From the personal finance correspondent for public radio’s Marketplace Money, a new plan for a new economic reality—the phil...
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reviews
Jun 25, 2011
Lumpenprole
rated it: 
Quite frankly I feel as if I were sold a pig in a poke with this audiobook. Farrell's politics intrude throughout, and this is not mentioned, though I guess it is hinted at, in the book description. I don't particularly agree with his beliefs, but don't particularly disagree either. What bothered me was the hectoring, lecturing, superior tone apparent whenever something political came up...and this was about an every five minute occurrence.
And what sort of advice is offered? I'm embar More...
And what sort of advice is offered? I'm embar More...
Feb 27, 2011
Sara
rated it: 
Synopsis: Because I regularly hear Chris Farrell on MPR’s Marketplace Money, I snatched this book up when I saw his name on the cover. The title intrigued me, and I’m always interested to check out what the librarians at the West Duluth Library put on their “Browser” shelves. Farrell sets out as his premise that this latest recession has initiated a new generation of money savers. He points out that going green and being thrifty have now become hip. More and more people are grasping a new f More...
Oct 19, 2010
Rebecca
rated it:
Here's the sum-up:
The bubble burst, guys. Sorry. We need to readjust our priorities and lifestyles if we want real, long-term stability and a happy life that includes healthy finances but isn't dependent on scads of money.
Along the way, you'll live a "greener" lifestyle as a byproduct of simplifying your financial life!
Only two stars because most of the ideas are really obvious, and the one chapter on investing is completely indecipherable.
Still, the More...
The bubble burst, guys. Sorry. We need to readjust our priorities and lifestyles if we want real, long-term stability and a happy life that includes healthy finances but isn't dependent on scads of money.
Along the way, you'll live a "greener" lifestyle as a byproduct of simplifying your financial life!
Only two stars because most of the ideas are really obvious, and the one chapter on investing is completely indecipherable.
Still, the More...
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Oct 10, 2010
Patricia
rated it:
In some ways a run-of-the-mill financial planning book. Its main difference is that the advice comes from the "consume less" angle rather than the "budget and hope for the best" angle. There was a very good chapter about home ownership and how to figure out what the author calls your P/R ratio, the "Price to Rent" ratio. This chapter might be good to read for people who are currently renting and frustrated with it.
There is also a lot of talk about liv More...
There is also a lot of talk about liv More...
Apr 05, 2010
Annette
rated it:
I got this book because I have often enjoyed Chris Farrell's commentary on Marketplace Money. He tends to be calm and reasonable and fiscally moderate. This book was a nice overview of good investing without much detail. I did enjoy the portions that detailed the history of how frowned upon "consumptive debt" turned into the acceptable and overused "consumer debt". He has many anecdotes from listeners to the radio show that illustrate his points and they are interesting.
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Apr 13, 2011
Erica
rated it:
I picked up this book because I really like listening to "Marketplace" on NPR and because I also really like the notion of frugality. Plus, I found the green cover and the little green acorn appealing.
I liked parts of this book. For example, his notion of a "margin of safety" makes a lot of sense. And I learned a lot - but that could mostly be because I didn't know anything at all about money or personal finance when I picked the book up. However, the chapter on i More...
I liked parts of this book. For example, his notion of a "margin of safety" makes a lot of sense. And I learned a lot - but that could mostly be because I didn't know anything at all about money or personal finance when I picked the book up. However, the chapter on i More...
Mar 13, 2010
gina
rated it:
Hmm... what to say.
Well, first, it was okay. The author reads it himself and does a pretty good job. Think NPR voice. Soothing, a little dorky, and intelligent. He knows his stuff and you *will* learn something from this book. Unfortunately , I learned that he wrote it for people with a LOT more money than I have. If there were a drinking game (willing to span 7 hours of audiobook)then I would suggest it take a shot every time he mentions someone investing a "modest sum" of More...
Well, first, it was okay. The author reads it himself and does a pretty good job. Think NPR voice. Soothing, a little dorky, and intelligent. He knows his stuff and you *will* learn something from this book. Unfortunately , I learned that he wrote it for people with a LOT more money than I have. If there were a drinking game (willing to span 7 hours of audiobook)then I would suggest it take a shot every time he mentions someone investing a "modest sum" of More...
Mar 06, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
I won this book on goodreads.
I agree that this book had some frugality strategies that were on the obvious side and that the investment chapter was hard to follow but I think this book had a lot of strengths.
I really enjoyed the conversational style of his writing. It felt much like the NPR show he contributes to which I enjoy listening to. I also thought he provided the reader with great web and book related resources for almost all of the topics he covered. I found h More...
I agree that this book had some frugality strategies that were on the obvious side and that the investment chapter was hard to follow but I think this book had a lot of strengths.
