Every time I turn on the television, grim faced newscasters impart tales of threatening economic times. I hear tales of an almost certain economic disaster. “Possible Recession!” screams a newspaper headline. Gas prices are at an all time high, milk is close to $4 a gallon, and something as simple as a magazine can set you back more than $5. And, hello? A $6 cup of coffee? I really don’t have to read about tough times to know they exist. I merely have to balance my checkbook.

I don’t have to tell you that having kids is expensive. Groceries, shoes, school supplies - it all adds up. The necessities every month threaten to take over my budget, never mind the extras. “Can I join art club? It’s only $75!’ asks one daughter. “”What about indoor soccer? I need new shoes, and knee pads,” says another. The littlest ones just want toys. And books, and more toys.

Up in my attic I have bags and boxes of things my kids are no longer using. The playroom contains puzzles and books, playsets and baby dolls that aren’t being played with, taking up space. Listing those here on Zwaggle will give me Zoints, and I can trade those in for things that my kids will use. Things they’ve been asking for, things that will make life more fun for them, and using the Zwaggle site helps me to make them happy, all the while allowing me to use my cash for other, boring, adult things.

Like gas in my van. Yikes - isn’t there any way to trade a stroller for a fill up?