Kim Franke-Folstad

About the Author

Kim Franke-Folstad is an award-winning journalist with 30 years of experience writing and editing for newspapers, magazines, and websites. Her work covers a range of personal finance topics, including budgeting, saving, loans, and investing. She is a proud alumna of the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri.

The latest articles from Kim Franke-Folstad

Budgeting & Goals

What to Do if Your Check Is Lost or Stolen in the Mail

Kim Franke-Folstad | September 02, 2026

Life & Career

24 Best-Paying Online Side Jobs for Teachers

Kim Franke-Folstad | September 01, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

How Old Do You Have to Be to Open a Bank Account?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 31, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck: 6 Tips

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 31, 2026

Debt Payoff

What Happens If You Default on a Personal Loan?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 28, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

Is An Online Savings Account FDIC Insured & Fully Safe?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 25, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

Average Cost of Gas Per Month for 2026

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 24, 2026

personal_loan

Bond vs. Loan: What’s the Difference?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 21, 2026

Insurance

Does Renters or Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 18, 2026

Insurance

What Is Earthquake Insurance? Coverage, Costs, and Quotes

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 18, 2026

Family Finances

What Assets Should Be Noted on a Mortgage Application?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 11, 2026

Home Ownership

REALTOR® vs. Real Estate Agent

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 11, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

Can You Overdraft a Debit Card?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 11, 2026

personal_loan

How Fed Rate Changes Impact Personal Loans

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 06, 2026

Home Ownership

What Is the Worst Day to Close on a House?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 05, 2026

Credit

Can Medical Bills Go on Your Credit Report?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 05, 2026

Family Finances

Married Filing Separately: Student Loan Payment Impacts

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 30, 2026

Going to College

Managing Your Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 29, 2026

Going to College

8 Medical School Loan Forgiveness Programs for Doctors

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 29, 2026

Credit

Why Did My Credit Score Drop 20 Points for No Reason?

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 24, 2026

Credit

Credit Card Utilization: Everything You Need to Know

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 21, 2026

invest

ETFs vs Index Fund: Key Differences & Which Is Better?

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 20, 2026

Growing Wealth

Basics of a Mortgage Transfer

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 07, 2026

Growing Wealth

Understanding Physician Mortgage Loans

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 07, 2026

Home Ownership

How to Buy a Starter Home: Pros, Cons, and Tips

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 07, 2026

Insurance

How to Lower Car Insurance & Save Money

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 02, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

Top Spending Categories to Cut When You’re Trying to Save Money

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 01, 2026

Money & Life

Rich Americans Choose These Car Brands — Here’s Why

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 01, 2026

Insurance

Do I Need Life Insurance?

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 24, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

Getting a Bank Account After Being Blacklisted

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 22, 2026

Credit

How Credit Card Frauds Are Caught

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 12, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

Can You Deposit Foreign Currency Into Your Bank Account?

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 11, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

What Is the FDIC & How Does It Work?

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 10, 2026

relay

How to Remove a Closed Account from Your Credit Report

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 09, 2026

Home Ownership

Getting a Mortgage Without a Regular Income

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 08, 2026

mortgage

Fixed-Rate HELOC: How It Works and When to Use One

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 05, 2026

Family Finances

What Is House Hacking?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 29, 2026

personal_loan

Personal Loans vs Military Relief Programs

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 28, 2026

personal_loan

Personal Loans for Military Families: What to Know

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 28, 2026

Building Your Career

How Much Does a Barber Make a Year?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 28, 2026

Credit

Guide to Understanding Credit Card Arbitrage

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 28, 2026

Life & Career

How to Read a Pay Stub or Paycheck

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 28, 2026

Growing Wealth

Second Mortgage vs Home Equity Loan: Understanding the Differences

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 26, 2026

Credit

How Long Do Collections Stay on Your Credit Report?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 26, 2026

Financial Topics

How Can I Tell if My Student Loans Are Federal?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 25, 2026

Going to College

Student Loans Denied: Now What?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 21, 2026

personal_loan

What Is Risk-Based Pricing?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 21, 2026

Financial Independence

What Is the Responsibility of a Cosigner on a Loan?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 21, 2026

Home Ownership

Home Equity Loan vs Personal Loan: Key Differences

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 21, 2026

What Is an FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 20, 2026

Donors That Pay Off Student Loans

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 18, 2026

Insurance

Mortgage & Homeowners Insurance Definitions

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 18, 2026

Growing Wealth

Can I Refinance My HELOC With Another Bank?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 08, 2026

Insurance

Auto Insurance Terms, Explained

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 05, 2026

Home Ownership

What Is Cost Segregation in Real Estate?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 04, 2026

Family Finances

2026 VA Home Loan Limits vs. 2025 VA Home Loan Limits

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 02, 2026

Home Ownership

Bridge Loan: What It Is and How It Works

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 30, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

How to Send Money Online: 5 Fast and Secure Ways

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 28, 2026

Financial Independence

What Is a Good Salary to Live On in Florida for 2026?

