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.

When Can You Switch Homeowners Insurance Policies? Find out when you can switch homeowners insurance policies, including what happens if you decide to cancel an existing policy (such as termination fees). Does Home Insurance Cover Damage to a Neighbor’s Property? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Does Home Insurance Cover Damage to a Neighbor’s Property? Homeowners insurance protects against losses and damages to your property. Damage... How Much Homeowners Insurance Coverage Do I Need? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How Much Homeowners Insurance Coverage Do I Need? Your home is a valuable asset, so it only makes sense to guard it with a... What to Do Before Renewing Your Homeowners Insurance Policy? If you're homeowners insurance policy is about to renew, take these steps to ensure that you maintain enough coverage at the lowest premiums. How to Compare Home Insurance Companies Learn how you should research and compare home insurance companies that you're considering for a policy, including insurer health, ratings and claims process. How to Create a Home Inventory for Homeowners Insurance Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Create a Home Inventory for Homeowners Insurance If you own a home, homeowners insurance (although not required by law) is... Which Payments You Should Avoid Making With a Credit Card Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Which Payments You Should Avoid Making With a Credit Card Credit cards are convenient and useful for earning rewards, building a credit... What Credit Cards are Accepted at Costco? Find out which credit cards work at Costco, the wholesale warehouse club that has been known to be picky with accepting credit card payments. Expiration Dates: Why Credit Card and Debit Cards Have Them Learn why credit cards and debit cards have expiration dates, including how it is essential for protecting consumers and merchants alike. Should You Pay to Extend a Mortgage Rate Lock? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Pay to Extend a Mortgage Rate Lock? When buying a house, affordability doesn’t only involve the price of a property—it...