Spend less :: Trade more

A heat wave came across Indiana and much of America in the last week.  Temperatures in the hundreds were the norm, and the old men on the benches in town certainly weren't the only ones talking about the weather!

In these tough economic times, for many, it is hard to find the money to pay for air conditioning....if they have any.  You don't have to look far, and maybe you and your family, have fallen on tough times. 

I know we have. 

I have been looking more and more at trading, instead of spending.  Trading, you say?  Yes, what skills do you or you husband, (don't forget the kids?) have, that others may benefit from?  What are you looking for?

Here are some examples of some trading we've done, and are looking for:

-For a long time, I traded dehydrated buckwheat groats for homemade crackers or bread--I had a dehydrator, and my friend didn't.  My friend made the best homemade bread.  A win-win situation.

-Another family and ours have been trading doing each other's chores while our families' are on vacation.  In this way, we don't have to pay anyone to board our dogs, our animals are well cared for, and we know that our gardens will still be alive when we come home! Plus, they have a pool that we are allowed to use while they are gone.  Oh, yes, that helped us beat the heat last week!

-My husband needed a computer because of work taking him on the road a few days a week.  We certainly didn't have the money for one, but a friend who used to be a computer programmer, literally built us one with parts he had at home.  Brilliant!  It's not  a new computer, but it certainly does the job.  My husband then looked at his vehicle, to see about a mechanical problem he was having.  One techie, and one who knows engines.....helping each other.  The money saved I'm sure was in the hundreds of dollars. 

-My daughter longs to take horse riding lessons, but as you may well know they can be very expensive.  She is looking into helping care for and assist the owner in caring for the horses, in trade for lessons.  My daughter will really be learning how much it takes to care for the animals, which is an important lesson in responsibility.  Not to mention some sweat equity will be involved.  This seems even better to me, than in the past when I have paid for lessons.

-We also want to eat as nourishing a diet as possible in our home.  We believe it is worth every penny to buy as high quality of food as possible.  However; food costs are only rising.  We have been brainstorming ways to save on this as well.  We are considering a trade where we allow a friend who has cattle to graze them on some of our land, for free grass-fed meat.  We also are looking to trade our free-range eggs for some organic produce, as well. 

-Do you have an overabundance of a certain type of produce in your garden?  Maybe you could trade your pickling cukes for someones tomatoes.  You never know what might have grown well in your neighbor's garden, but met it's fate in yours. 

Helpful hints:

• Make a list of skills you or your family have.  Sewing, baking, meal planning, car repair, painting, lawn mowing, computer technology, photography, caring for children, gardening, just to name a few.
• Get the word out.  Ask, ask, ask.  Let friends, family and neighbors know your'e looking to trade skills.  We even saw the ad looking for horse help on craigslist.com.
• Know what you are looking for.  Want to take co-op homeschool classes, but can't afford them?  Maybe you can teach a class in turn for your children taking some classes.  Need some sewing done?  Maybe an older woman in church would do so, for a ride to the grocery store when you go.

You never know what needs others have until you ask.  This is such a fun way to build relationships with others as well.  I encourage you to get creative and find ways to meet your families' needs, without spending much out of pocket!

 Blessings,

Joy~

{This post is a part of Monday Mania, Real Food Wednesday,Works for me Wednesday, Simple Lives Thursday, Pennywise Platter, Fight Back Friday, and Frugal Friday}

 

Comments

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Such great ideas to keep in mind!

[Joy Y.]

Thanks, Lori! So glad you came by!

Joy~

[Stephanie]

I'm a huge fan of trading! Currently, I use a neighbor's washer in exchange for taking her preschooler outside 45 minutes or so to give her a break. It's lovely for her to have time to get stuff done, and great for me to skip the laudromat and get a little extra exercise!

[kristine]

awesome post! have an awesome summer!

[Joy Y.]

Thanks Kristine! You too....

Joy~