What is the average Social Security check?
Find out how much your Social Security payments could grow over time.
3 min read
Mar 23, 2023
EXPERTISE
- Investing
- Wealth management
- Behavioral finance
- Stock analysis
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science in management, University of Florida
- Master of Arts in English, University of Florida
- Doctorate in English, University of Florida
Our goal is to get wiser every day and avoid the mistakes of the past.
— James Royal
About the author
Bankrate principal writer James F. Royal, Ph.D. covers investing and wealth management. His work has been cited across major media, including CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times and the Associated Press. Royal believes in the power of education to help individuals make smart financial decisions that can positively and significantly improve their lives.
Experience
James is the author of The Zen of Thrift Conversions. He’s a veteran writer and stock analyst with a history of working in the financial-services industry, including at the Motley Fool.
Education
Royal has a bachelor’s degree in management as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in English earned at the University of Florida.
Media mentions
Our goal is to get wiser every day and avoid the mistakes of the past.
— James Royal
James's latest articles
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Backdoor Roth IRA: What it is and the benefits of setting one up
If you want to open a Roth IRA and make too much money to do so, don’t fret.
6 min read Mar 23, 2023 -
How to handle the volatile stock market if you’re about to retire
Here’s how to handle a volatile stock market if you’re about to retire, according to experts.
5 min read Mar 23, 2023 -
Secure your savings and boost your returns: 5 ways to a better bank account
It’s the perfect time to double-check your accounts for safety and then look for higher yields.
5 min read Mar 23, 2023 -
Biggest winners and losers from the Fed’s interest rate hike
As the Fed raises interest rates, here are the biggest winners and losers from its latest decision.
5 min read Mar 22, 2023 -
The pros and cons of taking out a 401(k) loan
Borrowing from your 401(k) is risky, but may be worth it depending on your situation.
6 min read Mar 22, 2023 -
How to deduct stock losses from your taxes
Here are the ground rules for what the IRS will allow you to do with capital losses when filing your taxes.
6 min read Mar 21, 2023 -
2023 HSA contribution limits: Key numbers to know
An HSA provides you key tax advantages, including the potential for a triple tax benefit.
2 min read Mar 20, 2023 -
Estate planning checklist: 7 key steps to making a successful plan
An estate plan helps protect your loved ones from unnecessary hassle and expense.
7 min read Mar 20, 2023 -
8 best short-term investments in March 2023
Here’s where to turn when you’re searching for a safe place to stash cash for the short term.
11 min read Mar 16, 2023 -
Best online brokers for stock trading in March 2023
Consider the costs, educational resources and other factors before opening an account.
8 min read Mar 16, 2023 -
10 best long-term investments in March 2023
You can use time as a huge ally when planning your investments to build wealth in the long run.
17 min read Mar 16, 2023 -
Top multi-leg options strategies for advanced traders
Options allow traders to profit with basic or advanced strategies, based on calls and puts, but are not risk-free, exposing granular risks.
10 min read Mar 16, 2023 -
IRA taxes: Here are the key rules to know and how much you can expect to pay
It comes down to whether you prefer a tax break today or in the future.
5 min read Mar 15, 2023 -
Best index funds in March 2023
These are ten of the top index funds to consider adding to your portfolio this year.
13 min read Mar 15, 2023
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7 ways to get free financial advice
If you can’t afford an advisor, you still have places you can look first for free or cheap advice.
3 min read Mar 23, 2023 -
Top 9 reasons to make 401(k) catch-up contributions
Here’s how catch-up contributions work and how they can help you build a better retirement.
3 min read Mar 20, 2023 -
Buy, sell or hold? How to decide what to do with a plummeting stock
Is a stock you own plummeting? Here’s how to decide what to do next.
5 min read Mar 13, 2023 -
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What are the different types of stock to invest in?
What every investor should know about the different types of stock.
4 min read Mar 09, 2023 -
Women and investing in 2023: Here’s everything you need to know
Women are poised to transform the investment landscape for the future.
10 min read Mar 07, 2023 -
Custodial Roth IRA: How and why to start a Roth IRA for kids
This type of account can help your child save for retirement as soon as they start earning income.
4 min read Mar 06, 2023 -
How to roll over your 401(k) in 5 easy steps
Leaving your job? Making the wrong decision with your 401(k) could cost you big time.
11 min read Mar 03, 2023 -
What is the Dow Jones Industrial Average?
These companies make up the popular Dow Jones Industrial Average.
2 min read Feb 28, 2023 -
Dividend stocks: What they are and how to invest in them
These cash payments can account for a significant portion of investors’ total return over time.
6 min read Feb 22, 2023 -
6 best investments for beginners
Here are some helpful tips on where to consider putting your money if you’re just starting out.
5 min read Feb 20, 2023 -
Investing in the Black community
Here’s how to invest in the Black community, including taking a stake in Black-owned business.
9 min read Feb 17, 2023 -
Stock market holidays 2023: The US markets are closed on these days
When is the stock market closed? Here’s a list of days when the major exchanges observe holidays.
2 min read Feb 17, 2023 -
5 ways to invest in farmland
Some investors think investing in farmland is recession proof. Here’s how to get started.
4 min read Jan 30, 2023 -
8 biggest 401(k) mistakes to avoid
Don’t make these errors when using a 401(k) to save for retirement.
4 min read Jan 27, 2023
James's Picks
What is Bitcoin?
6 min read