I really enjoyed the conversational style of his writing. It felt much like the NPR show he contributes to which I enjoy listening to. I also thought he provided the reader with great web and book related resources for almost all of the topics he covered. I found h More...
Jul 23, 2011
djgalvan
rated it:
Let me say that I began by expecting not to like this book. After the first few chapters, it became apparent to me that the author wasn't really going to make a good case for why the 'new frugality' was going to become the true norm in the wake of the 'Great Recession', which, by the way, is STILL ONGOING. But despite this, I was won over. Here's why:
The financial advice offered, I believe, is spot on. For example, the author slips in the nonchalant fact that he doesn't own his o More...
The financial advice offered, I believe, is spot on. For example, the author slips in the nonchalant fact that he doesn't own his o More...
Feb 08, 2010
Holly
rated it: 
I cant really say I read this, I would say skim is more like it. I was very interested in reading this book after seeing it mentioned in Time magazine, but I just did not like it or think it was helpful. I thought it would give me some fresh ideas on frugality and how to cut expenses, but there really was not anything new in here. At least 3 times, the book said to turn down your thermostat and wear sweaters in the winter time. Really? This is not a fresh idea, and I just cant take this boo
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Jan 08, 2010
Tracylea
rated it:
Mr. Farrell offers a nicely summarized history of economics - not something I have ever studied - which I found quite easy to follow and very interesting. His addition of personal tales in "The New Frugality" make sure readers, like myself, who tend to prefer novels stay interested in the real and important life-changing money methods.
This is a book easily recommended to someone out of college needing to figure out where to "put the money" from a new career, to More...
This is a book easily recommended to someone out of college needing to figure out where to "put the money" from a new career, to More...
Feb 16, 2010
Michelle
rated it: 
I believe this is the first finance book I've read from cover to cover. I also believe that it gives a lot of "typical" information... live below your means, save lots for retirement, college, etc.
Overall, I'd say that he hit all the areas of finance. This is a great reference book to get general info about all kinds of money matters. He's frugal in his day to day living and conservative in his investments. There are a lot of resources tucked away in the pages. There's eve More...
Overall, I'd say that he hit all the areas of finance. This is a great reference book to get general info about all kinds of money matters. He's frugal in his day to day living and conservative in his investments. There are a lot of resources tucked away in the pages. There's eve More...
Oct 18, 2011
Kelly
rated it:
Chris Farrell's analysis of most of the economic conditions in this country is pretty spot on (unlike some books I've read). If you want to get or keep your financial house in order and maintain the desire to live frugally, then this book will help you. One reason I like it is because he supports (with numbers!!) my firmly held belief that owning is not always better than renting a house. Topics he covers include: Making frugality a habit, borrowing wisely, investing the simple way (not a
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Jan 03, 2010
Kristen
rated it:
The usefulness of the personal finance advice depends on how much you've already read on the topic -- he doesn't (and shouldn't) break new ground. Specific to whether the New Frugality will actually happen, I remain unconvinced. There was nothing to indicate what makes this time different, versus any other recession (I've lived through a few) where people's consumption habits are predicted to dramatically improve post-recovery, and then don't. He does acknowledge that pundits always say that, an
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Jun 26, 2011
Alix
rated it:
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway and I finally got around to reading it. Wow, I'm happy I did!
Although, as many other reviewers have noted, many of the topics and comments contained within these pages are not new to the concept of financial security and frugality (save more, spend less, etc.) there are new ways of looking at things and I think Farrell does a very good job of making challenging concepts a bit more understandable to the lay person. Besides the difficult and sl More...
Although, as many other reviewers have noted, many of the topics and comments contained within these pages are not new to the concept of financial security and frugality (save more, spend less, etc.) there are new ways of looking at things and I think Farrell does a very good job of making challenging concepts a bit more understandable to the lay person. Besides the difficult and sl More...
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Apr 09, 2010
Colette
rated it:
If you want the historical aspect of ideas of debt/frugality, read Margaret Atwood's "Payback."
Everything else, in much greater detail, can be found on any number of personal finance, such as www.getrichslowly.com
This book was a watered down version of both these things.
I haven't heard him on the radio, but I'm sure it translates well. It just didn't have an impact in book form, but it would be informative for someone testing the "I don't know where t More...
Everything else, in much greater detail, can be found on any number of personal finance, such as www.getrichslowly.com
This book was a watered down version of both these things.
I haven't heard him on the radio, but I'm sure it translates well. It just didn't have an impact in book form, but it would be informative for someone testing the "I don't know where t More...
Apr 25, 2010
Andrea
rated it:
The two stars are more of a reflection of my previous reading in personal finance. Nothing shocking here, just a good, dare I say, reassuring refresher with plenty of Minnesota-related stories. I like Chris Farrell and enjoy him on the radio, so I enjoy reading his advice in a very straightforward format. Similar to Suze Orman's stuff, much of it is aspirational considering my status, but nonetheless incredibly important to be aware of. Who knows? Someday I may be able to put some if it to use.
