The current economic plight has cause reverberations throughout the culture, and now we find ourselves at the dawn of a new era, where “broke” has inadvertently become the new “black.”

Historically, less than favorable predicaments have often sparked creativity. Today, in 2009, the frustrations of a youthful generation have once again inspired a resourceful and ingenious attitude. After all, the arts still managed to flourish during the Great Depression, leaving future decades almost no excuse for not defiantly weathering any storm.

In a world where steady employment is almost considered a luxury, lavish consumer items have taken a backseat. While jobs may be scarce, there seems to be an abundance of unpaid internships and “commission only” positions. This workforce phenomenon is causing the daily grind to look like the Cirque du Soleil, as attempts are made to juggle three jobs or more in a feat otherwise known as “Gigonomics.”

It’s the economic woe that prompted ABC to collaborate with financial expert Mellody Hobson for the comical but informative primetime special, Un-Broke: What You Need To Know About Money, which aired in May 2009. The following month marked yet another train fare hike in New York, leaving commuters irritated about dishing out extra cash for the same ride.

Yet, these signs of troubled times are no match for your new best friend, Broke-Ass Stuart.

With his book, Broke-Ass Stuart’s Guide to Living Cheaply in New York City, this San Franciscan author makes it clear in no uncertain terms: “You are young, broke and beautiful.” With an easy admittance of having a low cash flow and a desire to financially conserve, this new money-saving superstar has taken a stance against the corporate culture, making frivolous spending a thing of the past.

Looks like “saving” is the new “chic.”

“This book isn’t simply just a guide to living cheaply in New York. It’s more. It’s a celebration of the fact that you don’t have to be rich to enjoy this city. You don’t have to have designer clothes and expensive things to love this place and make it your home.”

Financial advisors and strategists watch out.

Broke-Ass Stuart delivers with a digestible guide that gives an NYC neighborhood breakdown and covers all you need to know about cutting back, including cheap food, bars, bargain-hunting, websites, and even entertainment. Inspired by American writers such as Hunter S. Thompson, Tom Robbins and J.D. Salinger, Broke-Ass Stuart uses humor on every page, proving that you don’t have to be disheartened just because you’re broke.

Beware: This book is not for the meek or emotionally sensitive. Broke-Ass Stuart is indeed hilarious, he cuts to the chase, and he’s honest almost to the point of offense. But hey, if you’re serious about keeping the money in the bank, this book may just be the candid reality check you need…especially if you really are broke.

It’s all part of what Broke-Ass Stuart calls an “anti-consumerist concept.”

“You don’t need Louis Vuitton bags, and you certainly don’t need fake Louis Vuitton bags,” he said. Considering himself part of the counter-culture, his outlook mirrors the spirit of the 1960s which set a tone for a little rebellion as displayed the new film Taking Woodstock.

His guide bluntly highlights the fact that, while Manhattan remains the desired hot-bedded center of the city, most New Yorkers can’t afford to live there. In many cases, the cost of living has driven many across the waters to reside in New Jersey, renowned for political scandals and residents who drive like cabbies.

Speaking of traveling out of state, Broke-Ass Stuart has journeyed to about 15 countries, including Ireland, Argentina, Israel and Western Europe, and my favorite part of the book is the introduction, where he describes New York and California. With an adventurous spirit that has led him across the county, Stuart cites Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations on the Travel Channel as one of the best travel shows out there.

Also responsible for Broke-Ass Stuart’s Guide to Living Cheaply in San Francisco, he’s got a band of dedicated followers that trailed him during his New York City walking book tour, and a growing online presence through his website.

“The website has the same great personality as the book,” he said. “We write for busboys, poets, social workers, students, artists, musicians, magicians, mathematicians, maniacs, yodelers and everyone else out there who wants to enjoy life not as a rich person, but as a real person. Namely, we write for you.”

And you are “young, broke and beautiful.”