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.

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? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera FHA 203(k) Loan: When Does It Make Sense? Are you thinking about buying a fixer-upper? These properties are often a steal... 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? Learn how standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage and loss from wildfires and how coverage and premiums may differ for wildfire-prone areas. 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 Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera When Landlords Should Pay for Rental Property Insurance Owning rental property or being a landlord can be an excellent source of passive... 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... When Mortgage Rates Fall, Is It Time to Refinance Your Home Loan? Find out whether it is the right time to refinance a home loan when mortgage rates fall, especially if there's speculation that interest rates drop even more. Home Insurance Inspection: What to Expect? Find out what to expect during an inspection to confirm your homeowners insurance coverage, including what parts of the home will be checked most extensively. Flood Insurance: Find Out If You Need Coverage and Where to Get It Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Flood Insurance: Find Out If You Need Coverage and Where to Get It Most homeowners have a homeowner’s insurance policy. In fact, these policies are...