Bartering takes the focus away from money and puts it on human resources and commodities. It increases your family's cash flow and buying power and stretches your budget. People have been doing it for centuries, whether informally or with specific barter agreements. Goebel said one challenge to successful bartering is making the right exchange. Another is determining the appropriate values for services.
Some communities have formal bartering organizations or groups.
National clubs also can help you locate barter exchanges or select the right bartering club. For instance, some people exchange all of their children's outgrown clothing with friends whose children of different ages have outgrown their clothing. Or, you could offer to snow blow a neighbor's sidewalk and drive in exchange for borrowing the snowblower for your own sidewalk. Be creative in thinking of services you can provide, then locate neighbors who might be interested in your services for something they have to offer. Goebel recommends that if the bartering agreement has substantial value, that both parties set up a written, signed barter agreement that includes clear expectations and deadlines for each party.