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.

What to Do If You Haven’t Filed Past Tax Returns Take the necessary steps in this guide to help you with tax returns that you failed to filed in previous years. Find out what the rules are for tax refunds on old tax returns and for any owed taxes (fees and penalties). Learn what you can do if you cannot afford to pay back any back taxes. What is a Flexible Spending Account and Should You Use One? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter What is a Flexible Spending Account and Should You Use One? Health insurance and healthcare are some of the most complicated and stressful... Why You Should Avoid Tax Refund Advance Loans Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Why You Should Avoid Tax Refund Advance Loans You may not enjoy doing your taxes, but the tedious process may result in a big... Which Credit Report Does Barclaycard Pull? Find out which U.S. credit bureau is used most often by Barclaycard when reviewing someone's application for a credit card. Learn how to get your credit reports for free (or at a discount) and take the best steps to improve your credit profile for a higher chance of being approved for a Barclaycard credit card. The Best Credit Cards for Pet Owners Compared Caring for your pet is a full-time job. Find out what credit card is best for pet owners, what the main features and how it compares to similar cards. Should a Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Be Part of Your Retirement Savings? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should a Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Be Part of Your Retirement Savings? When you go to work, you might be motivated to do your job by any number of... Should You Pay Off Student Loans With a HELOC? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Pay Off Student Loans With a HELOC? With student debt reaching record highs, it might seem like you’ll never escape... How to Use Credit Cards to Build Your Credit and Travel the World Find out how to use credit cards to build credit and earn travel rewards for free flights and convenient benefits. How to Add a Driver to Your Car Insurance Learn how to add another driver to your car insurance if someone else will have access to your vehicle. Find out if other coverage options exist. Variable Interest Rate vs. Fixed-Rate Student Loans Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Variable Interest Rate vs. Fixed-Rate Student Loans When you take out a student loan, the most important part of the loan is the...