Kim Lowe

Lead Assigning Editor | Consumer lending

Kim Lowe is a lead assigning editor on NerdWallet's loans team. She covers consumer borrowing, including topics like personal loans, student loans, buy now, pay later and cash advance apps. She joined NerdWallet in 2016 after 15 years at MSN.com, where she held various content roles including editor-in-chief of the health and food sections. Kim started her career as a writer for print and web publications that covered the mortgage, supermarket and restaurant industries. Kim earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington. She works from her home near Portland, Oregon.

Education: B.S. in Journalism from University of Iowa, MBA from University of Washington
Previous experience: Editor at MSN.com

Kim's picks

The Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation

by Jackie Veling

Debt consolidation may be a good idea if you can qualify for a low interest rate, make payments on time and stay out of debt in the future.

How to Finance a Home Renovation

by Annie Millerbernd, Ronita Choudhuri-Wade

To finance a home renovation, compare home equity funding to non-equity options like personal loans and credit cards.

The Best Ways to Borrow Money

by Jackie Veling, Nicole Dow

Need to borrow money? We explore the fastest and cheapest ways to borrow, plus two options to avoid.

The latest from Kim

The FAFSA Is Now Open. Submit ASAP To Get Free Money for College

The 2025-26 FAFSA opened on Nov. 18 after two months of beta testing. The process is smooth, and students should submit their forms ASAP.

Trump and Student Loans: What Might Happen and How Borrowers Can Prepare

With Trump headed to the White House in January, student loan forgiveness programs, flexible repayment plans, borrower relief and more could be on the chopping block. Here are steps you can take to prepare.

As Rates Fall, Should You Refinance Your Student Loans?

Consider refinancing private student loans if you can get a rate at least half a percentage point lower. If you have federal loans, think twice.

Student Loan ‘Financial Hardship’ Forgiveness: New Details Revealed

If you face persistent medical bills, family caregiving costs or other financial hardship, the Education Department wants to cancel your student loan debt. But don't count on it yet.

What Is the FAFSA Submission Summary?

The FAFSA Submission Summary is a document that contains your financial aid eligibility and a summary of your FAFSA responses.

Student Housing Costs Are Rising. Here’s How To Lower Your Bill

To find affordable college housing, compare on- and off-campus options, reach out to your college for help and submit the FAFSA to get financial aid.

Accredited Debt Relief for Debt Settlement: 2024 Review

Accredited Debt Relief offers debt settlement plans that can help you get out of debt, but it’s risky. Compare debt settlement with other debt payoff alternatives.

5 Ways To Lower Your Grad School Student Loan Bill

Explore different student loan repayment plans, look for an employer who will help with your grad school bills or consider refinancing to get a lower interest rate.

Chime MyPay 2024 Review: Cash Advances

Chime’s MyPay feature is an affordable way for Chime customers to access part of their upcoming paycheck early.

6 Types of Bad-Credit Loans

You may have several types of loans to choose from — even with a low credit score.

Pros and Cons of Personal Loans for Bad Credit

Before you borrow, consider the pros and cons of personal loans for bad credit and compare affordable alternatives.

What Is a Personal Loan for Bad Credit?

Varo Cash Advance 2024 Review

Varo’s cash advance may be useful for Varo bank customers who need cash fast and want more than two weeks to pay it back.

EarnIn App 2024 Review: Paycheck Advance Loans

EarnIn’s advances are large and fees are low, but the app only works with employees who are paid regularly and have a fixed working location or employer-provided email address.