"...cost her family 1/2 million". She does not have that kind of money?

Uh, check her book contract.   And if you don't think deep-pocketed Neanderthals are also bankrolling her, you need to do a bit more research.

But if you feel the need to throw your money down that rathole, by all means don't let us stop you. Even if most Mudcatters are a bit more intelligent than to do that.