- Ascent Authors
- Kimberly Rotter, AFC®
Kimberly Rotter, AFC®
Expert Contribution: Contributing Writer (Mortgage Expert)
FINANCIAL INDUSTRY WRITER SINCE 2010
NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 48 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 02-26-2024
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
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
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How Your Kid Could Have an Excellent Credit Score by Their 18th Birthday
Feb 26, 2024
Want to jump start your child's credit score, even if they haven't reached their first birthday yet? Learn how here.
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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.
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Why I Do a Financial Fast Every Year After the Holidays
Nov 29, 2023
A January financial fast can help you reset your spending habits and find more money in your budget for your priorities. Read on to learn …
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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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5 Big Parenting Expenses You Might Not Be Ready For
Jun 18, 2023
If you're penciling out the cost of having kids, you might want to prepare yourself for a few unexpected big expenses. Check them out 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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Should You Dump Amazon Prime in 2023?
Dec 30, 2022
Amazon Prime makes shopping convenient, but comes at the expense of quite a few trees. Learn a few reasons why you might want to let …
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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.
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3 Ways to Reduce Your Tax Bill As a Small Business Owner
Nov 28, 2022
Even if you only do occasional gig work, you can take advantage of certain small business tax deductions. Check out our list of ways to …
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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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Road-Tripping With a Dog? Here's How to Have Fun and Save Money
Nov 4, 2022
Pet insurance and dog-friendly truck stops are just two of the things to think about when you're planning a road trip with your pooch. Check …
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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.
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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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The 2 Biggest Reasons Getting a Daily Paycheck Is a Bad Idea
Aug 22, 2022
A daily paycheck sounds convenient, but it could leave you short on funds. Find out how.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Barbara Corcoran's 5 Best Pieces of Money Advice (and 1 She Flubbed)
Aug 27, 2021
Just because Barbara Corcoran is successful doesn't mean she nails it every time. Find out her five best pieces of money advice and one that …
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If You Have a Side Hustle, Watch Out -- These Mistakes Could Cost You Thousands
Aug 10, 2021
A side hustle should be fun and profitable. But some mistakes can leave you with less money than you had without the side hustle.
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Using a Budget App Could Save You Thousands -- Here's How
Aug 10, 2021
A budgeting app helps you track and understand your expenses. Here are 4 ways using a budgeting app could save you big bucks.
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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.
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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.
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4 Money Moves That Made Bezos Rich
Jul 25, 2021
Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, made many smart money moves to become the richest man in the world. You can copy some of them to better …
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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 …
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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.
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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.
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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.
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17 Money-Saving Tips for Your Road Trip to Las Vegas
Jul 1, 2021
You can save money on a road trip to Las Vegas by using common sense strategies and a few special Las Vegas travel tricks.
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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.
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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.
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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 …
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How to Buy a Home in a Hot Market With Below-Average Credit
Jun 13, 2021
A low credit score won't keep you from buying a home. But you'll have to act fast in today's hot market. Keep reading to learn …
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New Refi Program Helps Lower-Income Borrowers Lower Their Monthly Payment
Jun 11, 2021
New Fannie Mae mortgage program helps lower-income borrowers refinance their home loan and lower their payment.
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5 Reasons You Can Be Denied a Bank Account -- and What to Do About It
Jun 6, 2021
Certain red flags can keep you from being approved for a bank account. Here are steps you can take to remove obstacles or opt for …
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Most Small Businesses Don't Have a Credit Score. Here's How to Get One for Free
May 4, 2021
Small businesses often have a hard time generating business credit scores and credit reports. This new service, which provides free business credit scores, could help.
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Getting Married in 2021? Why You Need to Talk as a Couple About Credit Card Debt
Apr 24, 2021
Getting married in 2021? Talking about credit card debt as a couple is a must, and should be done before you walk down the aisle. …
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Does Your Credit Card Cover Rental Car Insurance? Here's How to Find Out
Apr 22, 2021
Some credit cards provide rental car insurance when you use the card to rent a car. Here's how to find out about your coverage so …
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How Our Financial Decisions Change as We Age
Mar 26, 2021
Researchers note a correlation between cognitive decline and a person's confidence in their financial knowledge. Financial education may help aging adults avoid bad decisions.
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New Mortgage Rules May Help More Borrowers Get Home Loans in 2021
Jan 22, 2021
New mortgage rules may make it easier for you to get a home loan in 2021.
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9 Things You Can Do Today to Prevent Credit Card Fraud
Dec 24, 2020
The pandemic is pushing more business online, and credit card fraud is higher than ever. Find out how to protect yourself from digital criminals.
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Stated Income Loans Wrecked the Housing Market in 2008. Here's Why They're Safe in 2021
Dec 19, 2020
Stated income loans were abused to excess in the past. Today, they include features to safeguard both the borrower and the lender.
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How I Used a Cash-Out Refi to Finance a Granny Flat
Oct 28, 2020
A cash-out refi is one way to finance construction of a second living unit on your property. But applying for the loan is just one …
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. The Motley Fool has a Disclosure Policy. The Author and/or The Motley Fool may have an interest in companies mentioned.