Search Results for: blog home bartering

Add a Little Nature to Brighten Your Home and Your Mood

When your home is dark and gloomy then chances are that your mood is the same way. Our homes are reflections of ourselves, and then often can determine just how we feel. That is why it is so important to add things to our home that can brighten it up and add to a wonderful sense of comfort and joy. One of the things that can really brighten a home is a commitment to going back to nature. This can be done simply. Treat yourself to some beautiful brightly colored flowers. There has been some research showing that flowers can … Continue reading →

How to Get Your Home in the Movies 2

If you missed the first post in this series, click here: How to Get Your Home in the Movies. How much can I make? The typical fee for renting out your home can be anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the style of the house, the size of the house and who is interested in using your house. The average reimbursement for using your home in a movie, television show or commercial is generally about $3,000 a day. What is involved? Casting scouts will look at several properties and then decide on the right one. A “casting is usually … Continue reading →

How to Get Your Home in the Movies

Do you want to get paid to have your home appear in a movie, television show or commercial? You could earn up to $5,000 a day and have the bragging rights that your home appeared in on the big or small screen. Here is what you need to know! Location, location, location First of all, it helps to have your home located in an area where a lot of filming is done. Southern California is a good one, and so is the greater New York City area (I can’t count the number of times our New York apartment building, neighborhood … Continue reading →

Home Bartering

If you have a home, then you have a valuable asset, even if it is worth less now than what you might have originally paid for it. Now is a great time to use that home of yours to barter for things that you may want or need. You can barter your home in exchange for home improvement services. If you have some extra space, you might be able to barter a room in exchange for professional improvements to your home. Craigslist is full of professional carpenters, electricians, landscapers and contractors who would be willing to offer their services in … Continue reading →

Bartering for Time

Sometimes as parents, we have to barter with our kids in order to get what we want. This is especially true if we have young kids who demand a lot of our time and attention. Being a writer, I don’t work traditional hours. I am often waiting on callbacks that come after 3:00 when Tyler is home or on the weekend. Deadlines loom and if bills are to be paid, well, I have to meet them. What I have found useful is to trade off with Tyler. If I really need to get something done I will tell him that … Continue reading →

Getting a Good Deal Locally by Bartering with Friends

I’m always on the lookout for a good deal. Always. This includes when visiting with friends, or at the various clubs, meetings, and activities my children attend. All of these people are potential bartering partners. It can take pushing aside your shyness or natural privacy instinct to get bartering going, but it’s well worth it! We have an informal group that looks out for each other. Nothing in writing, no rules like the barter exchanges that are businesses. Instead we are friends who realize that everyone has something to offer. One of my friends sells honey as a side business. … Continue reading →

The Basics of Bartering

Bartering is a great way to conserve your resources and afford things you might not normally fit into your budget. You can get all sorts of things through bartering. In this blog, I’ll tell you what bartering is and give you some ideas on what can be bartered. My father is the king of bartering. He lives in a working class neighborhood in New York City and has grown up bartering. If there is anything we need, from a carburetor to curtains, from a parking space to a fancy dinner, chances are he can get it in a day or … Continue reading →

Kids Can Barter Too

“You mean I can trade chocolate cake for Lego Friends?” my daughter asked following our conversation about the benefits of bartering. “If you can find a Lego-loving chocoholic who’s willing to part with some of her sets, then you’re in business.” Little did I know that my response would turn my 8-year-old into the next Kyle MacDonald. Cash is tight for my third grader, but the kid makes up for her empty wallet by coming up with some solid bartering bargain chips. Or, in her case, cake. Bartering is not just for adults; rather, kids can get in on the … Continue reading →

5 Ways to Save on Gym Memberships and Workouts

Ready to fulfill those New Years Eve Resolutions for a healthier body and a more active lifestyle? Gym memberships are a great way to make a regular commitment with professional equipment and classes that are sure to keep you on track. Here are five ways to save money on a gym membership. 1. Negotiate the Gym Fee When you are considering making a commitment to a gym membership then it is time to speak up. Tell them that you are thinking about joining but want to save some money. The health club may go ahead and waive the sign up … Continue reading →

7 Ways to Manage Kids’ Sport Fees and Costs

There are so many reasons to give your kids the opportunity to be involved in sports, and one big one not to do so–the costly fees. Before you decide to give up the sports altogether, consider trying the following strategies that will help you manage kids sports fees and reduce the amount you spend. 1. Get some perspective Parents can get a little crazy when it comes to sports. They all want their kids to succeed and will provide them with all of the extras that they think will make this happen, such as extra training or lessons, top of … Continue reading →