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 is the Maximum Amount You Can Have in a Savings Account? Find out whether there is a maximum amount that you can deposit in a savings accounts and what the high balance means for your money and its safety. Can You Get a Debit Card on a Savings Account? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Can You Get a Debit Card on a Savings Account? It’s very common to wonder whether you can get a debit card for your savings... Do Savings Accounts Have Routing Numbers? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Do Savings Accounts Have Routing Numbers? We, as average consumers, come across routing numbers most often with our checking... How to Open a Savings Account with Bad Credit Find how your bad credit affects your chances of being approved for a new savings account. Learn what you can do to increase the likelihood that your credit score will not stop you from opening a new bank account. How to Set Up Direct Deposit Without a Voided Check Learn how you can set up direct deposit without a voided check. Speaking with your payroll department and finding other options through your bank could mean an easier time getting direct deposit to your checking or savings account without a hitch. Compare the Best IRA Savings Accounts Rates Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Compare the Best IRA Savings Accounts Rates Saving for retirement is hard for a lot of people. Finding the extra money to put... Should You Pay Back Student Loans or Build an Emergency Fund? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Pay Back Student Loans or Build an Emergency Fund? Student loans are more common than ever. Millions of Americans carry enough... Should You Pay Down Student Loan Debt or Save for a House? Find out whether it is a smarter move to save for a new house or pay off your student loans. Learn what questions to ask regarding home affordability, debt-to-income ratios, and financial preparedness to handle mortgage payments and student loan debt at the same time. The Differences Between Money Market Accounts and Money Market Funds Learn the differences between money market accounts (MMAs) and money market funds (MMFs), two similar-sounding financial vehicles that are often confused with each other. Find out how each of them work and their roles in your finances. Then, you are better informed with what you should do when you come across either of them. How to Invest for Retirement When You Don’t Have a 401(k) Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Invest for Retirement When You Don’t Have a 401(k) The 401(k) is one of the most common retirement accounts, but not everyone has...