David Boals wanted singing lessons. Sara Armstrong wanted a cut and color. Her stylist wanted some yard work done. And Mike Bell wanted a computer.

All of them got what they wanted, and they didn't have to have to shell out a single penny. They did it by bartering, trading goods or services for goods or services.

Reportedly, $8 billion worth of goods and services are swapped each year. And right now, the "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" philosophy is really taking off.

"With the times the way that they are it's hard for everyone and this works," said Rose Gabaldon. 

Many barters use Craigslist, which is a hot place to swap. The company says bartering has jumped 100 percent in New Mexico in the last 12 months.

People say they like to trade because many times no money changes hands.

Boals' music teacher, Diana Segara, is a big fan of art. Boals is an artist, so he's going to give Segara some of his work in exchange for the lessons.

"We love art. We can't afford to buy art, it's kind of low on the totem pole as far as needs," Segara said.

Boals and his daughter also didn't have to pay a dime for some home improvements. He created some websites for people in exchange for the home upgrades.

Mike Bell, an electrician, swapped his services for a desk, tools, lights, shelves and cabinets.

Right now, he wants to offer electrical work to someone who will fix his broken down truck.

"I think when people are looking to economize and use what resources they have at hand without creating new debt, of course bartering in a natural thing to turn to," Bell said.

Sara Armstrong's boyfriend surprised her by arranging the cut and color.

In exchange, Sara's boyfriend and his friend worked for hours cleaning up Rose Gabaldon's yard.

In the end, he scored brownie points with Sara.

"She was really happy about it so that's what I was trying to go for," Sara's boyfriend said.

Barterers need to keep in mind the IRS is interested in what they received and what they gave. A former IRS official said someone who owns a business and trades business related items would need to report the trade.