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.
What Debt Settlement Companies Actually Do vs DIY NegotiationMay 28, 2026
A debt settlement company does more than make phone calls. Here is how the work compares with handling negotiation on your own.
Help With Credit Card Debt Over $10,000May 28, 2026
Carrying over $10,000 in credit card debt? Learn which relief options fit your situation, from debt management plans to settlement to bankruptcy.
When Can a Credit Card Company Sue You?May 28, 2026
Credit card companies could sue after 180 days of missed payments—but lawsuits aren’t inevitable. Learn what triggers legal action and what to do about it.
Sample Answer to Summons for Credit Card DebtMay 28, 2026
Received a summons for credit card debt? Learn what to include in your answer, see sample language, and understand your options, including settlement.
Do I Still Owe Creditors After Paying the Settlement Company?May 27, 2026
If you’ve been paying into a debt settlement program, your creditors haven’t been paid yet. Here’s how the money actually flows and what settled really means.
Their Fees Are Wild—Why Debt Settlement Costs Add UpMay 27, 2026
Debt settlement fees are calculated based on your enrolled debts. Find out more about debt settlement company fees here.
How Does Paying a Debt Settlement Company Actually Work?May 27, 2026
Your monthly payments don’t go to your creditors. Here’s where the money actually goes, what happens while it sits there, and how a debt gets resolved.
How to Get Out of Debt with Bad CreditMay 27, 2026
Bad credit limits your options, but it doesn’t eliminate them. Here are the realistic paths out of debt that don't require a high credit score.
HELOC Rates Explained: How They Work and What Affects YoursMay 27, 2026
Comparing HELOC rates? Here’s what the prime rate means for your offer, what moves your margin, and how to find a competitive deal before you apply.
How to File Chapter 13 BankruptcyMay 27, 2026
Learn how to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy step by step—from credit counseling and gathering documents to the repayment plan and discharge.
What Actually Happens to My Money During Debt Settlement?May 26, 2026
Worried about where your money goes in debt settlement? Federal law requires it to be held in an account you own. Here’s what the law says.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Exemptions: What You Can KeepMay 26, 2026
Chapter 7 bankruptcy exemptions protect your home, car, and essentials. Learn how federal and state exemptions work and what property you could keep.
Rebuilding Credit After BankruptcyMay 26, 2026
Bankruptcy damages your credit but doesn't ruin it for life. Learn how to check your reports, choose the right tools, and rebuild step by step.
How to Handle $25,000 in Credit Card DebtMay 26, 2026
Carrying $25,000 in credit card debt? You have options whether you’re still current or already behind. Learn which path forward fits your situation.
5 Financial Hardships That Qualify for Partial Debt ForgivenessMay 26, 2026
Facing job loss, illness, divorce, or another crisis? Learn which 5 financial hardships could help you qualify for partial debt forgiveness.
What Is the Dedicated Savings Account in Debt Settlement?May 26, 2026
The dedicated savings account in debt settlement is held in your name at an FDIC-insured bank, not by the debt settlement company. Learn how it works and what you control.
Rebuilding Credit After Chapter 7May 26, 2026
Your discharge is behind you. Here’s what to expect for your credit reports and a plan to rebuild your credit going forward.
Chapter 13 vs. Debt Management Plan: How to ChooseMay 26, 2026
Comparing Chapter 13 bankruptcy and a debt management plan? Learn how each works, what they cost, and how to decide which fits your situation.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.