Vicki Gunvalson: A Closer Look At The Life Of A Reality Star, Author, And Entrepreneur

Just How Wealthy Is Vicki Gunvalson?

Let’s talk about Vicki Gunvalson, shall we? She’s not just your average reality TV star. With a net worth of $7 million, Vicki’s made a name for herself in more ways than one. She’s an independent insurance agent, a published author, and of course, one of the original cast members of "The Real Housewives of Orange County." Now, that’s impressive. Her books, like "More Than a Housewife" and "Internet Life Insurance Selling Made Easy," have helped cement her legacy as both a thought leader and a household name in the world of reality TV.

Her Early Days

Vicki Gunvalson’s journey didn’t start in the spotlight. Born Victoria L. Steinmetz on March 27, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, she grew up as one of five children in Mount Prospect and later in Palestine. Her childhood was filled with family values and hard work. Her father, a successful construction company owner, instilled in her the importance of financial responsibility from a young age. Vicki’s first job was at Swenson's Ice Cream Shop, and she later worked at Wendy’s and Jewel Food Stores. These early experiences taught her the value of grit and determination—qualities that would later define her career.

Personal Life and Career Highlights

Vicki’s life took a significant turn at 21 when she married Michael Wolfsmith. They had two children, Briana and Michael, but life threw her a curveball at 29 when she became a single mother after their divorce. She took on a part-time job at her father’s construction company, but it was a pivotal conversation with a friend that changed everything. That friend encouraged her to consider life insurance, not just for herself but as a career. Fast forward to her first year in the industry, and she was already the top salesperson at her company.

Read also:

Flirtcom The Ultimate Spot For Casual Connections

Her son, Michael, graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder and now works alongside Vicki at Coto Insurance. Her daughter, Brianna, is a nurse, married with two children, and lives in Oklahoma. But life wasn’t without its challenges. In 1991, her father passed away from Alzheimer’s disease, a loss that deeply affected her. However, she didn’t let tragedy slow her down. In 1994, she married Donn Gunvalson, and together they founded Coto Insurance and Financial Services. Vicki takes pride in mentoring and employing women, especially single mothers like herself.

But let’s talk about her time on "The Real Housewives of Orange County." Vicki was a part of the show from its inception in 2005 through season 13 and even made appearances in season 14. Her life became intertwined with the show, and her on-screen persona became as iconic as the franchise itself. The show was filmed in her office and backyard in the early days, and now it’s a global phenomenon, airing in over 120 countries. Vicki’s public divorce from Donn Gunvalson in 2010 was a major storyline, and their divorce was finalized in 2014.

More recently, her relationship with Brooks Ayers caused some controversy among her castmates and especially with her daughter, Brianna. But love seems to be in the air again for Vicki. She’s now engaged to Steve Lodge, the brother of actor Roger Lodge. They enjoy country music concerts and spending time with their families together.

Vicki’s no-nonsense attitude has earned her both admiration and criticism. She’s been called controlling, but it’s clear that her drive comes from her desire to succeed and help others succeed. She’s one of the most outspoken cast members on the show, and she’s never afraid to speak her mind. In 2018, she was awarded the United States Department of Defense Patriot Award for her support of military spouses and families. Her departure from the show in 2020 after 14 years was bittersweet, but she left with gratitude for the fans who supported her throughout her journey.

What’s in Her Paycheck?

Vicki Gunvalson’s salary from "The Real Housewives of Orange County" was a cool $500,000 per season. But her wealth isn’t just from TV. She’s the owner and operator of Coto Insurance and Financial Services, and she’s recently expanded her business to include associates in Bellevue, Washington, and Atlanta. Her entrepreneurial spirit has been a key factor in her financial success.

Her Dream Home

Vicki’s home in the exclusive Coto de Caza community is nothing short of spectacular. This 5,400-square-foot mansion boasts five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and sits on one acre of lush land. The house, which was briefly listed for $2.695 million, features high ceilings, a formal living and dining room, and a main-floor office. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with a breakfast counter, center island, granite countertops, a butler’s pantry, double oven, and a built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator. It opens to a breakfast nook and a family room with a fireplace and wet bar.

Read also:

Topearning Tv Actors Whorsquos Raking In The Big Bucks

The second floor houses three spacious bedrooms and the master suite, which includes a retreat with a see-through, two-way fireplace and an oversized balcony offering breathtaking views of the hills. The backyard is a resort-style oasis with a pool featuring a waterfall, a rock slide, a spa, and palm trees. There’s also a grotto with a bar area, fire pit, and plenty of seating. For the ultimate outdoor dining experience, the property includes a full outdoor kitchen with a stainless steel barbecue, dishwasher, refrigerator, and ice cooler. It’s the perfect place for Vicki to entertain or simply relax with her loved ones.