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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

Woman paying bills at kitchen table and working on laptop.

7-minute read

How to repair credit for first-time home buyers

First-time home buyers with bad credit can focus on strategies to boost their score, decreasing their buying costs and improving their loan approval chances. Le...

A man in green sitting at a counter with a French press and a laptop.

5-minute read

eMortgage: What is it and how does it work?

An eMortgage is a convenient option that uses electronic documentation and signing processes. Learn about how it works and whether it may be right for you.

Black woman on patio on laptop smiling, showing a woman on a patio, potentially working on a laptop and smiling.

5-minute read

Cost-of-living calculator

Can you maintain your current standard of living if you move to a new city? Calculate the cost of living between two cities to find out.

A two-story tan suburban house, illustrating a typical residential property in a suburban setting.

6-minute read

What does turnkey mean?

A turnkey property is a type of real estate that’s move-in ready and needs few or no renovations. You may pay more for these homes, but is it worth it?

Multiple generations of a family smiling outdoors, portraying family bonding and unity across different age groups.

8-minute read

Life estate: What is it and how does it work?

A life estate is a legal way to pass the ownership rights of your home to another person. Learn about how a life estate works and how and why to create one.

A lady with glasses looking extremely happy while using her laptop.

6-minute read

What are nonagency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), and should I invest in them?

Want to invest in real estate without becoming a landlord? Learn how nonagency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) work and how to strategically invest in them.

Cardboard moving boxes stacked, packing and cleaning.

8-minute read

What is Fannie Mae HomePath?

Fannie Mae HomePath is a program that helps home buyers purchase distressed and foreclosed homes at potentially lower prices. See if it’s right for you.

A red brick home front with teal colored door and plant vines.

10-minute read

Earnest money: What is it and how much is enough?

Earnest money protects buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction. Learn how an earnest money deposit works and how it can also make your offer stand ou...

England townhomes captured in an urban setting.

6-minute read

Buying a house sight unseen: A step-by-step guide

What does it mean to buy a house sight unseen, and is it right for you? Learn more about purchasing a house without visiting in-person.