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.

Can Non-U.S. Citizens Have Retirement Accounts (401k and IRAs)? As a non-U.S. citizen, find out if you can still contribute to retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, and learn if any special rules apply. How to Transfer Ownership of Your House to Your Child Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Transfer Ownership of Your House to Your Child Learn how to give a house to your child while also considering the tax consequences of a transfer of home ownership. Can the Walmart MoneyCard Act as a Checking Account? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Can the Walmart MoneyCard Act as a Checking Account? Whereas a savings account is an ideal place to earn interest and hold cash for... How to Set Up a Savings Account for a Teenager Learn how to set up a savings account for a teenager, who is legally not allowed to open a bank account individually, and ways to help him or her build savings. Average Cost of College Tuition: How Much Do You Have to Save? Find out the average cost of college tuition, in addition to room and board, so that you can estimate how much to save for your children‘s future education. How Much to Save for the Perfect Honeymoon Without Going Into Debt Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How Much to Save for the Perfect Honeymoon Without Going Into Debt Getting married is more expensive than ever. In fact: According to the... The FIRE Movement: What Are You Sacrificing to Retire Early? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera The FIRE Movement: What Are You Sacrificing to Retire Early? If you feel that 65—the traditional retirement age—is too late to start living... Self-Directed IRAs: Save for Retirement with Alternatives Investments Learn how self-direct IRAs work for holding alternative assets and investments in a tax-advantaged retirement account. Find out about eligible investments. What to Do (and Not Do) Right Before Closing on a Home? Learn what to do (and what not to do) in the weeks and days leading to the closing of your new home purchase -- to avoid jeopardizing the process. 5 Ways to Use Your Home Equity to Fund Retirement Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera 5 Ways to Use Your Home Equity to Fund Retirement There’s no denying it: A home can be a valuable asset. In retirement, home...