Hi there! I’m Amanda from Freedom Acres. I run a YouTube channel, garden, home and essential oil business but sometimes still need a little help making ends meet. I’m thriving as a stay at home single mom because I have learned to BARTER!

Bartering allows me to stay home with my daughter while still providing for her every need. Bartering also gives me the ability to put a little cash in savings each month. Someday that money will go toward building our own home!

Essentially, I’m bartering my way toward a debt-free lifestyle AND a new house!

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I’ve bartered for haircuts, oil changes, chiropractic adjustments, and even medical debt! The possibilities are endless!

Have you ever bartered for basic needs like shelter? Food?

Many people think they don’t have anything to offer and can therefore NOT barter for big ticket items like this. That simply isn’t true. What all people have in equal amounts is TIME. How we choose to spend our time frees up more for some of us than others, but we all get a daily allowance of 24 hours.

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I’ve bartered my time by cleaning, sitting, mending, listening, gardening and cooking. We all have a unique set of skills to offer. I can guarantee you, friend, there’s someone out there who needs what you can do. The real trick is finding those people.

I NEVER advocate looking in places like Craigslist or Facebook groups to barter your time. If you don’t personally know someone, or at least have a close mutual friend, assume it isn’t safe.

Instead reach out to friends and family first. If nothing else, they may be able to give you a lead.

Don’t be afraid to ask. Fear can stop us in our tracks and quickly prevent any progress we could otherwise make. Be cautious, yes. Not fearful.

Who knows? Your proposed barter could be an answer to someone else’s prayer.

This is an unusual way to extend your resources, but this wasn’t always so. People have been bartering skills and services for centuries. It only makes sense, especially when you run out of spare change.

Be courageous friends! ~Until next time.