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 22, 2026

Life & Career

2026 Salary Inflation Calculator Table with Examples

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 22, 2026

What Is a 4-Point Inspection?

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 21, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

Who Gets The Insurance Check When a Car Is Totaled?

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 20, 2026

Home Ownership

How Much Income Is Needed for a $325,000 Mortgage?

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 17, 2026

Home Ownership

How Much Income Is Needed for a $600,000 Mortgage?

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 16, 2026

personal_loan

Restructuring High-Interest Debt With Personal Loans

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 10, 2026

Insurance

What is Defensive Driving? States Offering Defensive Driving Course Insurance Discounts

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 07, 2026

Family Finances

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 27, 2026

Insurance

How to Jump-Start a Car by Yourself and How Long Does It Take

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 26, 2026

Insurance

Roadside Assistance vs Emergency Towing Services: How They’re Different

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 20, 2026

Insurance

Should You Call Roadside Assistance for a Flat Tire?

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 20, 2026

Insurance

24-Hour Roadside Assistance for Trucks and Cars

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 19, 2026

Insurance

Does Auto Insurance Roadside Assistance Cover Keys Locked in a Car?

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 19, 2026

Growing Wealth

The HELOC Closing Process, Explained

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 18, 2026

Going to College

Does the Military Pay for College for Veterans?

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 18, 2026

Family Finances

Housing Market FOMO: Gen Z Is Feeling Left Behind

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 17, 2026

Home Ownership

How to Avoid Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 16, 2026

Home Ownership

12 Home Staging Tips for Homeowners Trying to Sell

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 16, 2026

Life & Career

Is $130,000 a Good Salary for a Single Person?

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 16, 2026

Home Ownership

What Is the BRRRR Method in Real Estate?

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 16, 2026

Home Ownership

What Are Capital Gains Taxes on Rental Properties?

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 16, 2026

Life & Career

Is $65,000 a Good Salary for a Single Person in 2026?

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 13, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

What Are Dental Loans and Why Get One?

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 05, 2026

Credit

All You Need to Know About Credit Card Numbers

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 27, 2026

Financial Independence

Complete Guide to Loan Protection Insurance

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 26, 2026

personal_loan

Best Way to Finance a New HVAC System

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 25, 2026

Going to College

What Majors Have the Highest Student Loan Debt?

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 24, 2026

Credit

Charge Card vs. Credit Card: Understanding the Key Differences

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 23, 2026

personal_loan

Roof Financing Options to Fit Your Budget

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 23, 2026

Family Finances

How Much Income Is Needed for a $150,000 Mortgage?

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 09, 2026

Home Ownership

How Much Income Is Needed for an $800,000 Mortgage?

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 09, 2026

Home Ownership

How Much Income Is Needed for a $350,000 Mortgage?

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 09, 2026

Family Finances

How Much a $400,000 Mortgage Will Cost You

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 02, 2026

Home Ownership

Mortgage vs Promissory Note in Real Estate Explained

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 02, 2026

Fresh Out of School

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) vs Student Loan

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 02, 2026

Financial Topics

Hiring a Lawyer for Student Loan Forgiveness

Kim Franke-Folstad | January 31, 2026

Debt Payoff

Should You Take a 401(k) Loan or Withdrawal to Pay Off Debt?

Kim Franke-Folstad | January 16, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

Where Is My Tax Refund?

Kim Franke-Folstad | January 09, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

Reasons to Balance Your Bank Account Every Month

Kim Franke-Folstad | January 09, 2026

Home Ownership

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost and Who Pays for It?

Kim Franke-Folstad | January 08, 2026

Budgeting & Goals

2025 Tax Calculator Table with Examples

Kim Franke-Folstad | December 31, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

What Are the Tax Benefits of Marriage?

Kim Franke-Folstad | December 31, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

Guide to What Percentage of Income to Save

Kim Franke-Folstad | December 29, 2025

Home Ownership

How Much a $300,000 Mortgage Will Cost You

Kim Franke-Folstad | December 18, 2025

Home Ownership

Can You Lose Your Home With a Reverse Mortgage?

Kim Franke-Folstad | December 14, 2025

Home Ownership

Septic Tank Loan and Financing Options: A Comprehensive Guide

Kim Franke-Folstad | December 14, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

Comparing Personal Loans vs Business Loans

Kim Franke-Folstad | December 07, 2025

Building Your Career

22 High-Paying Trade Vocational Jobs

Kim Franke-Folstad | December 01, 2025

Home Ownership

How Much a $100,000 Mortgage Will Cost You

Kim Franke-Folstad | November 28, 2025

Family Finances

I Make $300,000 a Year, How Much House Can I Afford?

Kim Franke-Folstad | November 28, 2025

mortgage

The Different Types of FHA Loans

Kim Franke-Folstad | November 25, 2025

mortgage

Why Did My Mortgage Payment Go Up and Will It Keep Increasing?

