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.

What is the Average Interest Rate on Savings Accounts? Find out what the national average interest rate is on savings account in the United States. Compare the APYs provided from different financial institutions, including national banks, online banks, and credit unions. Learn how to build your savings balance faster without facing expensive account fees. 5 Ways to Save for Retirement as a Full-Time Freelancer Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera 5 Ways to Save for Retirement as a Full-Time Freelancer So you’ve finally made the leap to full-time freelancer. For you, this means time... Should You Pay Off Student Loans Before Grad School? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Pay Off Student Loans Before Grad School? Getting an undergraduate education is a huge accomplishment. But it can also... Can Non-U.S. Citizens Have Retirement Accounts (401k and IRAs)? As a non-U.S. citizen, find out if you can still contribute to retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, and learn if any special rules apply. How to Transfer Ownership of Your House to Your Child Learn how to give a house to your child while also considering the tax consequences of a transfer of home ownership. Can the Walmart MoneyCard Act as a Checking Account? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Can the Walmart MoneyCard Act as a Checking Account? Whereas a savings account is an ideal place to earn interest and hold cash for... How to Set Up a Savings Account for a Teenager Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Set Up a Savings Account for a Teenager Teaching kids how to save money is an important step for future financial... Average Cost of College Tuition: How Much Do You Have to Save? Find out the average cost of college tuition, in addition to room and board, so that you can estimate how much to save for your children‘s future education. How Much to Save for the Perfect Honeymoon Without Going Into Debt Learn how you can save for the perfect honeymoon vacation to celebrate your marriage without taking on a large amount of debt -- including tips to cut costs. The FIRE Movement: What Are You Sacrificing to Retire Early? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera The FIRE Movement: What Are You Sacrificing to Retire Early? If you feel that 65—the traditional retirement age—is too late to start living...