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 Do Early Withdrawal Penalties Apply to IRA CDs? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How Do Early Withdrawal Penalties Apply to IRA CDs? Many people will agree that it’s never a good idea to put all your eggs in one... Should You Invest in Series I Savings Bonds or CDs? Find out whether it is a better financial decision to invest your money in a Series I savings bond or a certificate of deposit (CD). The Best Teen Checking Accounts in 2024: For Managing Money at an Early Age Find out which banks offer the best checking accounts for teenagers who want to learn how to manage their own money at an early age. How to Place a Credit Freeze at the Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Place a Credit Freeze at the Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion Your credit report contains highly sensitive information. Whether you’re... Should You Close Your First and Oldest Credit Card? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Close Your First and Oldest Credit Card? A credit card is an excellent tool for establishing a credit history and many... What Financial Documents Needed When Applying for a Mortgage Find out which financial documents will be needed by your mortgage broker when applying for a mortgage to buy a new home. Can You Get an Auto Loan for a Private Car Sale? Learn how you can buy a used car from a private party and still borrow funds through an auto loan to pay for the purchase. Compare the Best Business Loans for Bad Credit in 2024 Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Compare the Best Business Loans for Bad Credit in 2024 Running a company takes money—sometimes a lot of it. Even if you started your... When Does It Make Sense to Take Out a 401(k) Loan? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera When Does It Make Sense to Take Out a 401(k) Loan? You've been setting money aside for retirement with a 401(k) and there's a good... How to Refinance a Mortgage With Bad Credit Learn how to refinance your mortgage if you've got bad credit, including options that have the highest chances of approval.