In 2005, Kyle MacDonald, an out of work salesman had a bright idea. He decided to post an ad on CraigsList listing the red paperclip that was holding his resume and cover letter together for trade. Gaining inspiration from a childhood game he played called "Bigger and Better."

At the time he was between jobs, relying on his girlfriend for complete support. He thought it would be a fun thing to do—each time trading up for something of more value. Ultimately setting his sites on trading up for a home.

Two years and fourteen trades later, Kyle traded up for a house. He has also written a book called "One Red Paperclip" describing the amazing trades and experiences along the way.

We could all take that same approach in some form or another from his story of trading up. Of course we don't all have to go to the extreme that Kyle did. Nor do we have to gain national attention in the process. But if there is something that we want, we can make an effort to always trade up for something of greater value to reach a particular monetary goal we've set for ourselves.  Probably having just as much fun too!