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 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... Should You Choose Fixed-Rate or Variable-Rate Personal Loans? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Choose Fixed-Rate or Variable-Rate Personal Loans? Personal loans are flexible financial tools that have become more popular in... What Are Credit Builder Loans and How Do They Work? Learn about credit builder loans and how they work to help you improve or repair your credit. Best Personal Loans to Pay for a Wedding Find out which personal loans are the best options for couples who are looking to borrow to pay for wedding expenses. Should You Use a Personal Loan to Finance a Lawn Mower Purchase? Photo of Thomas (TJ) Porter Thomas (TJ) Porter Should You Use a Personal Loan to Finance a Lawn Mower Purchase? If you have a big yard, you might dread going out to mow the lawn. It can be a...