Yahoo!: No money? No problem: 'Time banks' catching on

Some people would call this an ingenious invention, but there is nothing new under the sun. This method of 'payment' was already around and widely accepted long before money saw the light of day.

To be frank and honest, I don't think it has ever left our society. Just think about it for a minute; how many times have you put your skills to good use helping out your children, another close relative, or a friend, simply by investing your knowledge, time, and energy?

And how many times did they return the favor by doing the same for you when you needed something done and lacked the ability? Don't be surprised when the answer is that you can always count on them to lend a helping hand.

It has been given several names over the course of time. Some people at present call it bartering, while a few centuries ago it was called trading. My guess is that in the future it will go by the name of time-banking.

I don't think many are aware of where this so called 'exchange' really originated. Its source is still around and you don't have to look far to find it either.

We call it family!