Most Significantly Absent from the TV Star Post-Retirement Life - What the retired TV personality yearns for the most.
Ulrike von der Groeben Opens Up About Her Book and Retirement
Ulrike von der Groeben's new book, "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!", a blend of memoir and advice, boasts expert interviews and tips on retirement. In an exclusive interview with spot on news, Ulrike shares her thoughts, regrets, and plans for the future.
Your book covers extensive research and interviews with experts. Have you personally gained anything from it?
Ulrike: Absolutely. Writing this book made me realize how unprepared I was for certain aspects of retirement - quite brave, but also a bit naive. I'm still optimistic about my future, but I urge others to tackle key topics like finances earlier on. Delaying these discussions only leads to more stress later down the line. This also applies to health and fitness - it's never too late to start, but those who do it earlier have an edge, as Professor Froboese explains in the book.
Financial planning was important to you in the past?
Ulrike: I'm quite cautious with money, being conservative by nature. However, my husband was more daring, wishing to buy another property early on when interest rates were favorable. But I was always hesitant, thinking, "We need to pay off our current home first." Reflecting on this, I feel I was a bit too cautious and should have trusted my husband's instincts more.
Do you regret it now?
Ulrike: I'm a stoic person who doesn't dwell on the past. I've moved on and focus on the things I can influence with energy and positivity. Knowing better now, I could've made different decisions, but I don't beat myself up over it.
Your book suggests seeing oneself as a "practitioner" at the beginning of retirement. Where do you stand in that regard?
Ulrike: I'm still very much in the beginning stages. Writing the book itself delayed my own retirement by half a year. It was a lot of work, and I was a bit apprehensive, wanting to do nothing and set my own pace. But everyone encouraged me to do the book, and promotional travels are coming up soon. I think I'll truly begin my retirement in the summer, ready to take it easy and enjoy myself.
Did you experience a down period after your last day at work and the farewell party?
Ulrike: Not really. I was so engrossed in the book and other projects that I didn't have time to feel down. I'm not one to dwell on things; I look forward and focus on the positive aspects of retirement. However, I do miss the daily chaos in the station, the collegial bond, and the time pressure. I especially miss my colleagues. Despite meeting them occasionally, I haven't fully adjusted to the silence of the daytime hours.
Peter Kloeppel is also mentioned in your book. How's your relationship with him now?
Ulrike: Peter and I have met many times since our retirement. We share a rich history, having worked together for over three decades. We've recently crossed paths again, having both received the Grimme Prize. Although I don't see him often during the day, I still meet with my old RTL girls' group from time to time, and I share a regular table with some of my younger sports colleagues in the evenings.
Ulrike: Writing my book has made me realize the importance of addressing financial planning earlier in retirement, a lesson I wish I had learned before. This is one of the areas where I was overly cautious, as my husband and Professor Froboese explain in the book.
In the past, I was more conservative with money compared to my husband, who was more eager to invest when interest rates were favorable. However, I don't regret my decisions, as I'm a stoic person who focuses on the positive aspects of life.
Upon retiring, I didn't experience a downturn, as I was engrossed in my book and other projects. Although I miss my colleagues, I'm looking forward to embracing the quieter and more leisurely pace of retirement this summer.
Peter Kloeppel and I have maintained a close relationship, even after our retirement. We've attended numerous events together, including the Grimme Prize ceremony, and I still meet with some of my colleagues from both my RTL days and the sports world.
