Bartering is an old method of trading a product or service in exchange for another, rather than exchanging money for a product, possession or service. Good old-fashioned bartering probably has been around from the beginning of time. During the 1800’s, a doctor’s services would be bartered for meat, eggs, butter, homespun goods and the like. For the longest time, bartering took a back seat as we as a nation prospered and our monetary system became the means of exchanging goods and services for money. As people find themselves strapped by our current economy, bartering is making a comeback as a way to save on cold hard cash.

There are many ways in which to use old-fashioned bartering to save money; however, for the purpose of this article, the authoress will touch on ones that her family has found personally helpful in recent times.

 Let’s say a family has a child who is interested in taking lessons in learning to play an instrument, horseback riding or something highly interesting to them. These lessons can be quite costly, anywhere from $15-$40 per hour. In the case of horseback riding, the parent and child could offer to work at the stable in exchange for lessons. Or if the family had a horse that needed boarding, then perhaps they could work off the cost of the horse's board. This might be arranged for as little as a half hour of work, like turning out or turning in the horses. In that case, maybe two of those times could be exchanged for a lesson. An hour of work for an hour lesson, but with a certified teacher...a good deal for everyone involved.

What if a family had no income to speak of? Perhaps the father was laid off and the mother was a full-time mom. Both may be searching high and low for jobs that would pay them money; however, if cash was running short, bartering could be used to earn food. There are many farms and gardens, most hiring employees to do the bulk of the work. What if a family volunteered their services in exchange for fresh produce? The authoress and her family happened upon a farm offering just such a program. They are only required to work 4 hours per week for 8 weeks in each season, of which there are three, plus a winter season. This is a good way to receive a basketful of fresh produce each week.

There are also tradesmen offering their services, due to the slowness of their businesses, in exchange for things of value. All it takes is offering them something desirable that is at least of equal value to the service they would be providing.

Though craigslist.com has a bartering section, one needs to be careful in responding as not all ads posted on this website are legitimate. It would be better to deal locally and with folks that come highly recommended by trustworthy friends and acquaintances.

Others have bartered their products. For example, a Mary Kay representative may have an overstock of items and really need to replenish her Pampered Chef collection, chocolate or candle supply, so she could barter with one of those other home businesses, offering her wares for their products.

 It takes some creativity to barter but the opportunities are out there if a person is looking for them. Sometimes they come up at the least expected times. On other occasions, they come at just the time they are needed. Bartering can save that much needed cash for paying utilities and other bills. You just may have occasion to come up with some unique ways to do so for your family.

This article was originally written for an ebook project for Marilyn Woodard at www.CreatingGreatHomes.com.

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