While Todd and Julie Chrisley have been found guilty of inflating their wealth, the two previously had a fortune to their name — before losing it all.
Todd originally worked in real estate and properties, where he would flip houses. By redoing the homes, the Chrisleys would increase the profit of the home, before selling it again — therefore, making more money on the house. According to prosecutors, Chrisley’s business was successful and lucrative from 2007 until 2012, per Insider. But the family’s shopping habits got them into trouble as the Chrisley family would buy almost any designer item in order to give off an era of affluence.
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But when the real estate they were working on no longer brought in enough money, the couple had to find a new way to make money. That’s when they turned to forged documents. The couple did this for years — get a loan, spend it all on designer items, go to get another loan, and spend even more. To continue their “business,” the Chrisleys also made sure they went to smaller banks because smaller banks would be more apt to believe their need for the loan. Though, eventually, the couple wasn’t allowed to get more loans — taking away their business venture. That’s when Todd filed for bankruptcy, per The Sun, and the family worked to start their reality TV show, “Chrisley Knows Best” as their new business venture.
