Hilton Head’s Island Packet Online reports on the booming business of bartering, during this cash-tight period:

John Roppelt’s eyes opened to the potential of bartering when he got Lasik eye surgery without spending a dime of his own money. A partner in Main Street Cafe & Pub, Roppelt started trading credits to his restaurant on the north end of Hilton Head Island for other goods and services about eight years ago. The practice has helped him secure thousands of dollars worth of kitchen equipment, painting work and even some vacations for his family. After he had the $5,500 vision-correcting surgery, which wasn’t covered by his health insurance, Roppelt was sold on bartering.

Craigslist says bartering ads have increased about 100 percent since last year. Before you get too excited, keep this in mind: the IRS considers barter dollars identical to real currency for tax reporting.

The Bible is filled with examples of bartering. During the great seven year famine, when the money ran out, Egyptians paid Joseph with ther livestock in exchange for the bread he had stored during the seven years of plenty. When the livestock ran out, the citizens paid Joseph with land. Thus Joseph procured for Pharaoh all of the farm land of Egypt. Even if you think you have a dearth of resources, remember we all have something to give.