Posted on March 26, 2009 at 4:43 pm Awhile back I found a very clever way to get the things I want without spending any money.  And, it's called trade.  One person exchanges their professional services with another person.  For instance, a dentist might give a free teeth cleaning to a mechanic in exchange for free mechanics work.  A doctor might give a free health exam in exchange for free lawn services from a local business owner.  These arrangements benefit everyone. I've also indulged in trading services for benefit. Once, I designed two banners for an online baby clothing company in exchange for $300 in little girl clothes.  Very fashionable! I got the better deal. The entire deal saved me so much money.  I got a full years worth of kids clothes for nothing!Very exciting. At the time, I was weaning myself off credit card use and didn't have any extra money to use on anything.   What's the biggest shopping deal you've ever gotten?

Posted on March 26, 2009 at 5:34 pm This activity is commonly called bartering and if done right, benefits both parties. I wish more of us would do it.

Posted on March 26, 2009 at 5:40 pm The practice of bartering is still practiced among amish communities.  Friends helping friends.  I also wish it was brought back into practice, especially the way our economy is going.  Maybe our economy is the way it is because somewhere along the line...someone forgot to help their friends as well as what it community living is really all about.

Posted on March 26, 2009 at 7:13 pm Thanks for pointing that out Sandalwood. The first version contained that phrase and somehow got edited out. Yes, more people would greatly benefit from this very eco friendly concept which I believe dates back thousands of years. Thanks for your comments.

Posted on March 26, 2009 at 7:14 pm Tamdesigns, thanks for your comments and best of luck with your newspaper.  Is it an online or offline newspaper?  I'll check your blog, maybe you've mentioned it there. Would love to know more.

Posted on March 26, 2009 at 7:15 pm Buggles, I believe that is true! Friends helping friends makes us all a happy family community.  If we all depended on each other more as a society, there would be less crime, too, cause we'd all be looking out for each other's best interest instead of seeing how we can take advantage. Thanks for your insightful comments.  

Posted on March 26, 2009 at 11:44 pm I'm new to the concept of trade, but I did read an amazing book last year, where a guy started out with something really small, like a pen or something, and he ended up getting himself a house. It was incredible.Personally, I've traded copies of a little book I self-published a few times for other people's books. That's fun, I think because it feels a little bit subversive.

Posted on March 27, 2009 at 2:11 am I join raffle contests and luckily, I always win. I have won gift certificates for shopping and dining in restaurants. Last month, I have won a gift voucher for a 3 days/2 nights hotel accomodations so me and my bf will avail it for our vacation.

Posted on March 27, 2009 at 9:10 am all i can say is spend your money wisely.

Posted on March 27, 2009 at 9:41 am Thats a wonderful deal. I am going to see what i can do like that. Thanks for the info.