Much of the drama depicted in the popular reality show “Real Housewives of New Jersey” is far from an accurate depiction of the day-to-day lives of New Jersey residents. Every now and again, though, the stars’ lives touch close to home.

Like many people, the Housewives have faced some financial troubles in the aftermath of the recession. Teresa Guidice famously went through a bankruptcy case earlier this year. Now, it appears that her co-star Danielle Staub is following suit.

Earlier this month, Staub filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, claiming approximately $1.9 million in liabilities. By comparison, her most recent annual income was just shy of $64,000.

Staub hasn’t necessarily been living large. She listed her personal property as just $200 in furniture, $2,000 in clothing and $200 in costume jewelry.

Instead, like many New Jersey families, Staub’s financial problems seem to stem from an unaffordable home. Although it is unclear just how much Staub still owes on her mortgage, she has been trying to sell it since 2009. It was most recently listed at $899,000 – 40 percent less than when she first put it on the market.

Staub also has significant tax liabilities. She owes more than $111,000 in federal taxes, more than $5,000 to the state of New Jersey and $70,000 to the township of Wayne. She also has outstanding legal bills stemming from a conflict with an ex-boyfriend and a confrontation with another cast member at a country club.

By many accounts, Staub has had a hard time bouncing back after her stint on Housewives was over. This is a situation that many New Jersey residents face. When a job ends or the economy changes, it can be hard to keep up with the bills. When the debt becomes overwhelming, filing for bankruptcy is often the best option.

Source: The Star-Ledger, “Danielle Staub’s bankruptcy: Post-‘Real Housewives,’ mortgage woes, legal fees, discount shopping,” Vicki Hyman, June 13, 2012.