If you’re a little short on cash these days, you’re not alone. Many women are working with decreased income or are just trying to spend less and save more. Whatever the case, we have the answer. Actually, it’s nothing new; the strategy has been around ever since one cavewoman admired another cavewoman’s mammoth wrap and suggested swapping her saber-toothed necklace for it. It’s called barter: trading your goods or services for someone else’s without using cash. In many cases it’s a smoother and more satisfying way to do business—that is, if you know the rules.
Take inventory. Note what you own that you don’t really need—clothes, collectibles, cars, furniture, music, art…really anything that’s in good condition and semivaluable. But don’t stop here. Think objectively about the skills you have that other people might trade for. Maybe you have a knack for interior design or figuring taxes. Even if you draw a blank, you still have your time, which can be used for babysitting, dog walking, or helping someone move. In many respects, time is the greatest asset because no one has enough of it.
Establish a fair market value. Don’t guess at what Grandma’s Fabergé egg is worth or what the going rate is for doing a 1040—research it. Websites such as eBay make it easy to price products, and establishing hourly rates for services is as simple as calling a professional in the field and asking what she charges.
Prioritize what you need. Notice that we used the word need and not the word want. Irresponsible consumption is what got us into this economic predicament in the first place. Try to put more emphasis on services rather than goods. What would it take, for instance, to have your neighbor come over three mornings per week to watch the kids while you exercise? Concentrate on things that enhance life rather than just fill it up.
Broach the subject. For some reason, many women are afraid to barter. Get over it! The worst that can happen is you’ll get turned down. No one will regard you as desperate or poor. Rather, you’ll earn a reputation for being creative and resourceful—imagine that.
Barter online. When you get really good, take it to the Internet. Sites such as craigslist.org allow bartering—just be careful about who you’re dealing with. If you’re bartering stuff, meet in a public place to make the exchange. If you’re bartering services, ask for references or examples of work done.
Haggle. As a general rule, never accept a first offer. Always ask for a little more or give a bit less. That’s the fun of it!
Make it official. Even if you’re just bartering with a neighbor, once the deal is finalized, shoot them an e-mail outlining the specifics of the agreement. If something goes awry, at least you’ll have a record.
Be honest. Our friends at the IRS politely point out that bartered goods and services must be declared as noncash exchanges on form 1099-B.
But coupons i save so much with, but if I can't use them i share them with friends or if close to expiring I put them on the products they are for on the shelfs in the store for others to use.
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