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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

PersonalFinance

RealEstate

Education

Bachelors in Business Administration from Northeastern University

Recent Articles

A yard with flowers, representing a beautiful home exterior.

6-minute read

What does collateral mean and how does it work?

Collateral is an asset used to secure a loan. If a borrower defaults, the lender can take the collateral to recover losses.

A man calculating debt, potentially involved in financial planning or debt management.

7-minute read

Using a home equity loan to tackle credit card debt: A guide

Tackling credit card debt? Learn about using a home equity loan to pay it down, along with the benefits, drawbacks, and alternative methods.

Man sitting on staircase with peaceful and happy look on his face.

5-minute read

8 tax deductions for homeowners: Your breaks and benefits

If you own your home, you can save money when on income tax by deducting specific expenses. Get the most value from your home with these 8 tax deductions.

Man filling out tax paperwork, income is assessed for mortgages.

8-minute read

Mortgage interest deduction: A guide for the 2025 tax year

Learn how the 2025 mortgage interest deduction works, what qualifies, and whether itemizing or the standard deduction saves you more.

A couple examining blueprints against a wall, potentially involved in home renovation or construction planning.

7-minute read

What home improvements are tax-deductible? IRS rules and eligible upgrades

Are home improvements tax-deductible? Learn what improvements you can deduct from your taxes, what counts as a capital improvement, and how the IRS decides.

A family happily unpacking boxes in their new home, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

4-minute read

Understanding types of assets

What are assets? Find out the different types of assets to help manage your finances, build wealth, and make smart financial decisions.

A large brick home with by woods in the background and beautiful landscaping in the front.

5-minute read

The 1% rule in real estate: What to know before investing

Measuring your return on investment can feel like a lot of math. The 1% rule can make it easier to figure out how much you should spend on your investment.

A couple discussing terms and condition possible for mortgage or related to real estate with an agent.

4-minute read

What a forbearance agreement means for you

A forbearance agreement allows borrowers to temporarily suspend mortgage payments during unexpected financial hardship. Learn if it’s the right option for...

Row of homes in an older neighborhood on tree lined street.

8-minute read

Different types of mortgages and how they work

There is a home loan for everyone, but which type of mortgage is best for you? Use this article to understand the types of home loans and how they work.