The trusted personal finance reporter for public radio’s Marketplace Money reveals a plan for a new economic reality where less really is more.

There’s a silver lining to the Great Recession cloud: More Americans are thinking about how, what, and why we consume. In today’s economy, a “sustainable” lifestyle isn’t just good for the planet. It’s also good for your bank balance and your peace of mind.

In his signature style—friendly, inviting, and plainspoken— money expert Chris Farrell explains what the New Frugality is (and isn’t) and how to make frugality a habit. It’s not about belt-tightening or penny-pinching; it’s about buying quality instead of quantity, while staying true to your values. Farrell offers down-to-earth, practical advice on each aspect of your financial life: ensuring a “margin of safety” in your spending, the frugal home (rent or own?), saving for college, simple investing, wise vs. foolish debt, even giving your money away. The result: a lifestyle of less waste, lower environmental impact, and more satisfaction.