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 Use a Bump-Up CD? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Use a Bump-Up CD? Certificates of deposit (CDs) are a great way to earn more interest than a savings... Find the Best CD Rates in Texas Learn about what certificates of deposit (CDs) are available at local Texas banks and compare them to the best CD rates from online banks. Jumbo CDs: Compare Pros and Cons Before Locking in Your Money Compare the pros and cons of opening a jumbo CD (certificate of deposit) if you plan to lock in $100,000 or more for a higher interest rate on cash savings. Best 18-Month CD Rates for Short-Term Savings: 2024 Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Best 18-Month CD Rates for Short-Term Savings: 2024 Everyone has goals in life, but many of those goals require money. If you have... Best 3-Year CD Rates for Mid-Term Financial Goals: 2024 Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Best 3-Year CD Rates for Mid-Term Financial Goals: 2024 For a more targeted approach to savings, you might consider a certificate of... Turning a CD into a Secured Loan: Pros and Cons to Consider Find out how CD secured loans work and compare the pros and cons of this collateralized borrowing option. The Best 4-Year CD Rates for Long-Term Savings Growth: 2024 Find the best 4-year certificate of deposit (CD) rates for long-term savings goals while earning a market-leading interest rate. Best 6-Month CD Rates for Short-Term Savings Goals Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Best 6-Month CD Rates for Short-Term Savings Goals You’ve managed to save the money you need before the deadline, and you have about... 10 Best Ways to Use Your Tax Refund in 2024 Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter 10 Best Ways to Use Your Tax Refund in 2024 It’s tax season, which means millions of Americans will be filing their taxes and... When Do Credit Scores Get Updated? Learn about how your credit lines are reported to credit bureaus on a regular basis and find out when your credit scores are refreshed and updated.