Kim Franke-Folstad | November 25, 2025

Home Ownership

Garage Financing: What Are Your Options When Building a Garage?

Kim Franke-Folstad | November 24, 2025

Home Ownership

Different Types of Houses and Home Styles

Kim Franke-Folstad | November 19, 2025

Financial Independence

Swimming Pool Installation: Costs and Financing Options

Kim Franke-Folstad | November 07, 2025

Building Your Career

How Much Does a Speech Pathologist Make a Year?

Kim Franke-Folstad | November 06, 2025

Building Your Career

How Much Does a Psychologist Make a Year?

Kim Franke-Folstad | November 06, 2025

Home Ownership

What to Do If You Can’t Get Home or Renters Insurance in Your State

Kim Franke-Folstad | October 23, 2025

Financial Independence

What Does It Mean if the Fed Is Hawkish or Dovish?

Kim Franke-Folstad | September 24, 2025

Going to College

How to Help Your Child with SAT Practice

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 26, 2025

Debt Payoff

What Is the Average Medical School Debt?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 21, 2025

ALR

Is Car Loan Interest Tax-Deductible?

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 19, 2025

Credit

HELOC vs. Personal Loan vs. Personal Line of Credit

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 13, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

Guide to Weekly Budgets

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 29, 2025

Debt Payoff

Can You Get Your Sallie Mae Loans Forgiven?

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 22, 2025

Family Finances

Can I Be a First-Time Homebuyer Twice?

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 18, 2025

mortgage

How to Find the Best Mortgage Lender

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 14, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

Pros & Cons of Using a Debit Card Online

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 14, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

How to Budget for a Baby

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 11, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

7 Common Money Issues People Face

Kim Franke-Folstad | July 11, 2025

Financial Independence

Lessons From the Dotcom Bubble

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 28, 2025

Life & Career

Do College Credits Expire?

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 20, 2025

ALR

What Happens to a Car Loan When Someone Dies?

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 13, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

The Ultimate House Maintenance Checklist

Kim Franke-Folstad | June 09, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

How Often Should You Review Your Personal Finances?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 27, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

12 Ways to Stretch Your Money

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 16, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

Strategies to Lower Your Energy Bill When Working From Home

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 14, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

Buying a Home With Cash vs. a Mortgage

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 14, 2025

Debt Payoff

How to Make Principal-Only Payments on Student Loans

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 02, 2025

Home Ownership

How Much Do Smart Homes Cost in 2025?

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 01, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

2025 Wedding Loan Calculator to Estimate Cost of a Wedding

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 01, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

How to Have a Successful Garage Sale: 11 Tips

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 30, 2025

Family Finances

Tips for Teaching Your Kids About Investing

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 24, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

Getting Through Financial Hardship

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 24, 2025

Insurance

What Does Liability Auto Insurance Typically Cover?

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 22, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

How Much Is Pet Insurance?

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 18, 2025

Credit

Do Credit Cards Have Routing Numbers?

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 11, 2025

Credit

Standard Credit Card Size or Dimensions

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 10, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

How to Save Money From Your Salary

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 04, 2025

Growing Wealth

The History of US Recessions: 1797-2020

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 28, 2025

Budgeting & Goals

What Is a Debit Card?

Kim Franke-Folstad | February 19, 2025

Growing Wealth

Bonds vs CDs: What’s Smart for Your Money?

Kim Franke-Folstad | January 29, 2025

Family Finances

I Make $200,000 a Year, How Much House Can I Afford?

Kim Franke-Folstad | January 22, 2025

Debt Payoff

Should I Pay Off Debt Before Buying a House?

Kim Franke-Folstad | January 15, 2025

Home Ownership

VA Home Loan Mortgage Calculator Table

Kim Franke-Folstad | January 15, 2025

Financial Independence

A Guide to Mortgage Points

Kim Franke-Folstad | January 15, 2025

Growing Wealth

IRA Transfer vs Rollover

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 18, 2024

credit card

Top 10 Fun Things to Do on a London Vacation Trip

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 05, 2023

credit card

Top 10 Fun Things to Do When Visiting Paris

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 05, 2023

Credit

Top 10 Fun Things to Do When Visiting Miami

Kim Franke-Folstad | May 05, 2023

credit card

Top 10 Fun Things to Do on a Denver Vacation Trip

Kim Franke-Folstad | April 27, 2023

Budgeting & Goals

How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Child to 18?

Kim Franke-Folstad | March 23, 2023

Insurance

How Much Is Flood Insurance for Renters on Average in California

Kim Franke-Folstad | November 17, 2022

Insurance

How Much Will Auto Insurance Pay for a Totaled Car?

Kim Franke-Folstad | October 10, 2022

Growing Wealth

How to Trade Stocks Online

Kim Franke-Folstad | August 16, 2021

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