What is a 529 plan and how is it used?
529 plans can be a great way to save for education expenses on a tax-free basis.
7 min read
Dec 22, 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
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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5 option strategies for advanced investors
Here are five option strategies for advanced investors and how they work.
8 min read Dec 20, 2024 -
Should you actively trade in a Roth IRA?
Retail investors don’t normally trade in a Roth IRA, but if you do, consider these factors.
4 min read Dec 20, 2024 -
Best retirement plans for the self-employed
Here are the details on self-employed retirement plans, including which may be the best.
6 min read Dec 20, 2024 -
How the Fed impacts stocks, crypto and other investments
The best way for most investors to approach this type of market is to stick to the long-term plan.
6 min read Dec 18, 2024 -
Biggest winners and losers from the Fed’s interest rate cut
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s lowering interest rates following its Dec. 17-18 meeting.
6 min read Dec 18, 2024 -
3 money moves you can’t afford to skip before Trump takes office
Make these three smart moves ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term.
5 min read Dec 18, 2024 -
Spot Bitcoin ETFs vs. Bitcoin Futures ETFs: Here’s how they differ
Here how spot Bitcoin ETFs and Bitcoin futures ETFs work and what you need to know.
4 min read Dec 16, 2024