In “40 Percent Off is the New Black” (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $9.99), authors Lisa Birnbach, Ann Hodgman and Patricia Marx present hundreds of reasons why less is more.

Some are practical suggestions. Others are humorous, inspirational or comforting reminders that the recession might have redeeming qualities.

Among the more practical tips, quips and suggestions to get you through the recession:

• If you start getting your hair cut every six weeks instead of every five, you’ll save the cost of one or two haircuts a year.

• Most households have an endless supply of scrap paper to use for phone messages and shopping lists.

• Packing your own lunch saves calories as well as money.

• Putting an item on your on-line wish list almost feels like buying it.

• Good prosecco is better than bad champagne.

• Housekeeping burns 575 calories per hour. Shopping burns only 217 calories. You do the math.

• Scientists say tap water is just as good as bottled water.

• 33 percent of patients who asked for discounts from doctors, dentists or pharmacists got them, according to Consumer Reports.

• Your pets wouldn’t like you more if you were rich.