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James Royal, Ph.D.

Principal writer, Investing and wealth management
Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Investing
  • Wealth management
  • Behavioral finance
  • Stock analysis
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Science in management, University of Florida
  • Master of Arts in English, University of Florida
  • Doctorate in English, University of Florida

Bankrate principal writer and editor James F. Royal, Ph.D. covers 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’s been 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 focus 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 focuses 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

Trump pledges to make US the "crypto capital of the world"

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Despite tariff whiplash, Trump downplays recession threat

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Exploring new retirement strategies amid

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5 smart ways to use your holiday bonus to invest in your future

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Why You Should Not Worry About Timing The Stock Market

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Now Is a Good Time to Check Your 401(k).

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Our goal is to get wiser every day and avoid the mistakes of the past.

— James Royal, Ph.D.

James's latest articles

  • Titan Review 2024

    Titan is a registered investment advisor that runs separately managed accounts, actively investing your money in a sophisticated portfolio that it designs itself – not the usual run of ETFs used by other robo-advisors.

    7 min read Sep 04, 2025
  • Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Review 2025

    You might initially think of broker Charles Schwab only as an option for “do-it-yourself” investors, but the dean of discount offers up a highly competent robo-advisor, too: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios.

    8 min read Sep 04, 2025
  • Webull Review 2025

    While Webull may not receive the fanfare of Robinhood for no-fee trading apps, the broker is at least as capable and may even make a better mobile or web-based trader than its popular rival.

    7 min read Sep 04, 2025
  • E-Trade Core Portfolios Review 2025

    E-Trade Core Portfolios offers a reasonably priced robo-advisor with some of the lowest-cost portfolios in the industry, making it a good fit for those looking to keep a lid on their costs.

    5 min read Sep 04, 2025
  • Best Index Funds In September 2025

    Everything you need to know about the best index funds and ten of the top mutual funds and ETFs to consider adding to your portfolio this year.

    15 min read Sep 03, 2025
  • Charles Schwab Review 2025

    Charles Schwab offers a robust and cost-effective platform that offers something for everyone, from a wide array of commission-free funds to deep research to rich educational resources.

    7 min read Sep 03, 2025