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.

Received a Job Offer? 6 Questions to Ask Before Accepting Learn about the financial issues to consider after you've received a job offer, including benefits and perks such as 401(k) matches, corporate discounts, etc. When Mortgage Rates Fall, Is It Time to Refinance Your Home Loan? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera When Mortgage Rates Fall, Is It Time to Refinance Your Home Loan? Many people see a drop in mortgage rates as the perfect time to buy a home. A... Home Insurance Inspection: What to Expect? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Home Insurance Inspection: What to Expect? Some people finance a house and others pay cash for a property. Either way,... Flood Insurance: Find Out If You Need Coverage and Where to Get It Find out whether you need flood insurance to protect your property based on area and risk of flooding. Learn where to get flood insurance. 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...