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.

Popular Direct CD Rates 2025 Review Compare the certificate of deposit (CD) rates offered by Popular Direct, an online bank, that does require a rather high minimum deposit. KeyBank Checking Account 2025 Review Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter KeyBank Checking Account 2025 Review Find out about the features and fees of the KeyBank Checking Account and compare it to other checking options, especially from online banks. Axos Bank CD Rates 2025 Review Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Axos Bank CD Rates 2025 Review Find out whether the Axos Bank certificate of deposit (CD) rates beat out traditional banks and other online banks. BMO Smart Advantage Checking Account 2025 Review Learn about the BMO Harris Smart Advantage Checking Account and compare it to other free checking accounts, especially from online banks. The Best 10-Year CD Rates for Long-Term Savings Find out which banks offer the best 10-year CD rates for super long-term savings growth, especially to combat inflation or to reduce investment risk. NCUSIF Deposit Insurance: How Your Money in Credit Union is Protected Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter NCUSIF Deposit Insurance: How Your Money in Credit Union is Protected One of the many reasons that people keep their money in a bank account is that... Should You Choose Fixed-Rate or Variable-Rate Personal Loans? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Choose Fixed-Rate or Variable-Rate Personal Loans? Personal loans are flexible financial tools that have become more popular in... 7 Most Common Job Scams on Local Classified Ads: How to Spot Them Learn about the most common job scams that are posted on local classified ads and online listings, including how they work and what you can do to avoid them. Do You Have to Keep a Minimum Balance at a Credit Union? Find out whether or not you need to maintain a minimum balance at a credit union because it related to how they work differently from banks. Learn why it matters in order to keep a credit union membership and what happens when you are still a member but have an account become inactive or dormant. Does Your Age Matter When Applying for a Mortgage? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Does Your Age Matter When Applying for a Mortgage? Mortgages are long-term commitments. Most mortgages are intended last for fifteen...