Bringing Back Old Time Bartering

Bartering, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is to trade one commodity for another. At no point does money exchange hands. This has been a great practice, made popular during the hardscrabble times of the Great Depression, but in existence since the first caveman emerged from his rocky shelter to see the light of day.

At any time when money was a scarce resource, the ability to trade excess possessions or physical labor for goods and services needed has been essential for the survival and well-being of individuals in society.

For many years, relative prosperity has made it easier and more convenient to exchange money for goods and services. But recent spikes in the previously steady economy have put many more people in shaky financial positions than before.

This might just be the perfect time to reconsider bartering as a way to economize as we are all tightening our belts. There are many organized systems for bartering the goods and services you already have in exchange for those you are seeking. Two websites, www.craigslist.com and www.freecycle.com, are great places to advertise for what you need and to offer what you have to trade. But there is no need to get that sophisticated unless you have more unusual needs or offerings that might demand a wider audience.

A simple ad in the community newspaper may be all it takes to trade the bicycle your son has outgrown for the electric hedge trimmers that you need. You get to clean house, save money and get what you need. It's as simple as that.

Services can be just as simple to barter. Babysitting services in exchange for grass cutting, seamstress skills in exchange for car washing, or grocery shopping for someone in exchange for a home cooked dinner can all be bartered to the benefit of both parties.

Family and friends can form a bartering network on a much more involved level, if they choose. Trade clothing outgrown by one child to another family for the latest video game that has lost its appeal. The musically talented can barter music lessons in exchange for food, clothing or other services.

Don't keep your talents to yourself. Let everyone know what you can do and are willing to do and what you are seeking in return. Talk up your skills to family members, neighbors and friends. Advertise locally and in cyberspace to expand your horizons.

You might be surprised how far a unique talent will go in helping you acquire the goods and services you need that may be outside of your financial reach. Dress up as a clown and barter your comedic abilities for children's birthday parties. One enterprising individual did just that for his family dentist in exchange for a dental cleaning and exam. Another young mother takes in ironing from the next door neighbor, a veterinarian, in exchange for the medicine her diabetic cat needs to live a normal feline life.

The options for bartering are limited only by your imagination. If you let people know what you have to offer you may surprised what comes back to you in return.