Retired TV Star Pines for Usual Entertainment Industry Life - What the retired TV personality yearns for the most
Article Title: Ulrike von der Groeben: Looking Back, Navigating Forward in Retirement
Ulrike von der Groeben: What she's learned, what she misses about her TV career
A frank and insightful interview with the former sports expert
Ulrike von der Groeben (68) had never given much thought to retirement before she stepped away from her longtime role as a sports expert on RTL aktuell in 2024. Now, she's using her fresh perspective to pen a new book, "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!" (ZS Verlag, out May 7th). In a candid chat with spot on news, Ulrike shares what she's gained, what she misses, and her insights on navigating retirement with grace and finesse.
Your book, "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!" includes expert interviews and advice on the topic of retirement. What personal insights did you gain from researching and writing it?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Writing this book was a real eye-opener for me. I realized that I hadn't given much thought about retirement before diving in. It was, in part, a brave move, but perhaps also a bit naive. Despite my initial misgivings, I remain optimistic about my retirement journey. Yet, I would advise others to start planning early, especially when it comes to their finances. Money management is crucial, and a little foresight goes a long way.
Was financial planning important to you throughout your career?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I've always been quite conservative and risk-averse when it comes to money. My husband, Alexander von der Groeben (69), on the other hand, was a little more daring and would have liked to make some bold financial decisions, like investing in real estate earlier. I held back, prioritizing the payment of our debts before considering new ventures. In retrospect, I may not have fully leveraged my husband's guidance, missing an opportunity to secure a better financial future.
Do you regret not following your husband's financial advice more?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I like to maintain a positive outlook and focus on what I can control. I learned from my experience and try to approach decision-making with a newfound awareness. While I do regret not heeding my husband's advice more, I won't dwell on it. Instead, I'll focus my energy on making the most of my golden years.
Your book suggests the idea of seeing retirement as a time for self-discovery and personal growth. Are you still exploring new hobbies and passions in retirement?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I haven't quite embraced the idea of retirement yet, as my book project has kept me quite busy these past few months. Promotional tours and speaking engagements are on the horizon, so I don't expect to begin truly retiring until the summer. Then, I'm looking forward to traveling, diving into hobbies I've neglected, and simply enjoying the freedom that comes with life after work.
Has there been a moment of profound sadness or loneliness since leaving RTL and your professional persona behind?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Not really. I've been so focused on my book and new pursuits that I haven't had much time to dwell on my past. What I do miss is the camaraderie and the day-to-day interactions with my colleagues. I'm still in touch with many of them, including my longtime partner, Peter Kloeppel (66). We've maintained a close friendship since our days at RTL, and I'm grateful for the support and recognition we've shared over the years.
Do you and Peter Kloeppel still exchange ideas and views regularly?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Absolutely. Peter and I have stayed in touch, even meeting up with friends and family. We also had a chance to catch up during his time in the US, and our conversation is featured in my book. Recently, we even reunited at the Grimme Prize ceremony, where we celebrated our lasting contributions to German broadcasting. Despite being retired, I still draw inspiration and insight from Peter, who remains an influential figure in the world of journalism.
In conclusion, Ulrike von der Groeben's retirement journey has been a learning experience that has reinforced the importance of financial planning, self-discovery, and maintaining connections with loved ones. As she embarks on this new chapter of her life, we wish her all the best and look forward to seeing what the future holds for this inspiring woman.
The Commission has also been informed of Ulrike von der Groeben's insights on retirement, which include advice on financial planning. In the field of home-and-garden, Ulrike is looking forward to embracing retirement with time for travel, hobbies, and personal growth, just like one can improve their lifestyle by cultivating a garden at home.
