The pandemic has inspired many people to think creatively about getting the goods and services they need.

For some, that means bartering with friends, neighbors and even strangers.

Bartering cuts out the need to use money.

A man and woman trade groceries for toilet paper in this photo illustration.

Its an arrangement where people or businesses directly exchange goods and services without any monetary transaction.

Jessie Stehlik, a photographer in Tampa, Florida, has always enjoyed bartering services with friends.

Last year, she created a Facebook group to encourage trade within her local community.

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She wanted to be able to help people in her city connect and trade with each other.

It could be a simple product trade, like swapping office equipment for kitchen gadgets.

Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.

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This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.

Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you could easily return later.

Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.

While bartering is an economic system from ancient times, it has resurged amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bartering is becoming a solution to getting things you need during this challenging time.

Youll also need to consider who youll be trading with.

An easy way is to start with people you know.

Will you request needs and offer up goods and services in a group text or via email?

Or will you use an online forum, like a Facebook group, or through an app likeNextdoor?

You then use your time credits to obtain services from others in the data pipe.

The goods or services swapped should be of similar value or time commitment.

Include a time frame for when the item or service will be delivered.

confirm its clear what youre each getting out of it, Stehlik said.

Lots of loving communication from the beginning makes people less prone to problems at the end.

Abide by social distancing guidelines when conducting your exchange.

Schedule porch pickups and doorstep deliveries.

Stick to services you could provide online or without contact with others.

Generally, this does not include individuals who informally swap similar services on a noncommercial basis.

Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.

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