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.

The Best Steps to Take After Paying Off Your Mortgage Find out about the best (and proper) steps to take after you've finishing paying off your mortgage -- including how to best manage your finances afterward. Denied a Secured Credit Card? What You Can Do About It Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Denied a Secured Credit Card? What You Can Do About It You've been denied a secured credit card. It's rare, but it can happen. Getting... Should You Get a Secured Business Credit Card? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Get a Secured Business Credit Card? A business credit card can simplify your business life. It’s a convenient way to... How Old Should Your Children Be to Get Their First Credit Card? Find out how old your children should be when they get their first credit card to begin building their credit score and learning how to manage debt responsibly. Homeowners Insurance Canceled: Next Steps to Ensure Coverage Learn the next steps to take if your homeowners insurance is canceled or renewal is denied and you still need coverage for your property. Where to Find Personal Loans for First Responders Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Where to Find Personal Loans for First Responders Police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel (EMTs) are... How Do Early Withdrawal Penalties Apply to IRA CDs? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How Do Early Withdrawal Penalties Apply to IRA CDs? Many people will agree that it’s never a good idea to put all your eggs in one... Should You Invest in Series I Savings Bonds or CDs? Find out whether it is a better financial decision to invest your money in a Series I savings bond or a certificate of deposit (CD). The Best Teen Checking Accounts in 2024: For Managing Money at an Early Age Find out which banks offer the best checking accounts for teenagers who want to learn how to manage their own money at an early age. How to Place a Credit Freeze at the Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Place a Credit Freeze at the Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion Your credit report contains highly sensitive information. Whether you’re...