If your city finds itself in a poor financial state, you would be well advised to pay urgent attention to improving things. There are several ways to do this:

· Stop constructing new buildings, or build only structures that will boost your city's cash flow. One or two buildings (like forums, or a dock to allow exports, or something that will allow some housing to evolve to a higher level and hence pay more taxes) might actually bring in more money very quickly.

· Raise taxes. This has obvious negative effects on the mood of the city, but, especially for a short while, can bring in substantial additional funds.

· Reduce wages. Although it won't make you popular, this action can save money in one of your city's biggest expense categories and, for a short while, can prove extremely useful.

· Sell goods. While this is something you should normally do anyway, there may be times when you need to sell more than you perhaps would like to. Maybe your housing can wait a little longer for that pottery or furniture .

· Stop buying imported goods. Frequently, imports are used for luxuries, such as a more varied diet, or olive oil. Interrupting the flow of imported luxuries for brief periods can save you a good deal of money without unduly inconveniencing your citizens.