I was shopping at mall last weekend. When I came out a woman was waiting for me near my car. She told me she hit my rear light. I thought it was very decent of her to wait for me. We decided not to go through insurance but to settle on her own. We gave her a quote and she told us she was out of work and that she wished she could pay us the full amount.  So we asked her what she did for a living. She said she cleans houses. I thought that we could possibly “barter” her bill.  Which made me think of all the other informal bartering that goes on every day.

My friend Anneke loves Pilates. But those sessions are costly. So in lieu of paying her instructor, she places several business calls for her during the week. Free office help, free sessions.

I take my single friend Shane’s son home with me whenever I can. Shane doesn’t have to pay for a babysitter when she is at work. I do that out of love for her and for her son who is a great buddy with my son David. Shane happens to be a great dresser. She owns a vintage clothing store in New York City called “Star Struck at www.starstruck.com." So Shane decided to help me out when I shop. She spends hours going through my closet and taking me to the stores to help me choose clothes.  Is it barter or just friends helping friends?

I think in this economy we all have something to offer. If it helps save you a few bucks by trading services with friends or strangers…why not?

I am even thinking of swapping my house with someone else for a free vacation. I am checking with www.houseswap.com and it’s fun. Even if it’s a dream to swap with someone who has a great villa in Acapulco!

My advice is think “barter” and see what you can get without spending a dime!