What is the average Social Security check?
Find out how much your Social Security payments could grow over time.
3 min read
Oct 10, 2024
James Royal, Ph.D.
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
Our goal is to get wiser every day and avoid the mistakes of the past.
— James Royal, Ph.D.
About the author
Bankrate principal writer and editor 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 and Bankrate.
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
CNBC
Yahoo Finance
Reuters
Cheddar TV
Forbes
Barron’s
Our goal is to get wiser every day and avoid the mistakes of the past.
— James Royal, Ph.D.
James's latest articles
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What is a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)?
For people living on a fixed income, the COLA is a critical safety net.
3 min read Oct 10, 2024 -
Stock market outlook for the next 12 months: Here’s what top analysts are predicting into 2025
Analysts preferred U.S. stocks over global ones, and value stocks over growth stocks.
6 min read Oct 10, 2024 -
What is a robo-advisor?
A robo-advisor is a fancy term for an advisor that automates the process of financial planning.
6 min read Oct 09, 2024 -
9 retirement investing mistakes to avoid
A financially secure retirement won’t just happen to you. Craft a carefully considered plan and stick to it.
7 min read Oct 08, 2024 -
Here’s what a crypto smart contract is and how it works
Smart contracts use blockchain technology to fulfill a pre-programmed contract.
4 min read Oct 07, 2024 -
moomoo
Competitive pricing on stocks, ETFs and options will prove welcome with traders, though others may find the lack of account types, limited available securities and high transfer fees off-putting.
5 min read Oct 06, 2024 -
Should you retire in New York? It ranks as the second-worst state for retirees, here’s why
New York’s lack of affordability pushed the state to 49th in Bankrate’s rankings.
5 min read Oct 04, 2024
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Best municipal bond funds
Consider adding these municipal bond funds to your portfolio.
4 min read Oct 15, 2024 -
What are restricted stock units (RSUs)?
RSUs might be part of your compensation package.
4 min read Oct 09, 2024 -
Best time of the year to retire for tax purposes
When you retire can potentially have a big impact on your retirement income and the taxes you owe.
4 min read Oct 07, 2024 -
What are the different types of stock to invest in?
What every investor should know about the different types of stock.
4 min read Oct 04, 2024 -
How to cash out your crypto or Bitcoin
Here are five ways you can cash out your crypto or Bitcoin.
3 min read Sep 30, 2024 -
How do Social Security survivors benefits work?
Find out how your partner’s retirement benefits could change if she or he outlives you.
3 min read Sep 13, 2024 -
Top 10 reasons to contribute to a 401(k)
Here are the top 10 reasons to contribute to your workplace retirement plan.
3 min read Sep 05, 2024 -
5 ways to invest in farmland
Some investors think investing in farmland is recession proof. Here’s how to get started.
4 min read Sep 02, 2024