Roth IRA conversion: Here’s everything you need to know before converting
The Roth IRA can set you up with tax-free retirement income, but watch out for the pitfalls.
9 min read
Nov 25, 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
-
-
Call options: Learn the basics of buying and selling
How does a call option work and why would someone buy one?
5 min read Nov 25, 2024 -
The 10 golden rules of investing everyone should follow
It’s key to develop a set of “golden rules” to help guide you through the tough times.
6 min read Nov 25, 2024 -
The option Greeks: The key factors that move option prices
Here’s how the option Greeks work and the key things you need to know about them.
3 min read Nov 21, 2024 -
How to calculate taxes on an inherited annuity
Here are key things to know about inherited annuities and how to calculate taxes.
3 min read Nov 21, 2024 -
What is Bitcoin?
Some say Bitcoin is the future of currency while others decry it as just a speculative bubble.
6 min read Nov 21, 2024 -
Triple witching: What that means and when to expect the next triple-witching date
Here’s what triple witching is, when it takes place and how investors can benefit.
3 min read Nov 21, 2024 -
How to start investing in cryptocurrency: A guide for beginners
Cryptocurrency is on fire these days and investors are looking to profit on its rise. Here’s what you need to know.
7 min read Nov 20, 2024
-
6 best investments for beginners
Here are some helpful tips on where to consider putting your money if you’re just starting out.
6 min read Jul 15, 2024 -
What is preferred stock, and who should buy it?
This overview outlines how preferred stocks work and who they work best for.
6 min read Jul 15, 2024 -
Stocks, bonds and mutual funds: How are they different?
Stocks, bonds and mutual funds are different investments that produce varied returns.
4 min read Jul 10, 2024 -
How to invest an inheritance
You can build wealth that may not have been achievable otherwise by wisely investing inheritance money.
7 min read Jun 06, 2024 -
Can I contribute to my IRA after retirement?
Rising health care costs are one reason to keep saving and investing.
3 min read Jun 06, 2024 -
How to register a domestic partnership
Not all states recognize domestic partnerships, meaning it pays to do some research.
6 min read Jun 05, 2024 -
What is FINRA and what does it do?
Here are the key details of FINRA, some of its benefits and how it differs from the SEC.
3 min read Jun 05, 2024 -
How to trade mutual funds
What to know before buying or selling mutual funds.
5 min read Jun 04, 2024