionist challenge playthrough of The Sims 3 that explores every corner of the game—from careers and traits to lifetime wishes and beyond.

Happy simming—and happy hustling!