Get to Know Stefanie Waller
A Few of Her Credentials
Before joining Vision Retirement, Stefanie spent over ten years in the financial services industry working at Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and Barclays Capital, primarily in the area of Finance. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Lehigh University and spent time studying abroad at New York University in France.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Since I’m not a fan of cold weather, I’d live somewhere warm and on a beach. If I had to choose just one place, it would be La Jolla, California; the year-round weather, downtown area, and their beaches are fantastic and tough to beat (Stefanie won’t admit that she just wants to spend retirement near her Italian counterpart, Joanne, who chose a similar destination).
If you can have one meal, what would it consist of?
Admittedly, I’m a cheap date. The main course would consist of a charcuterie board with nothing but the highest-quality cheeses and meats imported from Italy along with some soft bread, crackers and a large glass of red wine. Dessert is a no-brainer, and my favorite is New York-Style Cheesecake.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading. Three of my favorite books are Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. I also enjoy traveling, exercising—especially yoga and playing tennis, or going for walks with my two dogs—a chocolate and a black Lab.
Who is your biggest hero?
I admire different people for different things, and it’s difficult to choose just one person. Therefore, I’ve taken the liberty to rephrase the question to “heroes”. That said, my parents are my heroes. They both immigrated to this country with very little education, and hardly any money, and they worked diligently to provide for us and live the American Dream.
What would you do with your Mega Millions winnings?
I’d purchase that house on the beach in La Jolla which would be my home base, as I would travel everywhere I could throughout the year. My bucket list is quite lengthy and includes Italy (I’ve been to twice, once when I was ten years old, but haven’t yet visited Tuscany, Sicily, and Milan), Greece, all over Europe, all over the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, a few islands in French Polynesia, and Iceland to see Northern Lights.
What are some of your most memorable moments?
When each of my daughters was born (I have two), vacations with family (specifically Sedona, The Grand Canyon and our Jersey shore excursions). Quarantining during COVID-19; while the pandemic came with many challenges, the silver lining was that I was able to spend more time with family, participating in many activities, such as cooking, playing games, and having conversations. Playing lacrosse in high school also brings back some fond memories.