It's actually cheaper to buy than rent in 74 percent of major U.S. cities, according to data from real estate search engine site Trulia. So as high rates of foreclosure continue to send home values down and rents up, there's one group who stands to score a big win in these cheaper-to-own areas: buyers.
In Detroit, a few Cheers will get you a beer. In Pittsboro, N.C., Plenties are accepted as payment in the food co-op and at Piggly Wiggly. And in western Massachusetts, BerkShares are as good as greenbacks in local businesses. These and other local currencies, created by grassroots groups and given names like the Cheer or [...]
