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.

How to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan With a Bad Credit Score Learn how to get a debt consolidation loan when you've got bad credit scores, which could reduce your chances of approval. But, it's still possible. Should You Apply for a Mortgage With or Without Your Spouse? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Apply for a Mortgage With or Without Your Spouse? You and your spouse are ready to buy that dream home. On the mortgage... Are Joint Credit Cards Good for Your Marriage? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Are Joint Credit Cards Good for Your Marriage? There's no rule that says married couples have to merge their finances. Some couples... Buying a Mobile Home With a Personal Loan: Pros & Cons to Consider Learn about the pros and cons of using a personal loan to finance the purchase of a new mobile home, which may not qualify for a typical mortgage loan. What to Do Before Renewing Your Home Insurance Policy? Learn what you need to do when it comes time to renew your homeowners insurance policy, especially reviewing everything to ensure proper and adequate coverage. Should You Take Out a Personal Loan to Pay Your Rent? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Take Out a Personal Loan to Pay Your Rent? Renting an apartment can be cheaper than buying a home, which requires a down... Identity Fraud: Should You Get a New Social Security Number? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Identity Fraud: Should You Get a New Social Security Number? Identity fraud involves more than someone stealing your social security number... 8 Financial Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day Use these creative financial gift ideas for Valentine's Day to avoid gifting the same chocolates, flowers, and other material goods. How to Change Your Credit Card Billing Address Learn how to change your billing address with your card issuer and find out what happens if you provide the wrong billing address. What to Consider When Using Gift Funds for Your Down Payment on a Mortgage Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera What to Consider When Using Gift Funds for Your Down Payment on a Mortgage You're ready to buy a home, but understand that you need to have a good chunk of...