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.

Which Payments You Should Avoid Making With a Credit Card Credit cards have a place in our finances, yet buying the wrong things can damage our finances. Here are nine things you shouldn't put on a credit card. What Credit Cards are Accepted at Costco? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera What Credit Cards are Accepted at Costco? Costco is a very popular destination for people who want to make bulk purchases in... Expiration Dates: Why Credit Card and Debit Cards Have Them Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Expiration Dates: Why Credit Card and Debit Cards Have Them Debit cards and credit cards have a variety of numbers on them. This includes your... Should You Pay to Extend a Mortgage Rate Lock? Find out whether it makes sense to pay for a mortgage rate-lock extension during the process of buying a new home. Learn how rate locks work and see the tips that you should use to ensure the lowest interest rate on your mortgages, especially during times when interest rates are fluctuating. How to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan With a Bad Credit Score Learn how to get a debt consolidation loan when you've got bad credit scores, which could reduce your chances of approval. But, it's still possible. Should You Apply for a Mortgage With or Without Your Spouse? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Apply for a Mortgage With or Without Your Spouse? You and your spouse are ready to buy that dream home. On the mortgage... Are Joint Credit Cards Good for Your Marriage? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Are Joint Credit Cards Good for Your Marriage? There's no rule that says married couples have to merge their finances. Some couples... Buying a Mobile Home With a Personal Loan: Pros & Cons to Consider Learn about the pros and cons of using a personal loan to finance the purchase of a new mobile home, which may not qualify for a typical mortgage loan. What to Do Before Renewing Your Home Insurance Policy? Learn what you need to do when it comes time to renew your homeowners insurance policy, especially reviewing everything to ensure proper and adequate coverage. Should You Take Out a Personal Loan to Pay Your Rent? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Take Out a Personal Loan to Pay Your Rent? Renting an apartment can be cheaper than buying a home, which requires a down...