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.

When Does It Make Sense to Take Out a 401(k) Loan? Find out how 401(k) loans work and when it makes sense to borrow from your employer-sponsored retirement account - after considering pros, cons, and penalties. How to Refinance a Mortgage With Bad Credit Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Refinance a Mortgage With Bad Credit When mortgage interest rates decrease, refinancing is an excellent way to reduce... How to Buy Homeowners Insurance Before Closing on a New Home Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Buy Homeowners Insurance Before Closing on a New Home The home buying process can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Getting... VA Home Loans: A Guide to Mortgage for Veterans Learn how VA home loans work to make it easier for veterans to qualify for a mortgage, including the service eligibility requirements. USDA Loans: Eligibility, Income Limits and Application Process Learn about USDA loans that are available to low-income homebuyers who may not have enough for a down payment, including eligibility and requirements. Mortgage Modification: How Does It Work? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Mortgage Modification: How Does It Work? A job loss or another change in circumstance can make it difficult to pay your... Should You Set Up a Blind Trust for Your Assets? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Set Up a Blind Trust for Your Assets? When it comes to money management, many people want to be in complete control of... Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist: Documents You Need to Prepare Find out which specific documents and pieces of information needed for mortgage pre-approval, which could help smooth out the home-buying process. Mortgage Rate Shopping: How Multiple Applications Affect Your Credit Score Learn how to shop for the best mortgage rates without hurting your credit score with multiple inquiries for a new credit lines or loan. When to Hire a Property Manager for Your Rental Properties Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera When to Hire a Property Manager for Your Rental Properties Owning rental property is an excellent way to earn passive income and diversify...