Grandmother's life without money

A German grandmother has told how she's healthier, wealthier, and happier since giving up cash 15 years ago.

Heidemarie Schwermer, 69, walked out of her home in Dortmund and now travels from town to town with just a suitcase, a mobile phone and a laptop.

"I've found out that I can live without money. I can get everything I need by bartering and getting presents," said Mrs Schwermer, who has revealed her secrets in a book, entitled The Star Money Experiment.

She even turned down a cash advance from her publishers for her book saying: "I told them to give it to charity then it can make many people happy instead of just one."

Mrs Schwermer, a widow, left her comfortable home in 1996 after her children had left home when she became irritated by the greedy consumer society, she says.

The independent pensioner even manages to go on overseas holidays by exchanging her work as a teacher and psychotherapist for airline tickets.

"I am never short of food, clothing or friends and I have so much less stress in my life these days. I am not ruled by money, or bills, or greed. I just let go," she said.

"I am even healthier. I've hardly seen a doctor in 15 years and I'm as fit as a fiddle.

"I don't even worry about the future any more. I just live in the moment and enjoy every second."