Why Buy It? Swap It: How Bartering Can Help You Save Money as Costs Keep Rising
- barter-in
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Prices are going up fast! From energy bills to groceries, even everyday essentials are starting to feel like luxury items. And in 2025, UK households are bracing for an even tighter squeeze.The UK economy might grow by just 1.5%, but that’s barely enough to keep up with the rising cost of living. Interest rates could fall to 3.75%, which might help with borrowing, but that won’t do much for your weekly grocery shop.
So, what can we do to take back control of our budgets without sacrificing the things we need?
"Save big long-term with smart swapping. Bartering isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s a long-term money-saving mindset."
Cut down on waste: Give unused items a second life instead of tossing them.
Build real connections: Reconnect with neighbors and create a trusted support network.
Get creative: Trade skills, not money. Learn to swap, fix, and make do.
Feel good doing it: Helping others and receiving help is a win-win that money can’t always buy.
Image source: https://money.com/how-to-barter/
Every swap you make means one less thing you need to buy, and over time, that adds up. Whether you’re trading household items or picking up something you need for free, you’re putting more money back in your pocket month after month.
The Bartering Boom: How a Family in Hartlepool Saved £6,000
Meet Katie Lee and her family from Hartlepool. Instead of relying on credit cards or constantly buying new things, they turned to barter and saved over £6,000 in just two years.
How did they do it without using money?
Swapped homegrown vegetables, eggs for DIY repairs
Traded freshly baked cakes for haircuts
Offered childcare in exchange for sewing and mending
Exchanged cleaning services for gardening help and odd jobs
“We all have something to offer, whether it’s a skill, some free time, or that perfect lemon drizzle cake,” says Katie. ( source: The Scottish Sun)
Barter-In, your Online Swap Shop is an app that lets you swap things swapping you no longer use for something you want instead. Here’s how it works:
Upload your items: List your unused items on the app
Browse listings from people near you who are offering what you're looking for.
Make a trade, chat securely in-app, and arrange your swap, no money involved.
Whether you’re looking to cut costs, live more sustainably, or just try something new, Barter-In makes it easier than ever to make bartering a part of your life. Register now for early access, one of the first to join the swap revolution and start trading your way to serious savings.
