Amanda emailed in the following tip:
I just had an exciting frugal occurrence and I wanted to share! My husband and I are on a tight budget as we just started our own business. This week, we had an unexpected $200 expense (not work related) and that made our grocery budget extra tight.
As I was looking over our pantry and fridge, I realized I had an abundance of coconut oil and coconut flour. I posted the extras to my local moms group on Facebook asking if anyone would be willing to trade some meat for either of those items. Today I met with another mom who traded me for a chicken, 3 packages of bacon, and 6 pounds of ground beef (all pastured-raised, grass-fed)!
Apparently she had been planning to purchase a gallon of coconut oil anyway, so we both left feeling like we had helped each other and saved money at the same time!
I just wanted to encourage other families in tight situations to remember that bartering can be an option! -Amanda
sona says
I once traded an old car for a piano!! 🙂
bethany says
We do this all the time in our family. Four families live within a two mile radius so it is possible if we don’t have the extra money to go to the store just to ask the others if they want to trade. But the idea of doing this on social media makes your choices broader. Good job!
Mary Ann says
We traded babysitting for a camera a few years ago. We were going to buy a camera anyways and our friends(whom I babysat for some) had one to sell. They suggested bartering. It was great!
It’s a great idea to barter for food!
Crystal Paine says
At first, I read this as you were “babysitting for a camera” and I was a little confused as to why someone would need their camera to be babysat. 😉
Ruth says
I will make banana bread and my husband will barter farm fresh eggs for it. Both parties are happy. Plus, the friend who has the farm fresh eggs loves it that we have saved egg cartons for him, which has saved him money. In return we have received more eggs because we have helped him. I have learned from this experience that it never hurts to ask.
five4fivemeals says
That’s awesome!
Jamie says
Good work! Very creative. I’ve never bartered for food before. However DH is an electrician and he’s done electrical work for friends and gotten cloth diapers, a moby, and homeschool books before, lol!
Luba says
Way to think outside the box!
Becki @Running with Team Hogan says
I love this tip. I think it’s so easy to forget that we might have something that someone else would value.
K says
I planted basil from seeds this year & had about 25 extra plants. I traded them for a bag of lettuce & some onions.
Amanda@CrunchyHippieLife says
That’s awesome! I would love to have a garden. Hopefully next year! 🙂
Jennifer says
Good for you! Great suggestion.
Amy M. says
Awesome!!! I would have never thought of that. Good job and thanks for sharing!
Lori Ewart says
My mom always said, ” When money is tight, it’s time to get creative” Our family is extremely creative for that reason. 🙂 Good job, Amanda!!!