What is a certified financial planner (CFP)?
The CFP certification is one of the most highly sought-after designations for financial professionals. Here’s how they can help you manage your money.
5 min read
Oct 12, 2023
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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Social Security payments to climb 3.2% in 2024 after COLA increase
The 2024 COLA returns the series of annual adjustments to a more normal level.
2 min read Oct 12, 2023 -
Survey: Will shifting Fed policy and the 2024 election help or hurt stocks? Here’s what top market analysts are saying
The pros remained upbeat about long-term returns, despite the short-term noise.
6 min read Oct 11, 2023 -
Survey: Despite economic uncertainty, experts foresee stocks climbing 6% in year ahead
Pros expect the market to rise about 6.5 percent in the coming twelve months.
7 min read Oct 11, 2023 -
The 10 largest American IPOs of all time
Here are the top 10 largest American IPOs by initial valuation.
3 min read Oct 02, 2023 -
Call options: Learn the basics of buying and selling
How does a call option work and why would someone buy one?
5 min read Sep 29, 2023 -
The stock market’s 10 biggest winners over the last 5 years
Here are the stock market’s 10 best-performing stocks over the last five years.
3 min read Sep 15, 2023 -
7 hot IPOs for the rest of 2023
Here are some of the hottest IPOs on investors’ radar.
6 min read Sep 13, 2023
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9 biggest 401(k) mistakes to avoid
Don’t make these errors when using a 401(k) to save for retirement.
5 min read Nov 20, 2024 -
Stock market holidays in 2024: 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.
1 min read Nov 11, 2024 -
What is the Dow Jones Industrial Average?
These companies make up the popular Dow Jones Industrial Average.
3 min read Nov 04, 2024 -
Elon Musk in 2024: What to know about the world’s richest person
Learn which investments helped make Elon Musk the richest person in the world.
8 min read Nov 04, 2024 -
What to do if your Social Security payment is late
Is your Social Security check late? Here’s what to do.
2 min read Oct 29, 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 24, 2024 -
Warren Buffett: Top investing lessons and advice from Berkshire’s legendary CEO
Here’s what else you should know about Warren Buffett, his investment approach and largest holdings.
8 min read Oct 22, 2024 -
What is Bitcoin mining and how does it work?
Here are the basics on how Bitcoin mining works and some key risks to be aware of.
5 min read Oct 21, 2024