The New Frugality: How to Consume Less, Save More, and Live Better »

Chris Farrell is a contributing economics editor for Business Week and the resident personal finance expert and economics editor for public radio’s Marketplace Money. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

From the economics correspondent for public radio’s Marketplace Money, a new plan for a new economic reality—the philosophy and practice of living frugally.

Publishers Weekly

Farrell's brief on the value in shifting from conspicuous consumption to responsible spending is well-intentioned, but rarely does his advice move beyond commonsense considerations into more substantive lifestyle shifts. The pedestrian material also undermines Farrell's reading—which, given the author's textured voice, a personable vocal manner, and lilting rhythm, should have been excellent. Coupled with the text, however, Farrell's performance is listless and lacks energy, charisma, and powerful prose necessary to interest and inspire the listener. A Bloomsbury hardcover (Reviews, Oct. 26). (Jan.)

1 The rise of the new frugality 1

2 The great transformation 13

3 A margin of safety 37

4 The new frugality rules 51

5 Make frugality a habit 67

6 Borrow wisely 91

7 Investing the simple way 113

8 Live long and prosper 151

9 Home, sweet home 171

10 The college sheepskin 187

11 Generosity and gratitude 207

Index 219