Bartering is alive and well. We have a bartering board right here on Mommysavers.

We get a lot of goods and services by bartering. DH is a restaurant manager and has a large allowance every month for food. This is in addition to his meals while working. It's just for him to do what he wants with. If he doesn't use it it just disappears, and I really don't get out there that much so there is always plenty left over.

We use it as leverage for bartering.

We have had electrical work done in trade for a dinner out.

Our backyard was scraped and graded in exchange for food.

We have had professional picture framing done in exchange for meals as well.

A local man who sells produce goes to dinner once a month with his wife in exchange for all the free produce we want.

I traded a trunk of doilies I got at an auction for $20 for a custom made picnic table.

All in all...it's a pretty good deal for everyone involved.

Find out what you have to offer and approach someone for a trade...you might be surprised at what it will get you.

I have several friends I barter with. Just yesterday I made a Lightning McQueen birthday cake for my friend's son in exchange for him changing my fuel line filters a month ago. I've also done some babysitting in exchange for his mechanic services.

Once in awhile if my db & sil need to go to Sam's club and do a lot of other shopping or errands they'll have me watch my niece and they take my shopping list with them and bring back my goodies when they pick her up. (any shopping trip goes faster w/o a 3yo in tow!)

DH buys stuff at his company store for another friend, who always gives us meat in exchange, he's a hog farmer and hunter, so we've enjoyed free pork, elk, and venison!

I've also helped dh's uncle w/ a lot of canning and freezing this summer, and he always sends me home with plenty of goodies for helping him.

DH has helped friends from work with all kinds of work on their homes...roofing, pooring concrete, building garages, siding, etc...and we've gotten lots of great stuff in return. Dinners out, gift cards, and best of all, help moving!

We love to barter!