This guide is based on my full guide: Tropico 5 Guide – Dynasty, Traits and Swiss bank account[www.gameplayinside.com]

If you want more information about dynasties, how to get new heirs and how to get more money in your swiss bank account then please check that first :).

First trait (New game/Colonial era)

So what are the best traits to start your game with? I personally recommend Cheapskate. Having a 4% percentage discount on everything you build is pretty awesome. Compared to that traits like the Financier are not really worth it. Why get $income when you can get an $800 dollar discount on every $20.000 you build?

Second trait (World War Era and later)

When your island reaches the World War era industries become very profitable (see guide: link). However all of these industries require high school employees. Therefore I can really recommend the Mentor making students graduate 10% quicker. This way you get these factories going 10% faster and thus start earning more money 10% quicker.

Third trait (World War era and later)

Once you have a decent economy it might be wise to get a Foreman. The foreman increases the global effectiveness of all your production buildings by 2. So that Textile mill will generate about $280 additional profit. It might not seem much but this applies to all production buildings, so it starts to add up. Basically it is a 2% boost on the biggest part of your income. So if you earn $20.000 from production buildings you will gain $500, $50.000 will earn $1000 and $100.000 will earn $2000.

More traits
When I have time I will update this :).

Source: http://www.gameplayinside.com/strategy/tropico-5/tropico-5-guide-dynasty-traits-and-swiss-bank-account/