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.

Should You Use a 401(k) Loan to Pay Off Student Loans? Learn how you can borrow from your 401(k) to help pay down student loan debt. Find out whether it is a good idea to take out a 401(k) loan, including how it will affect your retirement savings. Compare alternatives that are worth considering for reducing the financial strain caused by student loans. How to Negotiate the Best Price of a New Home Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Negotiate the Best Price of a New Home Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a repeat home buyer, knowing how to negotiate... How to Buy a House When You Have Student Loan Debt Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Buy a House When You Have Student Loan Debt The cost of a college degree isn't getting any cheaper. The average American... How to Invest in Bonds: Predictable Returns With Low Risk Learn how to invest in bonds, a low-risk investment that can generate predictable returns and fixed income. Find out ways to invest in different types of bonds. 9 Common Homeowners Insurance Riders to Consider Learn about the most common and important homeowners insurance riders to provide added coverage for things that are not typically found with a standard policy. Should You Refinance Your Student Loan With a Private Lender? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Refinance Your Student Loan With a Private Lender? Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock.com Student loan debt is no joke— just ask any... Swimming Pool Loan: How to Finance a Swimming Pool Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Swimming Pool Loan: How to Finance a Swimming Pool Installing a swimming pool in your backyard creates your own outdoor oasis. As you... Roof Loans: How to Finance Roof Repairs or Replacements With a Personal Loan Find out how to finance a roof repair or replacement with roof loans through personal loans, home equity loans, HELOCs, and other borrowing alternatives. How Loss-of-Use Coverage Works With Homeowners Insurance Learn how loss-of-use coverage works as part of your homeowners insurance policy to reimburse you when your home becomes uninhabitable. Dental Loans: How to Use Personal Loans to Finance Dental Work Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Dental Loans: How to Use Personal Loans to Finance Dental Work Whether it’s braces, dental implants, porcelain veneers, or another procedure,...