Vicki Gunvalson Net Worth

What is Vicki Gunvalson's net worth?

Vicki Gunvalson is an independent Insurance Agent, author, and reality television star who has a net worth of $7 million. Vicki Gunvalson is best known as one of the original cast members of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Orange County." Debuting in 2006, she appeared on the show for 14 consecutive seasons and became one of its most recognizable and outspoken figures, earning the nickname "OG of the OC." Her candid personality, dramatic storylines, and entrepreneurial drive helped establish the template for Bravo's entire "Real Housewives" franchise.

Outside of television, Gunvalson is a successful insurance executive. She founded Coto Insurance and Financial Services in the 1990s, a firm based in Coto de Caza, California, specializing in life insurance, retirement planning, and financial advice. Her business acumen and insistence on self-sufficiency became recurring themes on "RHOC," where she often clashed with castmates but was also admired for her work ethic and ambition.

During her years on the show, Gunvalson's personal life—including her marriages, family relationships, and romances—was closely followed by fans. Her daughter, Briana Culberson, and son, Michael, made frequent appearances, contributing to her role as a matriarchal figure on the series.

After leaving "The Real Housewives of Orange County" in 2020, Gunvalson continued to appear in related Bravo projects such as "The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip." She has also maintained her insurance business and leveraged her public profile into speaking engagements and brand partnerships. Vicki Gunvalson remains one of reality television's defining personalities, known for blending business savvy with unfiltered authenticity.

Early Life

Victoria L. Steinmetz was born on March 27, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in the suburbs of Mount Prospect and later in the small town of Palatine, Illinois, as one of five children. Her father, William J. Steinmetz, owned Steinmetz Acoustical Construction Company, while her mother, Joanne, was a homemaker who maintained a polished home and cooked dinner for the family every night. Vicki has described her upbringing as warm and close-knit, filled with family gatherings and Midwestern values.

She has one brother, Bill, and three sisters—Kim, Lisa, and Kathy (who was adopted). From an early age, her parents instilled in her the importance of hard work and financial independence. Her father, in particular, taught her how to manage money responsibly. Vicki worked multiple jobs as a teenager, starting at Swenson's Ice Cream, then Wendy's, and later Jewel Food Stores. Those early lessons in work ethic and accountability would eventually shape her entrepreneurial drive.

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Early Adulthood and First Marriage

At 21, Vicki married Michael Wolfsmith, with whom she had two children: Briana and Michael. The marriage ended in divorce when she was 29, leaving her a single mother responsible for supporting two young kids. She returned to work at her father's construction company part-time while searching for a stable career.

When a friend suggested she purchase a life insurance policy, Vicki realized she could make a living helping others secure financial protection. She earned her insurance and health license and quickly proved her skill as a salesperson, ranking among the top agents in her firm during her first year. The career provided not just financial security, but a newfound confidence and purpose.

Building Coto Insurance and Business Success

In 1991, Vicki's father passed away after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. Three years later, she remarried, tying the knot with Donn Gunvalson. Around that time, she founded Coto Insurance and Financial Services, based in Coto de Caza, California. The company specialized in life insurance and retirement planning, and under her leadership, it became one of the most successful female-run insurance agencies in Orange County.

Vicki has long taken pride in mentoring other women and single mothers, offering flexible work opportunities and encouraging them to build financial independence. Her tenacity and work ethic earned her recognition in business circles, and in 2018, she received the U.S. Department of Defense Patriot Award for supporting military families and spouses.

(Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images for New Era)

Reality Television Career

In 2005, Vicki was cast in Bravo's new reality experiment, "The Real Housewives of Orange County," which followed the lives of affluent women in Southern California. As one of the show's original stars, she quickly became known for her big personality, emotional candor, and signature phrase "Whoop it up!"

Over 14 seasons, viewers watched her navigate the pressures of entrepreneurship, parenting, and relationships in front of the camera. Her office and home often served as central filming locations during the show's early years, and her driven, type-A personality made her both a fan favorite and a lightning rod for drama.

Vicki's marriage to Donn eventually ended on screen, with the couple filing for divorce in 2010 and finalizing it in 2014. Later, her relationship with Brooks Ayers became one of the show's most controversial storylines, as castmates and fans questioned his authenticity and the truth behind his health claims.

By season 14, Vicki's role on the show was reduced to a "friend of the housewives" position. In January 2020, she announced her departure after 14 years, thanking fans for their support and reflecting on what she called "an incredible ride."

Later Relationships and Personal Life

Following her divorce from Donn, Vicki entered a long-term relationship with Brooks Ayers, which ended in 2015 after public scrutiny and tension with her daughter, Briana. In 2019, she became engaged to Steve Lodge, a retired police officer and the brother of television host Roger Lodge. The engagement ended in 2021.

Today, Vicki remains close to her two adult children and is a devoted grandmother. Her daughter, Briana Culberson, is a registered nurse married to former Marine Ryan Culberson, while her son, Michael Wolfsmith, works alongside her at Coto Insurance.

RHOC Salary

Vicki Gunvalson's salary per season of The Real Housewives of Orange County was $500,000.

Real Estate

Vicki Gunvalson's real estate journey reflects both her success as a businesswoman and her love of home design and entertaining. For many years, her primary residence was a sprawling 5,400-square-foot estate in the exclusive gated community of Coto de Caza, one of Southern Orange County's most sought-after neighborhoods. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom property sat on a full acre of land and featured a grand two-story entry, formal living and dining rooms, and a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, a center island, and high-end appliances. The master suite included a two-way fireplace, sitting area, and balcony overlooking a resort-style backyard complete with a waterfall pool, grotto bar, and full outdoor kitchen.

Vicki first listed the home in 2020 for roughly $3.35 million and ultimately sold it in March 2021 for around $3 million. Soon after, she downsized but remained in Coto de Caza, purchasing a newer 3,000-square-foot home in April 2021 for approximately $1.03 million. That residence, a more modern Mediterranean design, featured three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an open-concept layout. She later renovated and privately listed it in 2022 for about $1.6 million, reflecting her long-standing interest in real estate investment and property improvement.

In addition to her California holdings, Vicki owns a condominium in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico—a vacation home she has proudly showcased on social media. The property serves as her retreat overlooking the Pacific, and she has shared photos of extensive remodeling and decorating projects there.

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