I'll try to clarify that a little bit.

IF you are running a windows system, you can add windows users and run the game on each windows user you create. Each additional windows user is allowed to create 5 additional families on "their" VF game.

The procedure for adding a windows user will vary, depending on which version of windows you are running, so if these instructions don't exactly match your version, just search windows help for "add user."

Under the windows control panel you should see "User Accounts." Double Click that, choose "Create a New User" and the procedure should be fairly self explanatory from there. I suggest that you do NOT add a password to the additional account and do not give it administrative options.

Once the account is created, click on start, then log off and select change user. From the windows log in screen, choose the new user name to log in to the user you just created. Right click on an empty spot on the desktop and choose "Create New... Shortcut." Navigate to the Virtual Families program application. It will wherever you installed it, most likely on your C: drive in Program Files under the Virtual Families folder. When done, you should have a new shortcut to launch the game from your new windows user.

Edit: To clarify the other a bit and add a little of my own tips to the original question:

First, I agree completely with Simsane that the best way to earn money is bank interest. The hard thing is getting it there to begin with, especially in the first generation, and especially when you have no clue what is a waste of money and what is actually helpful.

First things first. Choose a good career. Good careers are not those that start with a high beginning salary. Good careers are those that END with a high MASTER salary. See this thread for more information, especially this post and this post.

Second, train your little people well. Teach them to work and to do things that increase their health. Ignore the other, nonproductive things that are cute, but don't really mean anything. Remember that working too much is actually bad for their health and happiness. Working out, quick work outs, stretching, exercising outdoors are all health improving behaviors and are a good break from work. They will live longer, which means they will draw that high master salary longer and draw bank interest longer, and make more money longer.

Upgrades: The first and cheapest is the bathroom. Use it for the scales. Train them to check their weight. It's healthy. The heater might be, but they'll fool with it enough on their own so don't bother praising for it.

Sheets, hammock and paintings can all be obtained through events, so don't bother wasting money on them. You'll get them eventually, even if it's 5th generation before you do.

Other than the bathroom, the first thing you should spend money on is the workroom upgrade that will help them get promotions and raises faster, thereby helping them to earn money faster. It's ok if you don't do this until second generation. They are expensive. That's why it's nice to have hubby and wife work in the same room, if possible.

Watch the variable section of the store and buy repair items and fruits and candies when available and you can afford them. Fruits you will need to restore health quickly should your little people get sick, especially the adults (kids have a long time to get well on their own.) Repair items don't come available too often, so you'll want to grab them when you see them. Candies are optional, but are wonderful for quickly training them to exercise or work.

Food: Make sure they eat MEALS, not snacks. They do not need to be completely full - if the fed bar is full it means they are OVER stuffed. I've never noticed any real health benefit from organics, though they seem a bit happier and might live about two years longer. There isn't much difference in their health if you just buy only grains until you can afford all food groups. You will get emails asking for different kinds of groceries though.

The more children you have, the more careers you have to choose from for your next generation, but the more mouths you have to feed for this one.

One last thing, in the very beginning, don't worry so much about cleaning right away, but DO worry about collectibles! Grab every collectibles you see! They are a fast source of cash for someone just starting out. Every duplicate collectible you get is sold online for cash. You do not need to go to the computer or the even the house to get credit for them. As soon as your little person stand up with them, they are counted. In fact, if you need to go through the tutorial to learn the basics, do so, then delete that family and start over without the tutorial; because you probably just missed a half dozen collectibles while completing it.

That should get you started nicely.