A lost farm, an oil rig where a home once stood, and a promise to protect families from ever facing that kind of surprise again—this conversation with attorney Jillian Hishaw is a masterclass in turning hardship into service. We sit down with the founder of Hishaw Law to unpack the real-world tools that help people keep their homes, preserve their vehicles, and reset crushing debt without losing everything. If you’ve ever believed bankruptcy means surrender, Jillian’s clarity on exemptions, trustee roles, and homestead protections will change your mind.

Jillian bridges bankruptcy, estate planning, and agricultural law with a rare blend of expertise and empathy. She explains how medical bills, old leases, and credit card balances spiral into lawsuits and how Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 can offer a path back to stability. We get specific about homestead equity limits, vehicle protections, and strategies that let families stay housed while addressing debt. The conversation also moves beyond balance sheets into timing—how creating a simple, durable estate plan before a health crisis can shield assets and reduce stress. For seniors and those nearing retirement, Jillian’s guidance on Medicaid planning and nursing home liens is a practical roadmap to protect what matters.

Rooted in her grandfather’s story and sharpened by decades serving farmers and ranchers, Jillian brings an agricultural lens to modern risks. She shares insights from her award-winning book, The ABCs of Agriculture, Blockchain and Crypto, revealing how data centers and crypto operations can reshape rural communities. From water and power demands to easements and long-term contracts, she offers questions every landowner should ask before signing. With resources spanning social media education, dedicated websites, and nonprofit outreach, Jillian’s mission is simple: inform people early so they can choose wisely.

If you care about keeping your home, planning your legacy, or safeguarding rural land from short-sighted deals, this episode delivers clear, plain-English guidance you can use today. Listen, share with someone who needs hope and direction, and join us in building a more financially resilient community. Subscribe for more neighbor-powered stories, and leave a review to help others find the show.