Platinum Simmers has an awesome article with charts showing you how to make the big §§§ without spending $$$.

There are 5 ways to earn Simoleons in The Sims Freeplay: farming, baking, careers, the dog and house bonuses. For farming and baking, the money and XP you earn is increased by 50% if your Sim is inspired!

Name Level Income Time XP Cost Profit/hour XP/hour
Bell Peppers 4 30s 4 Free 480 480
Carrots 28 5min 20 3 300 24
Corn 100 30min 100 11 178 200
Watermelons 160 1h 120 22 138 120
Potatoes 300 2h 200 44 128 100

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Thanks to SimsVIP for the tip!