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Meet Daniel. Hes a 36-year-old Harvard Law graduate who works in New York as an attorney (but lives in New Jersey to avoid NYC taxes). You wouldnt know it from looking at him because his suits are so threadbare that theyre falling apart, but he makes $270,000 a year. Unlike the rest of his colleagues who work in large law firms, Daniel isnt exactly fast and loose with his six-figure salary. He survives on a diet of rice and beans and beats himself up when he splurges on Chipotle. The most expensive pair of work shoes he owns cost $60, and the rest are from thrift shops. He doesnt turn on the heat in winter; he just puts on additional layers of clothing. He doesnt even own a TV.

Daniels frugal life may sound incredibly boring and, well, awful, but heres a little secret about him: Hes saved 70 percent of his salary over the years, his IRA has been maxed out for almost 20 years, and hes got more than $400,000 ready for the future.

Daniel plans to retire in the next three years.

How did he save so much money? According to a profile piece in the New York Post, Daniel subscribes to the financial independence, retire early movement (FI/RE):

The money philosophy essentially, save fast and early so you can quit working young is gaining traction among millennials who have had a taste of office drudgery and want nothing to do with it. Followers combine investment hacks with old-fashioned penny pinching to build up enough savings to quit their 9-to-5, well before their 60s. Theyre also committed to a monastic existence, even amid NYCs many social temptations drinks with co-workers, workout classes and even the odd fast-casual Friday lunch.

Daniels stingy lifestyle has been quite detrimental to his social life or complete lack thereof). Hes single (My previous ex-girlfriend never really got on board. Her concept of what I was doing was being cheap, and depriving myself and her.) and has trouble relating to his coworkers (They talk all the time about the fancy restaurants, bars and Broadway shows theyre going to.). At least soon hell be able to leave the Biglaw life behind and trade his long working hours for more leisurely pursuits.

But for now, the all-consuming FI/RE life is what what keeps him going: Im trying to get to a point where nothing besides death can stop me. Best of luck, Daniel.

Inside the strange, secretive lives of rich millennial cheapskates [New York Post]

Staci Zaretskyis a senior editor at Above the Law, where shes worked since 2011. Shed love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, comments, or critiques. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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Cheap Biglaw Associate Survives On Rice And Beans, Squirrels Away Six Figures To Retire - Above the Law