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.

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... Personal Loan vs. Personal Line of Credit: What’s the Difference? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Personal Loan vs. Personal Line of Credit: What’s the Difference? If you need to borrow money, there are many banks that offer personal loans and... How to Decide Between Secured and Unsecured Personal Loans Learn about the differences of secured and unsecured personal loans and compare their interest rates, features, and borrowing limits before choosing one. Credit Card vs. Personal Loan: Which is Better to Fund a Big Purchase? Find out whether it is smarter to take out a personal or use a credit card to pay for a major purchase, depending on interest rates and more. Should You Invest in a Traditional or Roth IRA CD? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Invest in a Traditional or Roth IRA CD? Certificates of deposit (CDs) are a special type of deposit account designed to... Can IRA CDs Be Used as Collateral for a Loan? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Can IRA CDs Be Used as Collateral for a Loan? Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are designed to help people save for... Best 9-Month CD Rates for Short-Term Savings Goals Find out which banks offer the best 9-month certificate of deposit (CD) rates based on interest rates, early withdrawal penalties and minimum deposit amounts. Should You Use a Bump-Up CD? Find out whether a bump-up CD (certificate of deposit) is the right savings option for you during a time when you're unsure about the direction of interest rates. Find the Best CD Rates in Texas Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Find the Best CD Rates in Texas Downtown Houston, Texas Home to a plethora of banks, Texas offers plenty of options...