Ulrike von der Groeben
This lacks the most lack of the TV star in retirement
Moderator Ulrike von der Groeben has postponed her retirement for her book. In an interview, she reveals what is missing in her everyday life.
“On the one hand, that was brave, but also a bit naive”: Ulrike von der Groeben (68) worried little about retirement before she opened this chapter in 2024. For 35 years she was used as a sports expert on the news program “RTL Aktuell”. Then she got to work again and the book “Freedom starts now!” (ZS Verlag, from May 7th) written – a mixture of autobiography and guide with expert talks and tips on the topic of retirement. What she misses the most after her RTL party, with what she slowed down her husband Alexander von der Groeben (69) and how much contact she has with her long-time colleague Peter Kloeppel (66), reveals Ulrike from Groeben in an interview with Spot on News.
You have for your book “Freedom starts now!” Intensively researched on the subject of retirement and asked many experts. Is there anything that you have taken on personally?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Definitely. Above all, when I wrote and in the conversations with the experts, I realized how little I thought about the topic. On the one hand, that was brave, but also a bit naive. I am still optimistic that I will be as happy as I imagine. However, I would already give others the advice to deal with certain topics earlier, especially when it comes to finance. Sure, some things can be regulated shortly before retirement, but the earlier you take care of, the better. Incidentally, this also applies to fitness and health – as Professor Froböse emphasizes in the book: it is never too late, but if you start earlier, you have an advantage.
Was old -age provision important to you in the past?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I am very safety -oriented and conservative when it comes to money. My husband, on the other hand, would have been much braver. He would have liked to buy a smaller property much earlier, especially when interest rates were cheap. On the other hand, I was always reserved, said: “We first have to pay off our own house before we think of something new.” In retrospect, I have to say: I probably didn’t listen to my husband enough and was just not ready to accept debt for something like that. I was really the brake block, although I could have known it better.
Do you regret that today?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I have developed into a Stoian person. I don’t get upset about things that can no longer be changed. What I can still influence, I do with energy and joy – but I leave the past behind me. So I regret it, but not so serious that it bothers me today.
An expert council in her book is that at the beginning of retirement you should best see yourself as a “practicing”. Does that still apply to you – or are you already one step further?
Ulrike von der Groeben: No, I didn’t even really get to practice. Through the book, I only postponed my own retirement by half a year. Writing was a lot of work – and to be honest, I was also a little afraid of it. Because actually I just didn’t want to do anything and determine what my day looks like. But then everyone encouraged me to make the book. Now the trips come to promote it. I think I really start with retirement in summer. I look forward to going on vacation and letting the soul really dangle.
Was there a moment after their last working day and the big farewell party when they fell into a hole?
Ulrike von der Groeben: No, I haven’t fallen into a real hole. Maybe that will come – but so far I was just too busy with the book. What I have to cope with is the calm. What I lack is the typical bustle in the broadcaster, the daily operation, the conferences, the time pressure, the bustling. And most of all I actually miss my colleagues. Of course I meet her from time to time – for example, I just met my old RTL girls’ round again. I also see my younger sports colleagues every now and then, we even have a regulars’ table. But that’s in the evening, most of course are working during the day and I hardly meet anyone. I lack this constant encounter with people and I still have to get used to it.
Peter Kloeppel also has their say in her book. Do you regularly exchange ideas with him?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Yes, after our farewell we saw each other more often, sometimes together with friends and our families. During his time in the United States, we also exchanged ourselves, also for the interview that appears in the book. Peter was also back in Germany recently – we met because we received the Grimme Prize together.
Spotonnews
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
