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 Pay Off Student Loans Before Grad School? Find out whether you should pay off your existing student loans from your undergraduate degree before applying to a graduate school and taking on more debt. Can Non-U.S. Citizens Have Retirement Accounts (401k and IRAs)? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Can Non-U.S. Citizens Have Retirement Accounts (401k and IRAs)? If you’re a citizen of another country, but legally able to live and work in the... 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? See if you can use a Walmart MoneyCard in place of a traditional checking account, including making purchases, paying bills, and making deposits. 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? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Average Cost of College Tuition: How Much Do You Have to Save? There’s no denying the cost of getting a college degree. As a parent, maybe you... 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? Learn what it takes to join the FIRE movement, which encourages the pursuit of financial independence to retire early - with certain sacrifices. 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? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera What to Do (and Not Do) Right Before Closing on a Home? Buying a house is a major milestone. It can take years to save up a down payment...