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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 small white one-story house with a neatly maintained front yard, depicting a cozy residential setting.

5-minute read

What is a resale house? Defined and explained

A resale house is a home that's been lived in before; it's not a new build. Learn more about what a resale house is plus the pros and cons that come with it.

Young man filling out paperwork, possibly for mortgage prequalifiastion.

5-minute read

Mortgage prequalification: What is it and how does it work?

Mortgage prequalification gives you an idea of how much house you can afford. Learn more about the loan prequalification process here.

Young woman at desk in studio apartment searching for a home on her laptop.

8-minute read

How to buy a house with no money down

Some mortgages allow you to buy a house with no money down. Learn how to buy a house with n...

Woman doing dishes in her kitchen, smiling.

7-minute read

Home equity line of credit: Defined and explained

A HELOC allows you to tap into your home equity for many purposes. Learn how it works, how to qualify, and how to know if it’s the right option for you.

Woman in kitchen reviewing paperwork with open laptop nearby.

7-minute read

FHA student loan guidelines

Learn 2025 FHA student loan guidelines: How lenders count payments, DTI examples, IBR and deferment rules, and approval tips. Start now. Get preapproved today.

A woman in a blue shirt enjoying the view from her balcony.

5-minute read

Can you make principal-only payments on your mortgage?

Making principal-only payments on your mortgage can save you on interest over time. Learn how to make a principal-only payment and pay off your loan faster.<...

A realtor explaining things possibly about a property to a couple interested in buying it.

7-minute read

Mortgage insurance premium (MIP) vs. private mortgage insurance (PMI): How do they differ?

As you learn more about mortgage insurance, you’re likely to encounter two acronyms: MIP and PMI. We'll break down how they each work and their key dif...

A woman sitting in a fancy room thinking something with a pen in hand while a man in background is talking on phone.

8-minute read

10-year mortgage rates: What to expect in 2025

A 10-year mortgage may come with lower interest rates than a 15- or 30-year mortgage. Learn...

Hands calculating, potentially symbolizing financial calculations or planning related to real estate or mortgage.

5-minute read

Amortization: What is it and how does it work?

Amortization is the gradual, scheduled repayment of a loan over time. Learn here why it’s important to know how amortization works.