The Chrisley Knows Debt: Why Todd And Julie Chrisley’s Net Worth Is -$18 Million In 2025

The financial reality for reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley has dramatically shifted from the lavish, gold-plated lifestyle viewers saw on Chrisley Knows Best to a complex, negative net worth in 2025, despite the stunning news of their early release from federal prison. As of the current date, December 12, 2025, the couple's collective net worth is estimated to be a staggering negative figure, primarily due to a massive $17.2 million restitution order and the liquidation of assets following their high-profile conviction for bank fraud and tax evasion.

The story of the Chrisleys’ fortune is a cautionary tale of extreme wealth followed by catastrophic legal and financial collapse. While their recent presidential pardon in May 2025 granted them their freedom, it did not erase the monumental debt and financial obligations imposed by the federal government, leaving their financial future precarious and their net worth firmly in the negative millions.

Todd and Julie Chrisley: A Brief Biography and Legal Timeline

The couple, who became household names for their Atlanta and Nashville-based reality show, have a long history in business and entertainment that culminated in a devastating legal battle.

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Michael Todd Chrisley Profile

• Full Name: Michael Todd Chrisley
• Date of Birth: April 6, 1969
• Place of Birth: Georgia, USA (Raised in Westminster, South Carolina)
• Primary Career: Real estate entrepreneur, reality television personality, producer.
• Key Business Entity: Chrisley Asset Management (filed for corporate bankruptcy in 2013).
• First Marriage: Teresa Terry (1988–1996)
• Children: Lindsie Chrisley, Kyle Chrisley, Chase Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley, and Grayson Chrisley.

Julie Chrisley (née Hughes) Profile

• Full Name: Julie Hughes Chrisley
• Date of Birth: January 9, 1973
• Place of Birth: South Carolina, USA
• Primary Career: Reality television personality, chef, and homemaker.
• Parents: Daughter of a Baptist minister.
• Marriage to Todd: Married in 1996.

Legal and Financial Timeline Milestones

• 2012: Todd Chrisley files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, listing $4.2 million in assets and $49.4 million in debts.
• 2014: *Chrisley Knows Best* premieres on the USA Network, launching the family to stardom and financial success.
• 2019: Federal grand jury in Atlanta indicts Todd and Julie Chrisley on multiple counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion.
• June 2022: The couple is convicted of defrauding community banks out of more than $30 million by submitting false documents to secure bank loans.
• November 2022: Todd is sentenced to 12 years and Julie to 7 years in federal prison.
• 2023: The couple is ordered to pay $17.2 million in restitution to the victims of their financial crimes.
• May 2025: President Donald Trump grants Todd and Julie Chrisley a full presidential pardon, leading to their early release from prison.

The Pre-Conviction Fortune: How They Built and Lost Millions

Before their legal troubles, the Chrisleys cultivated an image of immense, self-made wealth, primarily through Todd’s work as a real estate developer and their lucrative reality TV contracts. This period of prosperity, however, was built on a shaky foundation of alleged financial deception.

Todd Chrisley initially amassed his fortune through various real estate ventures across the Southern United States, focusing on luxury properties in areas like Atlanta and Nashville. Their extravagant lifestyle—showcased by luxury cars, designer clothing, and sprawling mansions—was a central theme of their hit show, *Chrisley Knows Best*.

A significant source of their liquid wealth came from the USA Network reality series, which ran for ten seasons. At their peak, the Chrisleys were reportedly earning six figures per episode, in addition to income from their spin-off show, *Growing Up Chrisley*, and other business ventures, including licensing deals and public speaking engagements.

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However, the facade began to crack with Todd's 2012 Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, which revealed massive debt and a history of financial overextension. Prosecutors later argued that the couple had "swindled" over $36 million from banks by inflating their net worth and submitting fraudulent documents, which formed the basis of their 2022 conviction for bank fraud and tax evasion.

The Crushing Blow: $17.2 Million Restitution and Negative Net Worth

The most significant factor in the Chrisleys' current financial standing is the massive restitution they were ordered to pay. Following their conviction, the court mandated that Todd and Julie Chrisley repay $17,288,574.68 to the victims of their fraud. This enormous debt has completely obliterated any remaining assets and pushed their financial portfolio into the red.

As a result, Todd Chrisley's net worth in 2025 is widely estimated to be between -$5 million and -$18 million. Julie Chrisley's net worth is inextricably tied to her husband's, as their finances were joint and their legal and restitution liabilities are shared.

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The process of paying this restitution has been complex and public. The federal government has moved to seize assets, including nearly $1 million in a bank account, to satisfy the debt. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has publicly stated her intention to help her parents pay the restitution, highlighting the immense financial burden on the entire Chrisley family.

• The Financial Impact: The $17.2 million restitution is a judgment against them, meaning the debt will follow them regardless of their employment status or future earnings.
• Asset Liquidation: The sale of their luxury properties and other high-value assets has been necessary to cover legal fees and partially satisfy the restitution order.
• IRS Debt: In addition to the restitution, the couple faced significant debt to the IRS for unpaid taxes, further contributing to their negative balance sheet.

The 2025 Pardon and The Road to Financial Recovery

The May 2025 presidential pardon, a stunning political development, has given the Chrisleys their freedom back years ahead of schedule. Todd was originally serving a 12-year sentence at FPC Pensacola, and Julie a 7-year sentence at FMC Lexington. The pardon allowed them to return to their family home in Nashville, reuniting with their children, Chase and Grayson, and their granddaughter, Chloe.

Crucially, a presidential pardon typically grants relief from the sentence imposed, but it does not automatically overturn the financial penalties, such as the restitution order. However, legal experts have suggested that the pardon could open the door for the Chrisleys to challenge the restitution order or potentially reclaim millions they may have already paid, though this remains a complex legal battle.

For the Chrisleys to climb out of their negative net worth, they will need to generate substantial income quickly. Potential avenues for financial recovery include:

1. New Media Ventures: A return to reality television or a new podcast, leveraging their notoriety and the public's curiosity about their post-prison life. Their daughter, Savannah, has already been active with a family-focused podcast.
2. Book Deals and Public Speaking: Sharing their story of conviction, imprisonment, and pardon could generate significant income through high-profile book deals and paid speaking tours.
3. Brand Endorsements: Though their image is tarnished, their name recognition remains high, which could still translate into lucrative endorsement or licensing deals.

Despite their freedom, the shadow of the $17.2 million debt looms large. The Chrisleys are no longer the wealthy, untouchable reality stars of a decade ago; they are now convicted fraudsters with a negative net worth, facing a daunting, multi-million-dollar financial recovery effort. Their success in rebuilding their fortune will depend entirely on their ability to monetize their story while navigating the ongoing financial demands of the federal government.