The short answers are "probably not" and "it depends". Let's expand on those short answers.
Bankruptcy would take everything I own. Wrong!
I keep hearing this despite writing about it several times before So lets take another look at this myth.
If I file for bankruptcy, will I lose everything I have?
The short answer is a resounding NO. The longer answer is that (1) "exemptions" keep most people from losing anything and (2) if you have more money and "stuff" than you can protect with exemptions, then a Chapter 13 (payment plan) bankruptcy may be a way to keep everything you own.