We moved into our condo seven years ago. We were very excited, as this was our first home purchase; it was a blank canvass; it was below our budget and met our architectural aesthetic. Another reason why we were so excited was because we bought into a condominium. Neither of us particularly loves yard work, painting and fixing things. David’s handy, but I’m not. I led a cushy life when it comes to home repairs and maintenance and it’s not fair for David to do it all. So, naively, this is one of the reasons we bought into a condominium with a homeowner’s association (HOA) and a property management company. We thought that among all of them they would handle most home maintenance issues.

Spring is in the air and we’re excited! Between participating in yesterday’s Runnin’ of the Green here in Denver and spending the rest of the day at our favorite rooftop bar, we were outside most of yesterday. It was a nice day of exercising, relaxing and spending time with friends in the warm sun. For us, that’s the best aspect of the warmer weather.

Another of the many benefits of spring and summer weather is the money generating opportunities that spring up just as surely as the cottonwood that ignites our allergies. We often talk about ways to control spending and saving a dollar here and a few dollars there. We discuss ways to pay less in fees and how to be a more efficient consumer. 

There are two sides to a balance sheet, however. There is the expense side, but there is the income side. Today we want to talk about ways to make more money through an existing hobby or skill or even through simple willingness and capability.

You did it!  You graduated, searched high and low and landed your first job.  It’s time to celebrate.  Go out big this weekend with your friends or, maybe, buy that car you’ve had your eye on lately.

Hold up!  Not so fast.  Yes, you have your first “real” job.  It’s likely, however, that you won’t make the money an NFL All-Star makes.  What should you do?