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TJ Porter

Contributing writer

TJ Porter has ten years of experience as a personal finance writer covering investing, banking, credit, and more.

TJ's interest in personal finance began as he looked for ways to stretch his own dollars through deals or reward points. In all of his writing, TJ aims to provide easy to understand and actionable content that can help readers make financial choices that work for them.

When he's not writing about finance, TJ enjoys games (of the video and board variety), cooking and reading.

Expertise

Personal Finance

Real Estate

Education

Bachelors in Business Administration from Northeastern University

Recent Articles

A residential neighborhood with multiple houses, showing a suburban or urban living environment.

6-minute read

What are easements and how can they affect my property?

Easements grant non-property owners limited access to a part of your property. Learn the different types of easements and how they can affect your property.<...

A man and woman sitting on a couch, possibly researching or reviewing real estate information in a book.

6-minute read

How mortgage-backed securities and bonds work

A mortgage-backed security (MBS) is a group of aggregated mortgages that are sold to agencies or banks. Learn about mortgage bonds and how to invest.

A man and a women looking at the laptop and smiling.

7-minute read

Should I pay off my mortgage or invest?

Deciding whether to pay off a mortgage or invest can be tricky. Get familiar with all of the potential financial risks and rewards before making this decisio...

Mother and young son swinging at park on a sunny day.

5-minute read

Are property taxes included in a mortgage?

Are property taxes included in your mortgage? Learn how factors like property taxes and insurance can change your monthly home payment.

An elegant home featuring a driveway and meticulously designed landscaping.

8-minute read

5/1 ARM loan: Everything you need to know

A 5/1 ARM offers home buyers a low introductory interest rate for the first 5 years of their loan. Learn more about how a 5-year ARM loan could work for you.

Two people discussing finances or some sort of payments.

6-minute read

Biweekly mortgage payments: Are they a good choice for you?

Making biweekly mortgage payments can result in getting your mortgage paid off earlier.

A couple with two kids giving piggyback rides in front of their house, symbolizing family happiness and homeownership.

7-minute read

Should I lock in my mortgage rate today?

Are you unsure whether you should lock in your mortgage rate today or wait? Learn more about how a mortgage rate lock works and why you may want to consider it.

A couple with an agent in a home, likely discussing real estate matters.

8-minute read

Capital gains tax on real estate and home sales: A guide

Selling your home? Learn how capital gains tax on real estate works, how much you might owe, and strategies to reduce or avoid taxes when selling your home.

A mature couple looking through their bills while using a digital tablet, possibly managing finances or household expenses.

7-minute read

How much house can you afford with a VA loan?

Are you wondering how much house you can afford with a VA loan? Use our VA loan affordability calculator and take a look at a few of the determining factors....