lwcasss: do you have any strategies on how to make money? I always seems to be getting on the red and taxing seem useless.
lanipcga: Get started on exports as soon as possible. When starting a new mission, take note of which raw materials and workshops are available to you. Request trade agreements from various cities to see what they need, and hopefully a few will accept immediately. For those who don't, try to gain favor with them by gifting them a desired good (e.g., Wood, Ceramics, Silk). I usually establish my export industry before worrying about taxation.
^ best point here is in fact cities might accept trade agreements at the very start of the mission. pause it, build the admidistration and send the request.
exports will be the best bet. unless you mod the tax multiplier on housing but dont set it higher then 10.
when you can, import jade and export carved jade. you dont always have cities that will buy carved jade but theres a few in the early missons that will. try to fucus industries on things you can export for money. early on exporting pottery and hemp is the most common but you can also export wood and food.
any mission that requires you to make a certain amount within a year you can shut down that industry once you complete the goal so long as you dont need that product for your city or can export it to someone.
carved jade and silk can make a lot of money. weapons, bronze and bronzewear are also pretty nice.