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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.

Should You Use a Personal Loan to Pay for Plastic Surgery? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Use a Personal Loan to Pay for Plastic Surgery? Cosmetic procedures are expensive, yet some people never consider paying for one... Where to Find Personal Loans for Veterans Find out where veterans and military service members (active or retired) can qualify for personal loans at the lowest interest rates, plus any special benefits. Should You Use Personal Loans to Pay for Grad School? Find out whether it is a smart financial move to apply for a personal loan for the purpose of paying graduate school tuition. Personal Loan vs. Small Business Loan: Which Is Better? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Personal Loan vs. Small Business Loan: Which Is Better? Want to strike out on your own and start a business? Getting a personal loan or... Unsecured Auto Loans: What’s the Catch? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Unsecured Auto Loans: What’s the Catch? Some car dealerships make the car buying experience easier for customers by... Claim 6 Simple Tax Exemptions to Save You Big Should You Take Out a Personal Loan to Pay Your Taxes? When you cannot afford to pay the IRS, find out whether a personal loan can help you when you owe taxes. Learn about the costs and penalties of failing to pay your taxes and the IRS payment plan. Compare that situation to borrowing with a personal loan to avoid those higher costs, especially if the interest rates are lower. Tax Abatement: How Does It Help You Save on Property Taxes? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Tax Abatement: How Does It Help You Save on Property Taxes? Property tax rates vary depending on where you live. But typically average between... 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 Learn how title insurance works to protect your home from legal claims and other aspects of the property's history that you didn't know about.