For some, life without money makes sense

WILHELMSHAVEN, Germany - Sixty-nine-year-old German Heidemarie Schwermer never thought she could go so long without money, but what began as a 12-month experiment became a unique lifestyle 15 years ago.

With only a touch of makeup, a light pink cotton sweater and string of fake pearls, the elegant pensioner with a warm smile says she can hardly remember the last time she spent a cent.

Instead, since 1996, she has lived by a unique scheme of swaps and barters she says has held her in good stead.