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.

Why You Should Avoid Tax Refund Advance Loans Find out why you should avoid tax refund advance loans, which may put money in your hands faster, but there are various fees and very high interest rates. Which Credit Report Does Barclaycard Pull? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Which Credit Report Does Barclaycard Pull? As one of the country's largest credit card issuers, it wouldn't be surprising... The Best Credit Cards for Pet Owners Compared Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter The Best Credit Cards for Pet Owners Compared With more than 60% of American households owning a pet, it is no surprise that... Should a Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Be Part of Your Retirement Savings? Learn how employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) work and find out whether they can help you save and invest for retirement. Should You Pay Off Student Loans With a HELOC? Find out whether you should use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to help pay off your student loan debt. Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of borrowing from your home to pay down student loan balances. Compare other alternatives that won't use your house as collateral. How to Use Credit Cards to Build Your Credit and Travel the World Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Use Credit Cards to Build Your Credit and Travel the World In 2011, I was a new college student living on my own for the first time. I had... How to Add a Driver to Your Car Insurance Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Add a Driver to Your Car Insurance If you drive a car, you should have car insurance. Insurance protects you if you... Variable Interest Rate vs. Fixed-Rate Student Loans Learn the difference between variable rates and fixed rates when it comes to the interest rates for your student loans. Find out how each type of rate affects the amount of interest charges that are incurred on a monthly basis. See if variable or fixed student loan rates are better for you. Should You Help Your Partner Pay Off Student Loans? Find out whether it is a good idea to help your partner, spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, etc. pay off his or her student loan debt. Consider the pros and cons of this financial decision and how it could affect your relationship. Learn about other options that you have to help your partner manage student loan payments without putting your own finances in danger. Why Robo-Advisory Services May Not be Worth the Investment Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Why Robo-Advisory Services May Not be Worth the Investment One of the biggest recent developments in the world of finance and investing is...