Kimberly Rotter, AFC®

Expert Contribution: Contributing Writer (Mortgage Expert)

FINANCIAL INDUSTRY WRITER SINCE 2010

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 35 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 02-10-2024

Kimberly is a career writer and editor with more than 30 years' experience. She's a bankruptcy survivor, small business owner, and homeschool parent. In addition to writing for The Motley Fool, she advocates for victims of credit reporting errors and offers pro-bono financial and credit counseling to women in need. She is widely published on major personal finance websites and news outlets, covering a broad range of financial topics.

Financial Areas of Expertise

Credit Cards, Banks, Mortgages, Insurances, Personal Loans, Personal Finance

Featured in Renowned Media Publications

• NFCC
• Credit Sesame
• California Management Review
• CreditRepair.com
• Credit.com
• Credit.org

Motley Fool Money Articles Syndicated In

• MSN
• Yahoo! Finance

Professional Accomplishments

• Took the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University course and found my name in the bibliography
• Have coached hundreds of readers to raise their credit score by 100 points or more
• Phi Theta Kappa member in Financial Counseling

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education® (AFCPE®)
• Board Member, Financial Writers Society, Inc. (FWS) 
• Member, National Federation of Press Women 
• Credit Educator, Next Gen Personal Finance (NextGen)

Education

• Graduate Certificate, Financial Counseling 
• Graduate Certificate, Instructional Design 
• Master of Business Administration, Entrepreneurship 
• Bachelor of Arts, English Literature and Professional Writing

Kimberly's Recent Articles

• 2 Expensive Misconceptions About Charitable Giving and Taxes (and What You Can Do About Them)
  Feb 10, 2024
  Misunderstanding the rules around charitable giving can cost you. Find out how to give generously while maximizing your tax advantages.
  Read More
• Should You Pay Attention to Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers in the Mail?
  Jul 15, 2023
  Pre-approved credit card offers can lure you with generous bonuses and low interest rates. There's a reason issuers target you. Find out right here.
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• How Much Life Insurance Does a 40-Year-Old Need?
  Jan 23, 2023
  There are at least five different ways to calculate your life insurance needs. Our expert explains.
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• How Some Small Business Owners Get Back More Taxes Than They Paid
  Dec 23, 2022
  Some tax credits result in a negative tax bill, and you get a check from Uncle Sam. Read more about how refundable tax credits work.
  Read More
• Is My IRA Contribution Tax Deductible if My Spouse Has a 401(k)?
  Nov 19, 2022
  Some taxpayers can deduct the full amount of their IRA contribution even if one spouse has a 401(k). Find out whether you qualify.
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• Can Life Insurance Be Used to Pay Off Debt?
  Aug 28, 2022
  Many life insurance policies come with a loan or early withdrawal feature. Find out how to access your life insurance proceeds while you're still living.
  Read More
• The Economy's in a Rough Spot, but Doing This With Your Savings Can Make It Easier
  Aug 27, 2022
  Old school banks pay next to nothing in interest. Here's an easy thing you can do with your savings to get more dollars into your …
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• Is a Reverse Mortgage Worth It?
  Oct 10, 2021
  A reverse mortgage can be a great way to turn your home equity into cash. But in some situations this type of loan doesn't make …
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• Can You Get a Loan for $10,000?
  Sep 26, 2021
  Several types of loan can get you $10,000 when you need it. The best loan type partly depends on why you need the money.
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• How to Get a Car Loan With a 720 Credit Score
  Sep 24, 2021
  A 720 is a good score by just about any measure. But to get the best deal on a car loan, make sure to maximize …
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• Top Cities for Retirees on the East Coast
  Sep 14, 2021
  Looking to retire on the East Coast? We chose our five favorite cities for retirees based on affordability, as well as social and learning opportunities.
  Read More
• Top Cities for Retirees in the Southeast
  Sep 12, 2021
  These five cities in the Southeast offer big city culture, small town vibes, affordable housing, and lower costs of living.
  Read More
• Top Cities for Families in the Pacific Northwest
  Sep 5, 2021
  Thinking of moving your family to the Pacific Northwest? You'll have plenty of great options. These cities come with lots of outdoor activities, quality schools, …
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• Got a 600 Credit Score? The No. 1 Life Changing Move to Make Right Now
  Sep 3, 2021
  The way to change your credit score depends on the factors affecting it. Most people can benefit from one simple move.
  Read More
• Gen Z Is Making a Strong Entrance Into the Housing Market. Here's Where They Are Buying
  Aug 30, 2021
  Gen Z is coming of age and entering the housing market. Here are the top five cities where they're buying homes.
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• Top 5 Cities for Families in the Southeast
  Aug 9, 2021
  We selected these cities for their pleasant lifestyle, affordable childcare, attractive open spaces, and lower-than-average home prices.
  Read More
• Top Cities for Millennials in the Southwest
  Aug 5, 2021
  Social equity, home affordability, and the cost of childcare are some of the factors that make these five cities perfect for millennials.
  Read More
• Buying a Home in the Denver Metro
  Jul 24, 2021
  Want to know what it's like to buy a home in Denver? Find out what one couple went through to find a home and get …
  Read More
• This 3BR Fixer-Upper Near Downtown Denver Just Sold for $421,000
  Jul 18, 2021
  When it comes to fixer-uppers, some only need a makeover. This Denver home was a great deal for someone willing to roll up their sleeves.
  Read More
• How Much House Does $500K Really Buy You in Denver?
  Jul 11, 2021
  Here are three homes you might be able to buy with a $500,000 offer in Denver, one of the hottest real estate markets in the …
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• 15 Reasons Your Car Insurance Premiums Are So Darn High
  Jul 2, 2021
  Auto insurance rates depend on many factors. You control some of them, so you may be able to lower your premium.
  Read More
• 5 Myths About Debt Consolidation
  Jul 1, 2021
  Don't let the myths surrounding debt consolidation hold you back from considering this strategy for paying off debt. Keep reading to learn more.
  Read More
• Millennials Are Dominating the Housing Market With Mortgage Rates Near All-Time Lows
  Jun 28, 2021
  Millennials are now the biggest generation in the U.S. and are applying for more mortgages than other groups.
  Read More
• The 5 Hottest Housing Markets for Millennial Home Buyers
  Jun 27, 2021
  Millennials are finding homes they can afford and the lifestyle they want in these five cities more than any others.
  Read More
• 5 Essential Questions to Answer Before You Refinance Your Mortgage
  Jun 24, 2021
  Before you apply for a mortgage refinance, make sure it's the best financial move for you. Here's how to check if the numbers work out …
  Read More