We didn't really have a choice but to barter when we were children, we didn't have money to buy new things all time. Children certainly have a way of figuring things out when they want something badly enough. So why does this stop when we become adults? We still have wants and needs but seem to set them aside or continue to spend money when we really don't have to.

If little Billy sitting beside you in class had something you wanted and you had something to offer him in return, then surely there's someone out there right now that has exactly what you're looking for and wants what you have to offer. Bartering doesn't have to be something we grow out of. It makes sense, it's smart and it's economical.

Let's face it, we were born to barter.

This is where age old term "barter" comes in. A way of taking care of all of these things without spending money but simply by offering your professional services or items you no longer need in return for what you do.

Surely there's a plumber near you that needs bikes for his children, who can repair your sink in return. It could be someone who requires your professional services and has some furniture that you could use for that family room.

It may be a person that lives somewhere warm and sunny that wants to vacation in your area who would be willing to exchange homes for a couple of weeks. There are so many possibilities and so many creative people out there that it just makes sense to barter instead.

Now don't forget to pick up dry cleaning.