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.

Should You Finance the Purchase of a New Laptop? Find out whether it is a good idea to finance the purchase of a new laptop, if you have other financing options available, and other ways to get a laptop. Credit Card Travel Alerts: How to Set Them (and Why You Might Not Need To) Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Credit Card Travel Alerts: How to Set Them (and Why You Might Not Need To) When you’re planning for a trip, especially an international one, you already have... How to Calculate Net Annual Income for Credit Card Applications Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter How to Calculate Net Annual Income for Credit Card Applications When you apply for a new credit card, you’ll have to fill out a form that provides... Can You Get a Business Credit Card with Only an EIN? Find out whether or not you can apply and qualify for a business credit card with just an EIN (Employer Identification Number) instead of a SSN. Which Credit Cards Provide Card Numbers Instantly After Approval? Find out which credit cards provide card numbers instantly after approval for the immediate ability to make purchases online or through a mobile wallet. Is Zero Percent Credit Card Financing Worth the Risk? A Guide to the Zeros Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Is Zero Percent Credit Card Financing Worth the Risk? A Guide to the Zeros Credit card companies advertise zero percent financing and balance transfer deals... Which Bank is Best for Getting a Credit Card Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Which Bank is Best for Getting a Credit Card If you’re looking for a credit card you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number... How to Fix a Bad 300-560 Credit Score A very bad credit score ranging from 300 to 560 on the FICO score range can still be fixed. Here are tips and ways to repair your poor credit history. When Should You Use a Personal Loan in an Emergency? Know the right situation when you should take out a personal loan in order to pay for a financial emergency and learn how to find the most affordable option. Personal Loan vs. Personal Line of Credit: What’s the Difference? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Personal Loan vs. Personal Line of Credit: What’s the Difference? If you need to borrow money, there are many banks that offer personal loans and...