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.

Tax Abatement: How Does It Help You Save on Property Taxes? Learn about how a tax abatement affects your purchase of a new home or condo because it can offer savings on property taxes depending on the abatement period. Mortgage Loan Estimate vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Difference? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Mortgage Loan Estimate vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Difference? When you're about to buy a new home, you want to be absolutely clear about the... Title Insurance: Why You Might Need It When Buying a Home Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Title Insurance: Why You Might Need It When Buying a Home The process of buying a home is expensive. Not only because of the down payment... Renters Insurance and Roommates: Can You Share Coverage? Learn how to protect your belongings with renters insurance while also living with roommates, as they may affect your coverage and policy. Pennsylvania Homeowners Insurance: Average Rates for Coverage Find out how much homeowners insurance costs on average in Pennsylvania, including optional coverages that may be worthwhile considerations as part of a policy. Mobile Home Insurance: What Does It Cover? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Mobile Home Insurance: What Does It Cover? Mobile homes, also known as manufactured homes, are properties constructed in a... Maryland Homeowners Insurance: Average Rates for Coverage Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Maryland Homeowners Insurance: Average Rates for Coverage Homeowners insurance in Maryland protects your property from damage. This includes... Condo Insurance: How to Shop for an H0-6 Insurance Policy Find out what factors to consider when you're shopping for H0-6 insurance to cover your condo, especially when your HOA master policy lacks adequate coverage. Guide to Using a Backdoor Roth IRA Learn the step by step process of setting up a backdoor Roth IRA to help taxpayers who've reached the income limits to qualify for contributions. Find out what taxes you are responsible for paying when you convert a traditional IRA. Most importantly, determine for yourself when it makes sense to use a backdoor Roth IRA. Should You Pay Off Student Loans or Credit Cards First? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Pay Off Student Loans or Credit Cards First? Few people can say that they’re debt-free. Many rely on student loans to get an...