Want to go to the Museum of Science and Industry for less?

President Obama told the nation’s mayors on Friday that he would hold them accountable for how they spend the money in his $787 billion economic stimulus package, which he described as “a true partnership” between the federal government and cities that have been too long neglected by Washington.

“I want to be clear about this: We cannot tolerate business as usual — not in Washington, not in our state capitols, not in America’s cities and towns,” Mr. Obama told a gathering of the United States Conference of Mayors. He said he was putting them “on notice” that if they propose a wasteful project, “I will call them out on it.”

The president is talking tough about spending the money wisely. This is great. If local leaders know that they will be called out about their spending (and if it could affect future funding), this might make a difference.

Having a leader who is not advocating spending with reckless abandon, which is what got us into this mess initially sounds good. Now if the local leaders actually believe this threat and don’t get caught up with their local power struggles, Americans will be better off.

See where the money is going and track the progress at Recovery.gov.

“It’s good to be a recessionista these days,” said wardrobe consultant Jane Hamill. “You may have shopped at Goodwill, but unless you were an art student, you probably didn’t tell people that you did. Now if you do, it makes you seem smart and with the times.”

I have bought things at thrift stores before. If you find something that is quality and knows someone who can sew, you can remake something into a blah to fabulous outfit. I have a wonderful linen dress that needed some work, a collar removed and then it was sent to the cleaners so about $10 went into the dress.

Then again, being a little edgier was more appealing to me. I always like the hunt of the bargain.

In this article in the Tribune, it’s noted that sales at Goodwill have risen because of the economy. I have noticed that some prices have increased (as have others who have commented on the article). Generally, thrift stores offered things that people wanted to gt rid of and allowed those with less money to buy clothes and shoes. Different stores have different items. If you are in an area where there are more affluent people, there may be better items. Either way, it is sometimes like going to any discounter, you may not find something that you like or want. Though if you are going to find a specific item you may not find it, but if you find an item that will do, such as if you are looking for a tray in silverplate or wood, you may generally find something. Also you may find a lot of romance books.

Some stores may have better merchandise because if items are donated by more affluent neighbors to their local shop then you will find great items. Donations of new items from a store may go to various locations. The stuff that is put in a box outside of a store, may be available for sale soon.

The thrift stores want to make money, for their programs so prices may be a little higher, although even these days stores may have special discount days or coupons if you spend a minimum amount.

Unless you tell someone what you paid for a designer item, they won’t know. An item in good condition that you paid $10 for, is a great deal.

What does it mean to live within or below your means? A question posed to a Money.com writer asks what the difference is. The responder really didn’t have a clear answer for the person because a person who lives within or below their means could be a person who includes savings in their spending budget and then spends the rest. Or a person who lives below their means could spend less than they take in but not account for any savings or emergency fund.

Instead the columnist avoids the semantics of the within versus below debate and asserts that there is another position –  ”leading a financially responsible life” – which includes spending responsibly but also taking into consideration the importance of striking a healthy balance of present spending and saving for the future.

Saving is always important and I don’t know many people who would spend less than they make and not do anything constructive with the money, even if they didn’t spend it, over time, interest free, the money would accumulate.

Ah, the good old halcyon days when it was possible to go to the library, make your selection and check out what you wanted right away! The library is cool again, not just as a hangout for those looking for warmth or for teen dating. Since the economic nosedive no matter when I go to the library there is always a line to checkout books. This is the same across the country. Many libraries are seeing double digit increases in their patronage.

There was a lady yesterday who was asking a librarian a question about the library ordering a book. He told her that it was highly unlikely that the library would be able to buy everything that was suggested, but patrons could make requests. There isn’t a lot of spending going on right now and the budget is limited.

Since I recently received my county property tax bill, I always wondered why more money didn’t go to the places where it needs to go – such as more money for the library. Out of all the services that taxpayers pay for, the more the library is used, the amount of money that is given to it doesn’t increase.

Of course, there are many people who live in the city who do not go to the library and about half of my friends and relatives haven’t been to the library in ages. It’s the other half who really get a lot of use out of the services that the library offers.

When people have no money it doesn’t mean that they read less, but organizations and other individuals who donate to libraries may donate fewer funds to the institutions. The library becomes a bustling place when the economy goes bust. There’s free wi-fi, free books, free cds and other media to borrow. In fact you can gain an education solely from the library for free, if you avoid paying the fees.

The library is still a haven for those seeking some peace and quiet, just now as people are using the library the resources are being taxed – namely the number of people who help patrons in the busy areas, shelve and reshelve the books. Make sure that your library doesn’t get left out when politicians work on local budgets. This is the same story across the nation. Less money and more users push the system to its limits.