For Frugalistas, Friendship Pays Off

Psychologists say having friends can make you happier, but the rewards may come in a form you least suspect. Sure, friends provide companionship and emotional support, but they can also be a great source of free stuff.

Here are some ways that friends have literally enriched my family's life:

Nuts about necklace: At my book group one night I complimented a friend on her bold metallic necklace. She told me she hardly ever wore it and handed it over to me. The striking necklace has become one of my favorite accessories and no longer takes up valuable real estate in my friend's jewelry box.

Light-on-the-wallet weight machine: When my husband noticed his friend had a gym-quality weight machine loafing in his garage, he asked if he could take it off his hands. The friend was relieved to rid his garage of the monster-sized muscle builder, and my husband saved money on gym membership.

Rent-a-pooch: I adore little frou-frou dogs but don't want to invest the time and money to own one. Instead, I get to play grandma to two Pomeranians with a standing offer to take care of my friend's petite pups whenever her family goes out of town.

Faux farmers market: Most of our friends and neighbors grow fruits and vegetables that are tastier than those at the supermarket. We share our family's crop of apples, tomatoes and lemons with them in exchange for peaches, strawberries and other garden-fresh produce.

Cozy cabin: One of my favorite fall getaways is an annual girls weekend at a friend's log cabin in the mountains. We all bring food and have a fun-filled holiday kayaking, hiking, talking, eating and playing cards. Best of all, we have no hotel bill to pay, though we like to leave the cabin cleaner than when we arrived.

Hotel heaven: Another friend works for a hotel chain that provides generous discounts to employees' friends and family. This delightful deal allows us to stay in stylish digs for the price of a roadside motel.

If it's Tuesday it must be toddlers: When my children were small, I had a childcare arrangement with a few friends in which we each earned time off in exchange for watching the others' children. Not only did we get free me-time, but our kids had regular play dates and formed a new generation of friendships.