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 Cash Out Refinance? Learn all about cash-out refinancing and find out when it makes the most sense to use home equity for this kind of loan that puts available cash in your hands. Washington Homeowners Insurance: How to Shop for the Lowest Rates Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Washington Homeowners Insurance: How to Shop for the Lowest Rates Homeowners insurance is a policy that covers losses and damages to your... Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tornado Damage? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tornado Damage? Tornadoes are one of nature’s most powerful forces. So it’s no surprise that... Homeowners Insurance vs. Home Warranty: What's the Difference? See the differences between homeowners insurance and home warranties and how they work to protect your property. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Your Swimming Pool? Find out how your homeowners insurance policy can help cover damages to your swimming pool, in addition to accidents and injuries in and around the pool. Homeowners Insurance and Roof Leaks: Does Your Policy Cover Damages and Repairs? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Homeowners Insurance and Roof Leaks: Does Your Policy Cover Damages and Repairs? A leaky or damaged roof needs quick attention, or else there’s the risk of mold... Should You Make Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments Instead of Monthly Payments? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Make Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments Instead of Monthly Payments? If you’re ready to own your own space, it’s time to buy a house. Owning a home can... Home Insurance for Older Homes: How to Get the Lowest Policy Rates Find out what you need to think about when shopping for home insurance for older homes, in addition to ways that you can reduce your relatively-higher premiums. Should You Use a 401(K) When Buying a House? Find out if you should withdraw from your 401(k) plan to help fund a new home purchase when you need more money, including the pros and cons to consider. Pawnshop Loans: Should You Use Them for Quick Cash? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Pawnshop Loans: Should You Use Them for Quick Cash? Whether it’s a car repair, a home repair, or an unexpected bill, there are dozens...