How to Survive Without a Salary by Charles Long (1996, Paperback, Revised)

As the economy and the value of the dollar change, other things, like barter, trade and co-operatives become more and more important to "the little guy". This book espouses "conserverism" versus "consumerism", it isn't how much money you make, it's how much money you save.

With humor and real experiences, I found that this book really changed the way that I view things... and the rest of my family is also on board. We are suddenly (with very little effort) getting things for free (50 bales of straw for our farm, 2 hours worth of professional therapeutic massage, food, cleaning supplies, clothing), and the things we are getting are not from out of a dumpster or someone else's trash - really.

The book is a tad dated (regarding computers, etc), but the message and principles are enduring.

I recommend this book to anyone that is looking to reduce their economic footprint, prepare for the possible loss of a job (or health insurance), save several hundred dollars a month (or more, I truly think it is possible), and not get caught up in the "bigger, more, better" mentality.