Time Is Money

Looking for a new way to get your window fixed or hair cut without laying out the cash? Time Interchange New York (TINY) can help you to do just that. The alternative currency model just received some much needed attention in a segment on NBC.

By logging onto TINY’s website, people can find others in need of help and exchange an earned “time dollar” (the equivalent to 1 hour of work) for another task. For example, Jessica Harris, a TINY member who has already earned 8 time dollars through baby-sitting, was able to exchange one of her hours to get her long-time-broken light fixed. Harris, a supporter of the time banking system, stated she, “had great conversations and met [new] people.” This statement supports TINY being more than just an alternative currency exchange, but also a way to form and sustain communities. In describing the time banking system, Jordan Schacter, the founder of TINY, said, “Whether you’re shining shoes or designing a sky scraper, your time will be valued the same.”

Image 1: courtesy of timeinterchange.com.

Image 2: "New York Skyline" by wwarby on Flickr courtesy of Creative Commons.