Kimberly Rotter
Kimberly is a financial counselor accredited by the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education®, and a mortgage expert for The Motley Fool.
Kimberly Rotter is a consumer credit expert who helps people with average or low incomes discover how to create wealth and opportunities. She’s a veteran writer and editor who has spent more than 30 years creating thousands of hours of educational content in every possible format.
Kimberly is a bankruptcy survivor who now owns property, a business, and investments, and volunteers as a financial coach. She’s also on the board of the Financial Writers Society, the only international community of writers with high-level expertise in financial niche topics.
Debt Management Plans Don't Reduce What You OweApr 18, 2026
A debt management plan doesn't reduce your balance—you repay every dollar. Learn what a DMP actually changes and whether it could lower your total cost.
What Credit Score Do You Need for a HELOC? Apr 9, 2026
Most lenders look for a credit score of 620 to 680 for a HELOC. Find out what score you need, how it affects your rate, and what to do if your score isn't there yet.
How Do You Know if a Debt Settlement Company Is Legit?Apr 8, 2026
Debt settlement is a legitimate strategy, but some companies are not. Here’s exactly how to tell the difference before you sign anything.
Does Debt Settlement Destroy Your Credit Permanently?Mar 26, 2026
Debt settlement causes real credit damage, but permanent? No. Here’s when the damage actually happens, how long it lasts, and what you can do now.
How Often Can HELOC Interest Rates Change?Mar 26, 2026
HELOC rates can adjust as often as daily, usually tied to the Prime Rate. Learn what drives changes, how much they can move, and what you can do about it.