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.
Chapter 13 BankruptcyMay 25, 2026
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets people with regular income repay debts over 3 to 5 years while keeping assets. Learn how it works, what it costs, and who qualifies.
Bankruptcy Alternatives: Your Options and How to DecideMay 25, 2026
Behind on debt or worried about it? Bankruptcy isn’t the only option. Learn which alternatives you could qualify for, afford, and that actually fit your goals.
How to Get Out of Debt on a Low IncomeMay 25, 2026
Debt on a limited income is hard, but real strategies could help. Learn to budget, choose a repayment method, and find relief options that fit your situation.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Which Is Right?May 25, 2026
There are two types of bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Find out here which could meet your needs.
Credit Card Lawyer: When You Need One for DebtMay 25, 2026
A credit card lawyer could help if you've been sued, harassed by collectors, or can't resolve your debt alone. Learn when to hire one and what to expect.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Payment CalculatorMay 25, 2026
Estimate your Chapter 13 plan payment and learn how courts calculate what you owe each month. Understand the three tests that set your number.
How to Get Out of Debt With No JobMay 25, 2026
Lost your job but still have debt? Learn what to do first, which debt relief options could still work with no paycheck, and what to expect if payments stop.
How Long Does It Take Credit to Recover After Debt Settlement?May 23, 2026
Debt settlement damages your credit—but for most people, the damage started before the program did. Here's what rebuilding actually looks like.
Debt Consolidation vs. Debt SettlementMay 23, 2026
Debt settlement and debt consolidation are two different ways to deal with debt. Learn about both to decide which is right for you.
Help With Credit Card Debt Over $50,000May 23, 2026
Carrying more than $50,000 in credit card debt? Explore your options—debt management plans, settlement, bankruptcy—and find a path for your situation.
Will Creditors Empty My Bank Account If I Set Up Payments?May 23, 2026
Agreeing to set up payments with a creditor doesn't mean they will drain your bank account. Find out the real story here.
Why Does Debt Settlement Require Stopped Payments?May 23, 2026
Stopping payments is part of how debt settlement works, not a scheme. Understand the logic, the real costs, and what to consider before deciding.
Credit Card Debt Forgiveness: Is It Possible?May 23, 2026
Credit card debt forgiveness is possible, but not always how the ads make it seem. Learn how it works, who it's for, and what it really costs.
The Real Risks of Debt Settlement (That Companies Don’t Always Mention)May 23, 2026
Reputable debt settlement companies disclose the risks. Some don’t. Learn what should be on the table before you sign, and what to ask if it isn’t.
What Actually Happens to My Money During Debt Settlement?May 23, 2026
Worried a debt settlement company holds your money? Here's what actually happens, including what you control and what to watch out for.
Coping with Financial Hardship: Practical TipsMay 13, 2026
Struggling financially? Learn how to gauge your situation, triage your bills, find assistance programs, and explore debt relief options that could help.
What Are the Real Risks of Debt Settlement?May 13, 2026
Debt settlement carries risks: credit damage, lawsuits, taxes, fees. Learn what could happen, and how to decide if the potential trade-off makes sense for you.
What Is a Debt Hardship Program and When Should You Ask for One?May 13, 2026
A debt hardship program could lower your payment while you recover. Learn what it is, how it works, and when to contact your lender—before it's too late.
How Much Credit Card Debt Is Too Much?May 13, 2026
No single number defines “too much” credit card debt. Use these benchmarks to judge for yourself—and find out what to do if your balance has gone too far.
Should You Use a Home Equity Loan to Consolidate Debt?Apr 27, 2026
A home equity loan could help you consolidate high-interest debt into one fixed payment. Learn how it works, what it costs, and when it makes sense.
What Happens If You Default on a HELOC or Home Equity Loan?Apr 27, 2026
Defaulting on a HELOC could put your home at risk. Learn what happens step by step, and what options you have before it gets to foreclosure.
Can You Use a Home Equity Loan for Business?Apr 27, 2026
A home equity loan could fund your business, but your home is on the line. Here's how it works, what it costs, and when it could make sense.
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Is Right for You?Apr 23, 2026
Comparing a HELOC vs. a home equity loan? Learn how each works, which costs less, and which fits your goals. Make the right call for your situation.
Home Equity Loan vs. Car Loan: Which Is the Better Deal?Apr 23, 2026
Comparing a home equity loan to a car loan? Learn the key differences, real risks, and which option fits your situation.
Is My California HELOC Recourse or Non-Recourse?Apr 22, 2026
Most California HELOCs are recourse loans, but the answer depends on how yours was structured. Learn what the law says and how to find out where you stand.
Is Debt Settlement Worth the Fees?Apr 20, 2026
Debt settlement fees run around 25% of enrolled debt—and yes, you could negotiate yourself. Here’s how to evaluate whether the cost is justified for your situation.
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.
Understanding Debt Settlement Fees: What You’re Actually Paying ForApr 17, 2026
Debt settlement fees are typically around 25% of your enrolled debt—but most people don’t know when they’re charged or what they cover. Here’s how to read any fee agreement.
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.
Debt Relief vs. Bankruptcy: Costs, Credit, and What to ExpectApr 8, 2026
Debt settlement and bankruptcy both resolve debt, but they work very differently. Compare costs, credit impact, and timelines to find the right fit.
What Does '50% Savings' Mean in Debt Settlement — And Is It Guaranteed?Mar 30, 2026
You keep coming across "50% savings" in debt settlement research. Here's what that number actually means, why fees change the math, and why no outcome is guaranteed.
How to Pay Off a HELOCMar 28, 2026
Learn how HELOC repayment works, what payment shock really means in dollars, and strategies that could help you pay off your HELOC faster and save on interest.
How to Calculate a HELOC PaymentMar 28, 2026
Learn how to calculate your HELOC payment in the draw and repayment periods. Real examples at $30K, $50K, and $100K—then use our calculator to run your numbers.
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.
Home Equity Loan RequirementsMar 23, 2026
Find out what lenders look for before approving a home equity loan — equity, credit score, DTI, income, and more. Know where you stand before you apply.
Does a HELOC Require an AppraisalMar 22, 2026
Appraisal LTV and HELOC | There are different types of appraisals that a lender may require. The appraisal's value affects your LTV and how much cash you...
Not Every Creditor Has to Settle—and That's What You Need to Know Before You EnrollMar 22, 2026
No creditor is required to settle your debt, and some won't. Here's what determines whether your creditors will negotiate, and what to ask before you enroll.
Can You Settle Debt Yourself Without a CompanyMar 22, 2026
You can try negotiating debt settlement yourself. Success depends on who owns the debt, creditor policies, and your situation. Learn when DIY works and when it doesn't.
What Is a HELOC? Mar 22, 2026
A HELOC lets you borrow against your home’s equity as needed. Learn how a home equity line of credit works, what it costs, and what to watch out for.
How Does a HELOC WorkMar 22, 2026
A HELOC lets you borrow against your home’s equity as needed. Learn how a home equity line of credit works, what it costs, and what to watch out for
Does a HELOC Affect Your Credit ScoreMar 22, 2026
A HELOC can affect your credit score in several ways — some small and temporary, one that lasts. Here's exactly what happens at each stage.
HELOC RequirementsMar 22, 2026
Wondering if you qualify for a HELOC? Learn the credit score, equity, income, and DTI requirements lenders typically look for.
How to Get a HELOCMar 17, 2026
Learn how to get a HELOC in 6 steps — from calculating your equity to closing. What lenders look for, documents you'll need, and how to compare offers.