The New Frugality

Chris Farrell's basic point is that monstrous corporations foster out-of-control spending in the gullible and innocent consumer. His advice on frugality is basic stuff, but his skillful reading--his first--makes up for the book's old news. While he often runs over his own words and his pauses for breath are audible, he enunciates well, and his tone is engagingly light and conversational. Instrumental music caps each chapter, smoothing out the transitions between Farrell's determined admonitions for green living and his more sedate mantra of "save--don't spend." This is a fast-paced overview of simple economic sense. A.Z.W. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

October 26, 2009
America's mad romance with consumer debt is finally on the decline, and Farrell, economics editor for public radio's Marketplace Money
, guides readers to a healthier relationship with their finances. Personal finance is more than just money, he points out; it's about deciding how to live a good life, figuring out what you really cherish and value, then putting your money behind those goals and beliefs—and how living environmentally conscious is a natural outgrowth (and happy consequence) of living within your means. He examines the evolution of consumer debt and moves on to offer concrete advice on dealing with risk and debt, putting savings aside for investing, college, retirement, charitable giving—and realizing if and when you “have enough.” With an emphasis on changing the way we live to make the most of what we have and promoting moderation, Farrell provides a solid and encouraging high-level overview of individual financial health.

April 15, 2010
Here, Farrell ("On the Money") merges his experience as personal finance reporter for public radio's "Marketplace Money" with hard-knock lessons from the Great Recession, illustrating how smarter financial choices throughout one's life can result in personal freedom from long-term burdens. He covers housing, insurance, college saving and loans, retirement funds, bankruptcy, the importance of the "margin of safety," and more, offering actionable adviceincluding a rundown of online and printed resourcesand encouraging readers/listeners to get started now. Farrell himself narrates, in a friendly, plainspoken manner. An excellent resource for listeners of all ages.M. Gail Preslar, Eastman Chemical Co. Business Lib., Kingsport, TN

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