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.

What Credit Cards are Accepted at Costco? Find out which credit cards work at Costco, the wholesale warehouse club that has been known to be picky with accepting credit card payments. 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? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Pay to Extend a Mortgage Rate Lock? When buying a house, affordability doesn’t only involve the price of a property—it... 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? Find out whether you should apply for a mortgage with or without your spouse when you consider income, credit scores, and other factors for your application. 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 Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Buying a Mobile Home With a Personal Loan: Pros & Cons to Consider It’s estimated that roughly 17 million Americans live in mobile homes (also called... 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? Find out whether it's a good decision to take out a personal loan to pay your rent, including the pros and cons and alternatives to consider. 8 Financial Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera 8 Financial Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day Valentine's Day is a time when many couples exchange gifts as a gesture of love....