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? Find out how early withdrawal penalties are applied to IRA CDs (individual retirement account certificates of deposit). Should You Invest in Series I Savings Bonds or CDs? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Should You Invest in Series I Savings Bonds or CDs? Series l savings bonds and certificate of deposits (CDs) are low-risk, long-term... The Best Teen Checking Accounts in 2024: For Managing Money at an Early Age Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera The Best Teen Checking Accounts in 2024: For Managing Money at an Early Age Opening a teen checking account is an important financial step for young... How to Place a Credit Freeze at the Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion Find out how to put a security freeze on your credit report at the three major U.S. credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Should You Close Your First and Oldest Credit Card? Find out whether you should close your first credit card because you're often told that you should keep your oldest credit card for as long as possible to maintain a good credit score. Learn about the basics of calculating your own credit score so to understand exactly what will happen when you shut down a credit line. What Financial Documents Needed When Applying for a Mortgage Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera What Financial Documents Needed When Applying for a Mortgage Getting a mortgage can be a lengthy process, taking between 30 and 45 days to... Can You Get an Auto Loan for a Private Car Sale? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Can You Get an Auto Loan for a Private Car Sale? Getting a new set of wheels is an exciting feeling. But like so many, you might be... Compare the Best Business Loans for Bad Credit in 2024 Compare the best bad credit business loans based on their minimum credit score and business revenue/sales requirements. There may be no need for credit checks. When Does It Make Sense to Take Out a 401(k) Loan? Find out how 401(k) loans work and when it makes sense to borrow from your employer-sponsored retirement account - after considering pros, cons, and penalties. How to Refinance a Mortgage With Bad Credit Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera How to Refinance a Mortgage With Bad Credit When mortgage interest rates decrease, refinancing is an excellent way to reduce...