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.

Christmas Loans: Should You Borrow to Fund Your Holiday Spending? Find out how Christmas loans work to finance spending for the holidays, whether that may be gifts or travel. More importantly, learn about the alternatives. How to Get a Personal Loan to Buy an RV Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Get a Personal Loan to Buy an RV A recreational vehicle can be your mobile home away from home or allow you to... How to Get a Personal Loan to Buy a Motorcycle Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Get a Personal Loan to Buy a Motorcycle Learn how to get a personal loan to buy a motorcycle (new or used), including what you'll need to become approved for the lowest rates. Should You Use a Personal Loan to Pay for Solar Panels? Find out if you should take out personal loans to pay for solar panels after considering other financing options for solar panel systems and installation. Should You Refinance Loans When Interest Rates are Rising? Find out whether there are circumstances when it actually makes sense to refinance variable-rate loans when interest rates are rising. Quick Loans: Ways to Borrow Emergency Funds Fast Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Quick Loans: Ways to Borrow Emergency Funds Fast Try as you might to avoid them, everyone encounters some form of unexpected... How to Document a Personal Loan Between Family & Friends Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Document a Personal Loan Between Family & Friends Whether you're borrowing from or lending to family and friends, it can be a... How to Calculate and Reduce Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Learn why you need to care about your debt-to-income ratio when you apply for a major loan, such as a mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan. Should You Use a Personal Loan to Start a 0Business? Find out whether taking out a personal loan to start a new business is a good idea. Learn about the pros and cons of using personal loans for business. What is a Good Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter What is a Good Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio? If you’re making a large purchase, you’ve probably heard of a number of different...