Feb 06, 2010
I got through the Nancy Pearl recommended 50 pages and couldn't get into it too much. It's geared more towards investing instead of towards doing things differently around the house, sustainability/green issues, etc. The sidebars seemed to be the most interesting part and he did have a list of websites on page 71 which were geared towards the angle I'm more interested in. I've not checked most of them out but freecycle.org is a site I used a couple of years ago to get rid of some things I did
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May 02, 2011
Jill
rated it:
A good recap of living within our means. Not much new here except the author's assertion that this time it will be different--that people won't revert to reckless spending when this recession ends. I was disappointed that the author didn't provide more solid arguments on why he feels this recession will cause people to embrace a saving attitude and forego an attitude of debt. Other than that, though, this book provides motivation to living within our means.
Jan 22, 2011
Tracy
rated it:
This book has lots of general financial advice with some minor points of interest including the fact that while college degrees are valuable, they are not AS valuable as they used to be, you should think about how you spend your money in relation to how you live your life and that giving to charity is a powerful way to spend your money. It also included an interesting historical section on the origin of debit in America. I skimmed much of the book.
Jul 22, 2011
Nick
rated it:
I found this among one of the ever-exciting Park Slope book piles (a much more frugal method of acquisition than paying $24, I might add), but found it pretty disappointing. There's nothing wrong with Farrell's financial advice, but I found almost nothing that I'd really consider original ideas. I guess it made me feel good that I mostly conduct my financial life in the way Farrell supports, but I would have been pretty annoyed if I had actually paid $24 for the book.
Feb 02, 2011
Krissy
rated it:
Meh. Not that he didn't have good things to say, just that there wasn't a lot of new information. A lot of preaching to the choir. There was an interesting chapter on home ownership vs. renting. I also enjoyed his detailed examples regarding retirement savings (401k vs. IRA vs. Roth IRA). But mostly his message was: you should know what's going on with your money. And though true, not really earth shaking advice.
Dec 06, 2010
Beth
rated it:
This was a pretty good book. It was not like many typical frugality books, e.g., tips on saving money, but rather more of a general personal finance book. It is written by a correspondent for the public radio "Marketplace Money" show. The author gives some history of the thrift movement, but most of the book is about wise money management. He promotes being frugal as a way to be sustainable and as good sense. One point he makes is the importance of creating room for a margin of saf
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Jul 03, 2010
I listen to Marketplace Money on NPR and hear Chris Farrell regularly. The New Frugality is an extension of his general finance philosophy. It gives good background information about how we got where we are. It also gives good financial advise in simple terms for those less financially literate. Probably not the best book for financial professionals or long time investors, but a good primer for financial novices.
Jan 13, 2012
Lisa
rated it:
I really found the first three chapters to be worth reading the book as the rest can be found in most books. I liked reading about the history of credit and the downfalls of debt in America. He thoroughly explains both the good and evil of borrowing money. I like his basic rules for having a Margin of Safety so when the fishnet is cast on borrowers, one doesn't get caught!
Feb 17, 2010
Lacey N.
rated it:
A personal finance book with a twist: after the most recent recession, we are now a more frugal people. Chris Farrell, a reporter for NPR's Marketplace Money argues that frugality has lost its stigma in our present-day, post-recession, pro-environment world. Unfortunately, he fails to back up his thesis with facts, anecdotes, or examples. The result is mediocre.
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May 05, 2010
Inder
rated it:
I wanted to like this book, and I did find a couple of helpful insights. I liked the financial history of the United States. But overall, there is nothing revolutionary here. There is nothing even particularly interesting. There is certainly nothing that you won't find in every other generally fairly conservative personal finance book (i.e., not a "how to get rich" guide).
Aug 05, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
"Your inheritance is to graduate from college debt free"... then you're on your own.
This is a well written book covering saving, investing, and credit, and insurance and is geared to today's economy. I have taken away a short list of actions to improve our personal financial plan. Informative and a pleasure to read.
This is a well written book covering saving, investing, and credit, and insurance and is geared to today's economy. I have taken away a short list of actions to improve our personal financial plan. Informative and a pleasure to read.
Jun 01, 2010
Jennifer
rated it:
Other reviewers are right- there is nothing new in this book. Don't spend more than you earn. Save something, even if you can't save much. Read very carefully before you invest, etc. Still, Farrell has a nice was of presenting information that makes his advice seem accessible.
May 23, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
Wow, there was nothing about frugality in here. It was totally self-serving.
Dave Ramsay is way, way better than this. There's actual TIPS, rather than a facade of tips peppered between quotes from historical American figures. Plus, I think Farrell hates Americans.
Dave Ramsay is way, way better than this. There's actual TIPS, rather than a facade of tips peppered between quotes from historical American figures. Plus, I think Farrell hates Americans.
