Thrifty Germans look to escape the rat race early

Former meteorologist Lars Hattwig has achieved the "frugalist" dream that is gaining ground in ageing Germany: retiring in his 40s and living on the proceeds of a working life lived sparingly.

"It was four years ago that I realised 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 metre regularly, I bought the cheapest food," he recalled. "But that phase is over now."
"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 Hanover-based computer programmer says, pooh-poohing the official retirement age of 67. "My goal is just to be happy."