Chatty with Ulrike von der Groeben: A Peek into Retirement's Bite-Sized Pangs
The retired TV personality pines for what he's lacking the most. - The Retired TV Star Expresses His Deepest Missing Aspects
Hey there! Ulrike von der Groeben (68), TV's favorite sports expert, spent 35 years on the news show "RTL aktuell". After bidding adieu in 2024, she dived back in and wrote the book "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!" (Release date: May 7), a deep dive into retirement using her personal experiences and expert insights. In an exclusive interview with spot on news, Ulrike opens up about her post-RTL life, misses, and connections with her old crew.
What's the one thing you wished you'd considered earlier in your retirement planning?
Ulrike: Honestly, I hadn't given much thought to retirement before it happened. It was both brave and a bit naive. But researching and writing my book made me realize the importance of financial planning. I could've been better prepared if I had addressed certain topics sooner.
Did you find yourself gravitating towards financial security, or did you take a few risks?
Ulrike: I’m a bit of a security-oriented person when it comes to money. My husband, on the other hand, was more willing to take risks. I think I was the cautious one, denting our brave plans. Looking back, I think I should've heeded his advice more often.
Missing the Rush: A Post-RTL Adjustment
So, what's biggest miss in your post-RTL life?
Ulrike: The hustle and bustle, the daily operations, the conferences, and the time pressure. I miss being surrounded by people continuously—the heart of my career. Of course, I still meet some of my old colleagues, but it's not quite the same as the constant encounter with people I used to have.
Peter Kloeppel: A Friend for Life
Peter Kloeppel also graced your pages in "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!". Are you still in touch?
Ulrike: Absolutely! We've met up quite a few times since our farewell, even with friends and family. Peter and I even met recently when we both received the Grimme Prize.
Seeing as you're diving back into work with your book, it seems like you're making the most of your retirement. Stay awesome, Ulrike!
- The Commission has also been informed of the results of Ulrike von der Groeben's evaluation of her financial planning measures in her lifestyle transition, specifically her home-and-garden arrangements after her retirement from RTL.
- In her book "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!", Ulrike von der Groeben explains that she may have been better off taking some risks in her financial planning, as her husband suggested, rather than relying solely on security.
- Ulrike von der Groeben admits that she misses the rush and daily interactions of her work life, particularly the conferences and time pressure, even though she still maintains contact with some of her old colleagues.
- Ulrike von der Groeben and Peter Kloeppel, a fellow colleague from her days at RTL, have remained close friends after their retirements, often meeting up with friends and family, and recently even received the Grimme Prize together.
