Nov 19 2008
Saving money by getting goods and services free
One way to cut back on expenses is to try to get goods and services free of charge. It’s possible to do this using organisations that were set up in the early 1990’s recession, that used barter and recycling to help people who didn’t have much money (or didn’t want to spend money).
The most popular barter scheme is called LETS (which stands for Local Exchange Trading Scheme). Essentially this is a system where people barter goods and skills. Each member registers and states the skills they can provide to others - say teaching how to play the piano, or carpentry or plumbing. When you actually provide this service to another member of the LETS system, you accrue points. You can then spend these points getting goods and services in return. LETS schemes operate in the UK, USA , Canada, Australia and France and anyone can start a LETS scheme in their city or country. In some places they are so popular you can actually spend LETS points in the shops. The LETS system is great if you are unemployed but still need services (say you need an emergency plumber for instance).
Other barter systems have been set up which operate on similar principles, for example TeamUpHere, which operates in the UK.
If it’s goods you need and you are happy to take second hand items, then try Freecycle. This is a system where people list things they no longer want, and those who want them make contact with the owner, and collect the item. There is no cost, but the person who wants the item must arrange for collection. Freecycle also exists all over the world.
