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.
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.
HELOC RequirementsMar 22, 2026
Wondering if you qualify for a HELOC? Learn the credit score, equity, income, and DTI requirements lenders typically look for.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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
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.
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.