Headshot of Karen Idelson

Karen Idelson

Editor

Karen Idelson is a content editor and creator who is obsessed with promoting personal financial literacy, budgeting, and investing as well as their role in supporting overall well-being. She strives to make the articles she edits for RocketMortgage.com accessible and interesting so that readers will be inspired to learn more and increase their knowledge of personal finance.
 
Prior to joining the team at Rocket Mortgage in 2025, Karen worked as a writer, editor, and speaker, focusing on the business and technology of entertainment for more than two decades. A graduate of the University of Arizona and the American Film Institute’s Advanced Technology Internship Program, she has contributed to the Los Angeles Times, Variety, Animation Magazine, The Dallas Morning News, the Houston Chronicle, The Arizona Republic, Women’s Wear Daily, The DGA Quarterly, and many other publications. A veteran speaker and moderator, Karen has also hosted dozens of panels, including several for the hit ABC series “Lost” in the legendary Hall H (IYKYK), which seats more than 6,000, at Comic-Con International in San Diego, as well as panels about entertainment business trends at the World Animation & VFX Summit, SXSW, and Variety’s Entertainment Technology Summit.
 
Karen grew up in the Southwest and is a longtime U2 superfan who has seen them play in more than a dozen cities, four different countries, and three continents. If she’s not helping fine-tune the personal finance content at Rocket Mortgage, chances are she’s searching for a new place to grab a coffee with friends or driving to the next trending sushi restaurant.

Expertise

Mortgage
PersonalFinance
RealEstate

Education

University of Arizona, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis on Social Psychology

American Film Institute, Advanced Technology Internship Program

Universidad de Salamanca. Studied Spanish language and culture

Coursera certification: Tools for Data Science

Recent Articles

A realtor explaining things possibly about a property to a couple interested in buying it.

7-minute read

Mortgage insurance premium (MIP) vs. private mortgage insurance (PMI): How do they differ?

As you learn more about mortgage insurance, you’re likely to encounter two acronyms: MIP and PMI. We'll break down how they each work and their key dif...

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A woman in a blue shirt enjoying the view from her balcony.

5-minute read

Can you make principal-only payments on your mortgage?

Making principal-only payments on your mortgage can save you on interest over time. Learn how to make a principal-only payment and pay off your loan faster.<...

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Hands calculating, potentially symbolizing financial calculations or planning related to real estate or mortgage.

5-minute read

Amortization: What is it and how does it work?

Amortization is the gradual, scheduled repayment of a loan over time. Learn here why it’s important to know how amortization works.

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Man looking at smart phone.

4-minute read

3 reasons a home seller isn’t responding to your offer

Wondering why a home seller hasn’t responded to your offer? There are some common reasons sellers will reject your bid. Learn what to do next.

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A woman sitting in a fancy room thinking something with a pen in hand while a man in background is talking on phone.

8-minute read

10-year mortgage rates: What to expect in 2025

A 10-year mortgage may come with lower interest rates than a 15- or 30-year mortgage. Learn...

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Relaxed brunette woman in sweats curled up reviewing financial paperwork binder on living room sofa.

4-minute read

Renters insurance: What to consider

Wondering if you need renters insurance? Whether or not your landlord requires it, insurance can protect you and your possessions.

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Woman going over paperwork and having coffee.

5-minute read

HELOC vs. second mortgage: Which is right for you?

A home equity line of credit is a type of second mortgage. Learn how HELOCs compare to other options to determine which is right for you.

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A man and woman possibly discussing switching lenders or financial arrangements related to a property.

7-minute read

How to change your mortgage lender

You might want to change your mortgage lender while you're still in the buying process or after you've closed on your home. Find out why and how to do it.

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White stucco bungalow with sloped roof and red door.

5-minute read

VA funding fee: What to expect in 2025

The VA funding fee is a one-time charge you pay to help fund the VA loan program. The fee helps protect lenders and the VA if you default. Learn more here.

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