No you really do just need to straight ignore what your citizens and advisors are demanding. Unless they actually take to the streets and riot you're fine. You can provide a utopian society with great services and low taxes, but not until you have a fair sized population base to do it with. Until then you've got to act like a real politician and ignore everything your citizens say.

Also if your budget is looking dire you get the option of some special income buildings like a Federal Prison and suchlike. They usually have mild negative effects, but they can help keep you afloat if you've got a lot of drain on your treasury.