Thrifty Germans look to escape rat race early

BERLIN (AFP) — Former meteorologist Lars Hattwig has achieved the “frugalist” dream that is gaining ground in aging Germany: retiring in his 40s and living on the proceeds of a working life lived sparingly.

“It was four years ago that I realized I didn’t need my salary anymore. I didn’t have to work any more. So I quit my job,” the Berliner, now 47, tells AFP.

Hattwig put himself through a sometimes punishing savings regime for 10 years and carefully invested the proceeds, giving himself the resources to make the leap.

“For one or two years I was extremely tight-fisted” after the 2008 crisis, he admits, as his share holdings lost some of their value before later recovering.

“I avoided turning on the lights at home, I checked the meter regularly, I bought the cheapest food,” he recalled. “But that phase is over now.” A craze for frugal living is spreading on German-language blogs and Internet forums, stoked by those already living the dream or people imagining what might be if they could only scrape the cash together.

For example, each step of 29-yearold Oliver Noelting’s pilgrimage toward financial freedom is chronicled in detail online.

“I can totally imagine that when I’m 40, I’ll say to myself: I’ve been doing this for 10 or 12 years. Now I want to do something else,” the Hanoverbased computer programmer says, pooh-poohing the official retirement age of 67. “My goal is just to be happy.” Known as FIRE — “Financial Independence Retire Early” — in the United States, where it originated, the motives of adherents to the frugalist movement range from the ecological to the political or just personal inclination.

Enthusiasts are often middle class and lead simple lives with a focus on health — and nary a cigarette to be seen.