Swap hors d’oeuvre recipes for Krav Maga instruction, hand-loomed potholders for prepaid phone cards. Who knows? You may even make a new friend or two. No matter what, it’s a win-win situation.

As spare cash becomes harder to come by for many families, bartering is an increasingly attractive alternative to putting expenses on credit cards. You might start with folks you know–friends, family and co-workers.

I suspect in this economic climate, you’ll see ‘trading’ sites spike along with do-it-yourself resources. Have been in meetings with people discussing this concept for years. Think these guys may have nailed it. Hats off.

The idea of bartering with strangers can be downright scary. Fortunately, online brokers are here to help. Check out who’s offering services and stuff–and jump in yourself–at TradeAFavor.com.

Every recession triggers bartering but the Internet has given the practice unprecedented reach. TradeAFavor.com caters to the cost-conscious.