I have lived rent free half the time for the last eight years.
This doesn’t mean that I’ve had a free ride. But I didn’t have to come up with cash for living accommodations.
One reason our economy is hurting is because central banks, banks, and governments are extracting more money from the people than they are returning to the people. It’s as simple as that.
There are ways to get around that – at least to some extent.
I didn’t have to come up with cash because I did some sort of work exchanges with people who had unutilized living space.
I’ve watered yards at a tiny cabin. I’ve watered yards at a mansion.
I’ve loved and taken care of dogs, cats, lizards, horses, and chickens.
I’ve made phone calls.
I’ve managed a spa hotel in the California desert.
I’ve shopped and cooked.
I’ve created websites.
I’ve moved people’s stuff back and forth from one location to another.
The list goes on.
The bottom line is that I’m humble and eager to help.
Quite honestly, it was a tremendous relief to have work exchanges available.
The list continues to grow.
Here are some tips for getting work exchanges.
- Be sincerely friendly and kind. You’ll have a much better chance if people like you.
- Be neat and clean. Leave the home in better shape than you found it.
- Be trustworthy. After all, people are letting you live in their home or workplace.
- Be sincerely and openly appreciative. People like to be around appreciative people. Talk about your blessings.
- Let people know that you’re looking for a work exchange. Many of my work exchanges have come through referrals.
- Be humble and willing to do whatever work is desired. That makes you very desirable as a working tenant.
Of course you’ll want to have money income sources too. But there are many creative ways to minimize your expenses.
Your friend,
Jim Kitzmiller
P.S. I’m looking for another work-rent exchange to start around May 20.