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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 view of a park in a city with track and benches.

5-minute read

What is property tax and how to calculate it

Property taxes are paid to local governments to help cover the cost of community services we receive. Discover how to calculate property taxes with our guide...

A row of condos, discussing the cost or refinancing options related to condominiums.

6-minute read

Refinancing your condo: A complete guide

Refinancing your condo is similar to refinancing a mortgage on a house, but there are a few minor differences. Here’s how to get started with the process.

5-minute read

What are asset classes?

Asset classes are categories of investments, such as real estate, stocks, and bonds. Discover how diversifying your portfolio can enhance your returns.

Retired couple having coffee in their kitchen.

4-minute read

What happens when you pay off your mortgage

Paying off a mortgage is a great achievement that impacts your credit score, mix of accounts and utilization rate. Here are the facts to consider.

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.