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.

10 Best Ways to Use Your Tax Refund in 2024 Find out the best ways to use your tax refund money, such as savings, investing, and spending wisely. When Do Credit Scores Get Updated? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter When Do Credit Scores Get Updated? Credit Karma App Your credit score is an important part of your financial life.... Should You Pay Off Student Loans Early to Save on Interest Charges? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Pay Off Student Loans Early to Save on Interest Charges? If you have student loans, it can be very tempting to do your best to pay the... Should You Pay Off Student Loans or Invest in Stocks? Compare the pros and cons of paying off your student loans instead of investing those funds in stocks, mutual funds, and bonds. Should You Pay Off Your Student Loan in Lump Sum? Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of making a lump sum payment toward your student loan debt and how it can affect the rest of your finances. Should Your Pay Off Student Loans or Buy a Car? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should Your Pay Off Student Loans or Buy a Car? If you’ve come into a large sum of money, whether it come from an inheritance or a... Credit Card Closed? 6 Things You Need to Do Now Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Credit Card Closed? 6 Things You Need to Do Now Sometimes, you’ll have one of your credit card accounts closed. Whether you... Should You Contribute the Maximum to Your 401(k)? Find out if it is a good idea to contribute the maximum amount to your particular 401(k) plan because there are times when it doesn‘t make sense. Credit Counseling vs. Debt Settlement: What is Better for You? Compare credit counseling and debt settlement services to see which option is better for helping you get out of large amounts of debt, especially high-interest credit card balances. Learn about the benefits of each option and how much it costs. Find out what other options you might have available to you. How to Boost the Interest Rate on Your CDs? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Boost the Interest Rate on Your CDs? Certificates of deposit (CDs) give consumers the chance to earn a secure return on...