Bartered Blessings (Frugal Fridays)
Friday, March 26th, 2010Free science classes. Free artisan bread and bagels. Free art for some of my children and free ballet for my girls. Free baby gifts! OK… Not really “free” but it sure does feel like it!
How do I score such great deals? Certainly not by couponing. No, Harris Teeter has great triple- coupon days but no promises of free extracurricular lessons. And they’ve certainly never given me free bagels!
These super great deals come by way of bartering. I teach a writing class and have friends that teach science and art. Their children take my class and my children take their classes. No money changes hands. In my basement is a sprung wood dance floor which was a tremendous gift from a very loved teacher several years ago. In exchange for hosting dance lessons in my basement and babysitting the teacher’s children, my girls dance. Again, no money changes hands. The bread… this is where I am so very fortunate. Mr. Awesome Baker’s daughter, who I think is a writing prodigy, takes my class as well. I am more than happy to receive Owl Creek Breadworks as payment! (See The Breadlist and place an order!) The baby gifts are one of my favorite bartered blessings. My girls knit! I buy their supplies but when I need a babygift, like this adorable pacifier clip, they knit for me for free.
The Lord has provided some extras for my children through bartering. While you may not teach a class, there are many creative ways to lend your services in exchange for others.
Please feel free to comment and share your bartering success stories! For more Frugal Friday tips see Life As Mom.