Posted on December 2nd, 2009
By: DDFD on Self Reliance Exchange
http://www.self-reliance-exchange.com/?p=2907

Self reliance by its very name implies going it alone, but I think cooperation and exchange (barter) has a place in self reliant living. Barter is a non-monetary exchange of value. I am not discussing formal bartering between commercial professionals– that can result in a taxable event. For example, an accountant offering tax prep services to a home improvement contractor in exchange for work at his house is probably a taxable event.

What I am talking about are the non-taxable exchanges between family, friends, and neighbors. This is not a new idea– just a neglected or forgotten one.

When I was a kid, I remember a neighbor with talent for auto repair who helped on almost all auto repair projects in the neighborhood. In return, he received assistance on yard work, painting, and other odd jobs. This is the sort of “bartering” I am thinking of these days.

What can be bartered? I thought I would share just a few ideas:

* Repair or improvement skills– auto, carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing
* Ride services– kids to school or events, elderly to appointments, trips to the airport
* Food– cooking or grocery runs for the sick or shut-in
* People watching– sitting for kids or companionship for elderly
* Tutoring– educational, art, or musical
* Boarding animals– vacation or regular sitting

So how do you barter? Here is a simple approach:

* Communicate– let people know what you have and what you need
* Commit– a handshake and your word
* Deliver– be sure to come through for people
* Share– talk your fellow barterers up describing the experience to others

Sometimes cash isn’t needed to get things done or as valuable to others as an exchange might be. Always try to identify opportunities to barter– as in all things self reliant, be creative!