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.

Savings Account vs. Roth IRA: Which is Better? Learn the differences between a savings account and a Roth IRA for growing money towards financial goals and retirement. What Type of the Savings Accounts Are the Best? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter What Type of the Savings Accounts Are the Best? Savings accounts are an essential part of anyone’s financial toolkit, but choosing... What is the Maximum Amount You Can Have in a Savings Account? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter What is the Maximum Amount You Can Have in a Savings Account? The savings account is a core bank account that is designed to be a place where... Can You Get a Debit Card on a Savings Account? Find out whether you can get a debit card in order to access your savings account. It's a good question for people who want to deposit and withdrawals cash from their main savings, or maybe they want to use a debit card to make purchases. Learn how it differs from ATM cards. Do Savings Accounts Have Routing Numbers? Find out whether your savings accounts have routing numbers, which are important for identifying your account when it comes to transactions and transfers. Combined with your account number, it helps other financial institutions to identify your account so that the money is moving correctly. How to Open a Savings Account with Bad Credit Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Open a Savings Account with Bad Credit Your credit score is an integral part of your financial life. It is a record of... How to Set Up Direct Deposit Without a Voided Check Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Set Up Direct Deposit Without a Voided Check Example of a voided check Direct deposit is a useful payroll feature that lets you... Compare the Best IRA Savings Accounts Rates Find out which IRA savings accounts are the best when it comes to interest rates, fees, and IRA eligibility. Learn how you can use it to build retirement savings without the high risk of losing all your money -- instead using it to diversify and balance your portfolio. Should You Pay Back Student Loans or Build an Emergency Fund? Find out whether you should put extra income toward paying back your student loans or building the all-important emergency fund. Learn the benefits of keeping student loan debt and how much you need to establish an emergency fund. Compare your options to decide which path is best for your finances. Should You Pay Down Student Loan Debt or Save for a House? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Pay Down Student Loan Debt or Save for a House? As people graduate college, get their first job and start wanting to settle down,...