Articles by Thomas (TJ) Porter

TJ Porter has in-depth experience in reviewing financial products such as savings accounts, credit cards, and brokerages, writing how-tos, and answering financial questions. He has also contributed to publications and companies such as Investment Zen and Echo Fox. He aims to provide actionable advice that can help readers better their financial lives. Education: B.S. in Business Administration, Concentration in Information Systems from Northeastern University.

Can Your Credit Card Company Raise Your APR Out of Nowhere? Find out whether your credit card company can raise your interest rate (APR) out of nowhere and what you can do if it ever happens to your account. Should You Finance the Purchase of a New Laptop? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Finance the Purchase of a New Laptop? Whether you’re surfing the internet, playing a game, doing homework, or at the... Credit Card Travel Alerts: How to Set Them (and Why You Might Not Need To) Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Credit Card Travel Alerts: How to Set Them (and Why You Might Not Need To) When you’re planning for a trip, especially an international one, you already have... How to Calculate Net Annual Income for Credit Card Applications Learn how to calculate the net annual income that you have to provide on credit card applications as it is important for determining whether you get approved. Can You Get a Business Credit Card with Only an EIN? Find out whether or not you can apply and qualify for a business credit card with just an EIN (Employer Identification Number) instead of a SSN. Which Credit Cards Provide Card Numbers Instantly After Approval? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Which Credit Cards Provide Card Numbers Instantly After Approval? Depending on how you apply for a credit card and which card issuer you apply with,... Is Zero Percent Credit Card Financing Worth the Risk? A Guide to the Zeros Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Is Zero Percent Credit Card Financing Worth the Risk? A Guide to the Zeros Credit card companies advertise zero percent financing and balance transfer deals... Which Bank is Best for Getting a Credit Card There are hundreds of credit cards from many banks, credit unions, and card issuers. Find the best bank when you looking to apply for a credit card. How to Fix a Bad 300-560 Credit Score A very bad credit score ranging from 300 to 560 on the FICO score range can still be fixed. Here are tips and ways to repair your poor credit history. When Should You Use a Personal Loan in an Emergency? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter When Should You Use a Personal Loan in an Emergency? Personal loans are versatile financial tools. You can use a personal loan for...