Vicki Gunvalson is opening up about her finances following her January exit from The Real Housewives of Orange County.
During the March 5 episode of her new podcast series, Vicki admitted to losing a seven-figure paycheck when she left the show before dishing on her season two salary, explaining why she was shocked that she was not brought back to her full-time role for season 15, and revealing her future plans.
“When I finished the 14th season I was in a seven-figure income,” Vicki told her listeners on Whoop It Up with Vicki. “When the phone call comes to you and says, ‘You are no longer going to be on,’ you better have a backup plan on your finances that you can still sustain the life you created for the last 14, 15 years.”
Throughout her time on Bravo, Vicki was smart with her money and chose to stay at her home in Coto De Caza.
“The good news is I never bought a bigger house. I never bought any bigger cars. I lived within my means. I paid my taxes, banked as much as I could,” she added.
Vicki also retained an attorney, who walked her through her many contracts with the network and informed her that because “of Orange County” was added to the title of RHOC, she wouldn’t be eligible to collect any money or residuals for future franchises.
Following the initial season of the show, Vicki was met with an offer to appear on the series’ second season for just $35,000. While she was hesitant at first, she ultimately agreed to take Bravo’s offer and continue her run, which she did until the end of season 14. At that point, Vicki received a phone call informing her that the network was “going in a different direction” and would not be including her in a full-time position on season 15.
Upon hearing the news, Vicki went into shock.
“I was giving it my all and chances that I would be back full-time, I felt, [were] 100 percent,” Vicki recalled. “I’m like, ‘There’s no way they can film this show without me.’ I felt strong that I am a viable member of this cast. Kelly and I forgave each other for all the hurt we caused each other. At the reunion, we hugged it out and I really wished her the very best.”
“I did everything right. I was their best employee. I showed up on time. I did my work. I was very professional all the time,” she continued.
Vicki was also convinced that she would be back due to the outpouring of love she received at BravoCon. As fans will recall, the crowd went into an uproar after Vicki confirmed she would not be returning to the show if she wasn’t upgraded to a full-time position.
Now that she’s no longer appearing on RHOC, Vicki is excited for her future as she focuses on her company and her family.
“My goal is to spend more time [in North Carolina]. My boys are getting bigger and I just want to be a part of their lives. [Steve Lodge] and I are going on there in a month. We’re going to babysit the boys while [Briana Culberson and Ryan Culberson] go to Salt Lake City. I’m just really trying to grasp what my new normal is.”
Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo
