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 Get a Copy of Canceled Checks Learn how you can get a copy of canceled checks (known as checks deposited or returned), including why you'd want these check images and the fees involved. The Effects on Your Credit Score After Removing an Authorized User Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter The Effects on Your Credit Score After Removing an Authorized User Credit cards are a great way to pay for purchases. They let you make large... How to Roll a 401(k) Into an IRA Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Roll a 401(k) Into an IRA When you leave your job, you may wonder what you should do with your old... 6 Personal Loan Fees That You Need To Know Learn about all the different fees that can apply to personal loans, including application fees, origination fees, prepayment penalties, late payment fees, returned check fees, and payment protection insurance. Find out what they normally cost and how you can avoid them. Are There Reasons to Lower Your Credit Card Limits? As you wonder if it is a good idea to reduce your credit card limits, learn how it could affect your credit score and chances of getting new credit cards. What Happens When You Become an Authorized User on a Credit Card Account? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter What Happens When You Become an Authorized User on a Credit Card Account? Credit cards are popular financial tools that you can use to make purchases from... How to Rebuild Your Credit Score After Bankruptcy Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Rebuild Your Credit Score After Bankruptcy Let's face it: Bankruptcy is never an easy decision, but sometimes it's the... Installment Loan vs. Revolving Credit: Effect on Your Credit Score When you have installment loans and revolving credit lines, there could be different effects on your credit score that you should keep in mind. Do You Need Multiple Credit Cards to Build Good Credit? Find out whether you need to open more credit cards for the sake of building a good credit score. Learn how multiple cards could help or hurt your goal. How to Avoid Credit Card Skimmers Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Avoid Credit Card Skimmers One of the biggest risks of paying for something with a credit or debit card is...