5 disadvantages of a 529 college savings plan
Despite the tax advantages, a 529 may not be the best way to build a college fund.
5 min read
Aug 22, 2025
James Royal, Ph.D.
Former Principal Writer, Investing and Wealth Management
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
Former Bankrate principal writer and editor James F. Royal, Ph.D. covered investing, financial markets, wealth management, cryptocurrency and retirement issues such as IRAs, 401(k) plans and Social Security — helping individuals make smart financial decisions that can positively and significantly improve their lives. He was at Bankrate since 2019, and has been investing in the markets for more than two decades, starting to invest during the “dotcom” boom and bust.
In particular, James is focused on how to invest well, helping individuals build wealth. His articles focused on the real steps to build wealth as well as the financial moves to avoid, those peddled by people just looking to sell you something. Importantly, he also focused on behavioral finance — an individual’s attitudes and experiences to money and investing — as a key place that people sabotage their own financial future, such as by approaching investing with fear and greed.
His work has been cited across major media, including CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN International and the Associated Press, and he has appeared on TV and radio in countless media outlets. James is also the author of The Zen of Thrift Conversions and Options Trading 101. He previously worked as an editor and analyst at the Motley Fool.
When he’s not thinking and writing about investing, James enjoys reading, French cinema and playing Jeopardy, having appeared on the TV game show.
James beyond Bankrate
Our goal is to get wiser every day and avoid the mistakes of the past.
— James Royal, Ph.D.
James's latest articles
-
-
401(k) rollover options: What to do if you lose or change your job
Decisions you make now can end up costing a lot more later, so carefully weigh what to do with your 401(k).
5 min read Aug 22, 2025 -
Covered call options strategy: The key risks and returns
A covered call is a lower-risk option strategy and it’s even suitable for beginning options investors.
6 min read Aug 22, 2025 -
Growth ETF vs. value ETF: What’s the difference?
Here’s what you need to know about these two popular investment styles.
6 min read Aug 22, 2025 -
Americans are flocking to Texas, so why does it rank as the second worst U.S. state to retire in?
Texas is known for low taxes and sunshine, but that’s where the superlatives end.
4 min read Aug 22, 2025 -
How are annuities taxed? 3 things you need to know
Here are the tax advantages offered by annuities – and three key things to know.
3 min read Aug 21, 2025 -
SIMPLE IRAs: What they are, how they work and who can have one
These plans are great for small businesses in search of a straightforward and inexpensive retirement plan.
5 min read Aug 21, 2025 -
The stock market is near all-time highs but only a few stocks are driving it — Investors should be wary
Here’s why investors should pay close attention to this “narrow” stock rally.
4 min read Aug 20, 2025
