Bartering can be one of the most fun and interesting ways to save money. What is bartering? Bartering is an exchange of services or goods. Bartering not only can help you save money, but it also can cut down on your consumption and help you get rid of clutter.

photo credit: StevenGroves

A few weeks ago, I shot a family portrait session for one of my friends. She said she would pay me but I didn’t feel right charging her. A few weeks later I needed someone to let my dogs out at night when I was unable to, and asked her if she would be interested. I offered to pay her, but she declined. We called it even. It was a win-win situation!

Are you interested in bartering? There are many ways you can get connected with like-minded people. One idea is to check Craigslist. There are many people that list items on there that are interested in trading. Who knows- that old hutch you have in the garage may be worth someone else’s pony!

Your friends can be untapped resources when it comes to bartering. Do you know how to cut hair? Do you enjoy decluttering? Chances are, you are good at something that another person values. Find out what they are good at and exchange services!

Bartering can help create a strong sense of community and friendship. You can save money and help someone out, and that makes everyone feel better.

Have you ever tried bartering?

You are probably thinking to yourself: “What does veg*n stand for?!” Veg*n is a term used to identify vegetarians or vegans. Being a vegetarian or vegan can not only be good for your wallet, but it is also awesome for the environment. You see, animals consume a lot of food and release a lot of um, gases. When you cut back on your meat consumption you help reduce your carbon footprint.

photo credit: Violette79

Another great point to reducing your meat intake is that you are freeing up food and resources for people. This is the logic- farmers grow corn or wheat to feed the animals. The animals not only eat that food that takes weeks to grow, but they are also drinking water and using land that could be used to grow other vegetables and crops to feed people. If we just ate more whole foods instead of meat, we would eliminate the resources to feed the animals and care for them.

I know that many people couldn’t go 100% vegetarian, and that’s fine. As long as you cut back, you’ll save money and help the environment.

Some good meat dish substitutes are:

-Beans and rice
-Vegetable lasagna
-Stir fry with vegetables
-Spaghetti with marinara sauce
-Salad with fun toppings!
-Bean burritos

Could you go veg*n? Do you limit your meat consumption to save money?