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.

Health Insurance Plan Comparison: HMO, PPO, EPO Differences Explained Compare the different types of health insurance plans that are available, including HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and POS plans and their network coverages and costs. 13 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Premiums Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera 13 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Premiums Whether buying a single-family home, a townhouse, or a condominium, your home is... Taking a Gap Year Before College: How to Plan for It Financially Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Taking a Gap Year Before College: How to Plan for It Financially While it’s common to start college a few months after graduating high school,... How to Prepare Financially and Save for Maternity Leave Find out about how you can prepare financially and save for maternity leave as pregnancy enters the final stages -- preventing you from working for many weeks. Can You Get a Savings Account With an ATM Card? Find out whether or not you can get a savings account that comes with an ATM card, which could allow you to withdraw cash in the cash of an emergency. Choosing and Opening a Baby Savings Account Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Choosing and Opening a Baby Savings Account Opening a savings account for your children lays the foundation for money... Savings Account vs. Money Market Account: Which Is Better? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Savings Account vs. Money Market Account: Which Is Better? Savings accounts and money market accounts are options if you’re looking for a... What is the Average Interest Rate on Savings Accounts? Find out what the national average interest rate is on savings account in the United States. Compare the APYs provided from different financial institutions, including national banks, online banks, and credit unions. Learn how to build your savings balance faster without facing expensive account fees. 5 Ways to Save for Retirement as a Full-Time Freelancer As a full-time freelancer, learn how you should approach retirement savings when you don‘t have access to a 401(k) plan, which is offered only by employers. Consider the different options that you have available to take advantage of tax benefits provided by certain retirement accounts. Should You Pay Off Student Loans Before Grad School? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Pay Off Student Loans Before Grad School? Getting an undergraduate education is a huge accomplishment. But it can also...