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.

Identity Fraud: Should You Get a New Social Security Number? Find out whether you should get a new Social Security number if you become a victim of identity fraud and how the change could affect your credit history. 8 Financial Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera 8 Financial Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day Valentine's Day is a time when many couples exchange gifts as a gesture of love.... How to Change Your Credit Card Billing Address Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Change Your Credit Card Billing Address Online shopping is fast and convenient, especially for those with a busy, hectic... What to Consider When Using Gift Funds for Your Down Payment on a Mortgage Find out what you must know about using gift funds (money from family or friends) as part of your down payment when applying for a mortgage to buy a home. Homeowners Insurance Lapse: What Happens If There's a Gap in Coverage Find out what happens in your let your homeowners insurance policy lapse -- and what you should do if it happens. What Are Your Options If You Bought a House That You Cannot Afford? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera What Are Your Options If You Bought a House That You Cannot Afford? Learn about the different options that you have if you're stuck with a mortgage to buy a home that's more than you can afford. The Best Credit Cards to Fix Your Bad Credit Without a Security Deposit Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera The Best Credit Cards to Fix Your Bad Credit Without a Security Deposit Bad credit (which is a credit score below 600) affects just about every aspect of... Homeowners Insurance Non-Renewal: What to Do? Find out what you should do to ensure coverage in the case of homeowners insurance non-renewal, when your insurer refuses to renew your policy. New Jersey Homeowners Insurance: Averages Rates for Coverage Find out about the average rates for homeowners insurance in New Jersey, including how much coverage you need and the optional coverages to consider. Louisiana Homeowners Insurance: What Proper Coverage Will Cost You Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Louisiana Homeowners Insurance: What Proper Coverage Will Cost You Homeowners insurance in Louisiana doesn’t only protect your home. It also protects...