by Tylee Stoudenmire

Created on: August 10, 2009

Times are tough for all of us at the moment, with unemployment and foreclosure rates soaring across the United States. It's especially difficult for the American culture to adjust to because we aren't really used to not getting what we want. For many of us, there has never been a time when we couldn't have at least some of the items on our wish lists, but now we are entering a time in which it's not so much about buying what we want now, but paying for all the things we wanted and purchased in the past. Still, just because the entire nation is tightening the belt doesn't mean we can't have some fun! In fact, with all the stress the economy is causing us, we need a bit of entertainment to soothe our souls.

For the Reader: Remember the library? I'm not sure when it became absolutely necessary for me to not just read a book, but to possess it, but the first thing that had to be cut from my budget was book shopping. The thought of going even one week without breaking the binding on a new novel was almost more than I could bear until I remembered the mythical library. I found my card, dusted it off, and lo and behold, book shopping for free! You don't get to keep them of course, and you will pay a fine if you're late, but many libraries have become very internet savvy with online catalogs and the ability to place holds and check account standing from remote locations. Perpetual nerd that I am, I find myself walking there nearly every day to check out my holds or return items.

For the Film Fanatic: Movies, even in these desperate times, seem to generate an astounding amount of revenue, which is great for Hollywood, not so great for the average consumer. The last time I went to a movie with my husband, it was $20 for tickets, $15 for popcorn and drinks and $7 to park. And we tend to go once a week! There are several cheaper alternatives, of course. If you have cable you can purchase newer movies on demand for around $4. Or, if more art and foreign films are your thing, there's always www.netflix.com , which offers several plans to suit your needs. Popcorn is available in your cupboard and you won't have to deal with whispering teenagers and screaming babies. Or, check your local paper. Many local museums have film showings on various topics several times per week, some are even shown outside in the summer months.

For the Foodie: Who doesn't love a beautifully prepared and presented meal? With atmosphere and candles and no dishes to do

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