Does Bribery Solve Problems?

If you've ever been tempted to bribe someone -- a government official, a cop or maybe even a school employee -- in order to get something done, apparently you're not alone. A new poll of from Levada Center surveyed 1,600 Russians and found that more than half of them (55 percent) believe that bribes are the single best way to "solve problems." According to the poll, Russians routinely offer bribes to receive better service and don't particularly see anything immoral or illegal about it.

The survey said that only 10 percent of Russian citizens believed that bribes were offered by "cheats and criminals." Instead, 30 percent of those polled said individuals offering "cash in envelopes" were simply "ordinary people who have no other way to solve their problems." Obviously, Russia is a very different from America. And I don't mean that bribery doesn't happen here in the United States -- because it clearly does. I'm referring, though, to the overall economic, social and political environment under which Russian citizens live and go about their daily lives. Bribery and corruption is very common in all manner of transactions. The survey indicated that 10 percent of people polled even admitted to bribing undertakers in order to get preferential treatment for the burial services of relatives and loved ones.

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Bartering's Big Comeback

Don't believe you have anything to barter with? Think again.

Do you have items around the house that are in good condition but you no longer want or need (here's a great way to get rid of unwanted gifts)? Do your friends ever compliment you on something you do -- like your ability to bake, to plan perfect parties or your green thumb? Do you have any hobbies that you can teach someone else?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have something to barter with! If you can babysit, mow lawns, bake, pull weeds, run errands, knit, etc. you have something other people want.

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Barterings Big Comeback

Is Bartering Right for You?

Bartering, the trading of goods and services with no cash changing hands, is making a big comeback in this struggling economy. Craigslist.org has seen a 100% increase in activity on its bartering boards over the last year. Bartering can be fun and profitable because both sides of the "trade" are getting what they want, again for NO cash! So how does it work and is it right for you? Continue clicking through our gallery to find out.

Barterings Big Comeback

Bartering is as simple as trading a skill or item you have for something you want.

For example, if you are a painter, you offer a carpenter a bedroom paint job in exchange for him fixing your porch steps. Or you offer to design a website for a local restaurant in exchange for a few dinners there with your spouse. Or trade your legal services for a new computer ... and on and on.

Best yet, ANYONE can barter ... you don't need to own a business or have a specialized skill.

Barterings Big Comeback

It's estimated that 60% of the companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange participate in some kind of bartering

Bartering is gaining popularity with small businesses, too. If you have a skill or a product that people are paying for everyday, why not consider exchanging that skill for things that you need, rather than cash?

Bartering can also be a great way in tough times to get your name out there and meet new clients.

Barterings Big Comeback

So, how do you get started?

Well, there are several ways to barter. Start by reaching out to people you know. Contact friends, neighbors, colleagues, local businesses you use and so on. Tell them what you have to offer and ask if they are interested in bartering.

There are also local bartering clubs popping up all over that bring people together to swap. Check your newspaper, community centers, postings at school or the grocery store.

Barterings Big Comeback

For a broader reach, try an online bartering site.

Dozens of sites have sprung up to help make bartering matches. It's easy! On such sites as Craigslist.com, BarterBucks.com, BarterBee.com, HomeExchange.com, U-exchange.com, swapstyle.com, swapthing.com and many others -- you merely list what you have available to barter.

Most of the exchanges are made online ... although there is even a bricks and mortar store in New York City, called The Free Store that facilitates bartering transactions.

Barterings Big Comeback

Join a barter "bank."

On some barter sites, you swap your item or service directly with another person. Others act more like a network. Every item or service you offer to another member earns you a point or credit value.

You can then use those points to buy items and services from any other member in the network. So if Joe needs the tennis lessons you are offering, but doesn't have anything you want in exchange, that's OK. You can use the points you earn from teaching Joe tennis to "buy" some Web site design from Sue.

Barterings Big Comeback

One word of caution...

Only do business with established barter Web sites that are highly rated by its users and keep your personal information private and secure.

Plus, one note courtesy of Uncle Sam ... The IRS requires people/companies who barter to report the fair market value of the goods and services received in exchange for goods and services provided.

Barterings Big Comeback

To really show you the power of bartering, let us share a quick story.

In 2005, a young man from Montreal named Kyle MacDonald decided to use the power of the internet to try his hand at bartering. Kyle started with a paper clip and decided he was going to try to trade up to a house -- no, we're not kidding! And guess what ... he did it! After trading a paper clip for a pen, he went through everything from a gas stove to a snowmobile to a recording contract ... and on and on until he ended up with a nice three bedroom, two bath house. Last we heard, MacDonald was back in bartering mode, trying to trade his house. We can't wait to see what he trades for this time!

Barterings Big Comeback

More From Dolans.com

At Dolans.com, Ken and Daria help you level the playing field by exposing sneaky credit card tricks, how to avoid getting "Madoff-ed" and more.

Barterings Big Comeback

This whole survey does raise some interesting questions about human nature, in general, and about what is legally and morally acceptable -- especially when money is involved. For starters, how common is bribery worldwide? Does bribery tend to thrive more in some cultures rather than others? And are there some circumstances under which bribery is ethically okay?

As a nation, I hope America never gets to the point where everyday transactions are all greased by the almighty dollar. It's bad enough already that people with more resources can pay for better access to and more consumption of all kinds of products and services -- from health care to college to financial advice. Heaven help us if our kids can't get into certain schools because someone richer "bought" a spot for their children, or if morticians start shunning less affluent deceased folks simply to cater to well-heeled customers.

What about you? Do you think bribes "solve problems" -- or create more of them? Also, in what areas of American life do you think bribery is now already rampant?

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Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, an award-winning financial news journalist and former Wall Street Journal reporter for CNBC, has also been featured in top newspapers, including the Washington Post, USA Today, and the New York Times, as well as magazines ranging from Essence and Redbook to Black Enterprise and Smart Money. Check out her New York Times best seller 'Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom.'