Articles by Valencia Patrice Higuera

Valencia Higuera is based in Virginia and she covers budgeting, credit cards, and student loan debt, with expertise in frugal living, general banking, and mortgages. She is a self-proclaimed personal finance junkie. Valencia has contributed to publications and outlets including MSN, The Huffington Post, CBS News, Investopedia, and more. Education: B.A. in English from Old Dominion University.

Should You Make Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments Instead of Monthly Payments? Find out how to set up bi-weekly mortgage payments instead of monthly payments so that you can pay off your home loan balance faster -- 4 to 5 years sooner. Home Insurance for Older Homes: How to Get the Lowest Policy Rates Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Home Insurance for Older Homes: How to Get the Lowest Policy Rates An older home can have character, charm, and unique architectural details. And... Should You Use a 401(K) When Buying a House? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Use a 401(K) When Buying a House? Buying a house can be a great investment, but it’s also expensive. There’s the... Pawnshop Loans: Should You Use Them for Quick Cash? Find out how pawnshop loans work and learn about alternatives that can get you cash or loan in a short period of time. FHA 203(k) Loan: When Does It Make Sense? Learn how FHA 203(k) loans work for homeowners who need to borrow to pay for a home renovation, repair, or construction project. Should You Split Contributions Between Traditional and Roth 401(k)s? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Split Contributions Between Traditional and Roth 401(k)s? A 401(k) is a popular retirement savings account offered by many employers. But... Wildfires and Homeowners Insurance: Are You Covered? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Wildfires and Homeowners Insurance: Are You Covered? Homeowners insurance protects your house from losses or damages. This includes... Investing in Airbnb Rental Property: Pros and Cons to Consider Learn about the pros and cons of renting out through Airbnb before using an investment property to generate income through short-term rentals. When Landlords Should Pay for Rental Property Insurance Find out when you, as a landlord, should consider paying for rental property insurance on a home which you don't consider to be the primary residence. Received a Job Offer? 6 Questions to Ask Before Accepting Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Received a Job Offer? 6 Questions to Ask Before Accepting Getting a job offer can be a major confidence booster, especially when you beat...