James McClenathen

Editorial Strategist | TMFJammerz

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 252 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 02-24-2026

Summary

James McClenathen is a full-time Managing Editor and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, overseeing the production and quality of editorial content while also writing about credit cards, investing, and everyday money management. He has worked at The Motley Fool since 2012 and brings extensive experience as an editor, reporter, and finance expert. A graduate of the University of Michigan, James has spent more than a decade of his career helping readers make smarter financial decisions.

James's Recent Articles

• Discover it® Cash Back Review
  Feb 24, 2026
  Discover It® Cash Back offers 5% rewards on rotating categories, no annual fee, and a Cashback Match for new cardholders. See if it's right for …
  Read More
• Here's What Happens to Your Credit Cards When You Pass Away
  Feb 23, 2026
  When a cardholder dies, accounts stay open, balances must be settled, and rewards may be lost. Here's how to prepare and protect your loved ones.
  Read More
• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, Feb. 23, 2026: Get Relief From Interest and Room to Breathe
  Feb 23, 2026
  Top balance transfer cards now offer up to two years of 0% intro APR and no annual fees -- compare options and start paying down …
  Read More
• Best CD Rates This Week, Feb. 23, 2026: Rates Are Slipping -- Here's Where to Find the Best Deals
  Feb 23, 2026
  Today's best CDs pay up to 4.20% APY. It could be a smart idea to lock in a solid return as we head further into …
  Read More
• Save Hundreds on Your Next Getaway: The Best Travel Cards Available This Week, Feb. 22, 2026
  Feb 22, 2026
  The right travel credit card can help you save a bundle on your big trip this year. Here are all our favorite options available now.
  Read More
• Bank of America Is Adding New Rewards for Many Customers -- and Slashing Rewards for Others
  Feb 20, 2026
  On May 27, Bank of America is replacing Preferred Rewards with BofA Rewards. See who gets bigger credit card bonuses -- and who could lose …
  Read More
• If Your Finances Are Getting Complicated, These Cutting-Edge Tools Can Help
  Feb 19, 2026
  The right tech can save time and money when your finances get complex. Here's what helps high earners most.
  Read More
• This Simple Mistake Can Drop Your Credit Score by 100+ Points
  Feb 19, 2026
  A single missed credit card payment can drop your score by 100+ points. Here's when it hits your report and how to prevent it.
  Read More
• Best CD Rates This Week, Feb. 2, 2026: Fewer Top APYs Remain After 3 Fed Cuts in 2025
  Feb 18, 2026
  The Fed cut rates a total of three times in 2025, but this week's top CDs still offer yields as high as 4.27% APY. Secure …
  Read More
• Best CD Rates This Week, Feb. 9, 2026: Up to 4.27% APY -- But for How Much Longer?
  Feb 18, 2026
  This week's CDs are paying up to 4.27% APY. It's a good time to secure a strong return before yields decline further.
  Read More
• Best CD Rates This Week, Feb. 16, 2026: Lock in Today's Yield Before the Next Cut
  Feb 18, 2026
  Top CDs this week offer up to 4.20% APY, making now a smart time to lock in a solid return before rates move lower.
  Read More
• How the Venture X Card Can Practically Pay for Its Annual Fee 4 Times Over in 2026
  Feb 17, 2026
  For a premium travel card, the Capital One Venture X makes it easy to recoup your annual fee. Here's how.
  Read More
• Forget the Amex Platinum: My New Favorite Travel Card Costs $500 Less
  Feb 17, 2026
  The Capital One Venture X card offers premium travel perks at a reasonable annual fee. Here's why I like it more than the Amex Platinum.
  Read More
• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, Feb. 16, 2026: Stop Paying Interest and Start Making Progress
  Feb 16, 2026
  Tackle leftover 2025 debt with top balance transfer cards offering long 0% intro APR periods and no annual fees. Compare picks and start paying it …
  Read More
• Save Thousands on Flights and Hotel Stays: The Best Travel Cards This Week, Feb. 15, 2026
  Feb 15, 2026
  Planning a big trip this year? The right travel credit card can help you save hundreds. Check out the best cards to apply for now …
  Read More
• I Did the Math: These 3 Cards Win for Gas
  Feb 13, 2026
  Confused by different cash back rates, annual fees, and spending caps? I ran the numbers, and these cards are the best deals for gas.
  Read More
• Here's How AI Might Help You Get a Personal Loan -- and a Lower Rate
  Feb 12, 2026
  Some lenders use AI to look beyond your credit score. Here's how that could help you get approved and get the rate you deserve.
  Read More
• I Review Credit Cards Every Day. Here Are 3 That I Tell My Friends to Get
  Feb 12, 2026
  From groceries to Amazon to travel, these are the three cards I recommend to almost everybody. Learn more and see if you should apply today.
  Read More
• The 4 Most Underrated Amex Platinum Perks
  Feb 11, 2026
  Extended warranties, the free Companion Card, Walmart+, and purchase protection might be worth a lot more than you realize. Find out why.
  Read More
• My Top 3 Balance Transfer Cards for 2026, Ranked
  Feb 10, 2026
  Trying to pay off credit card debt faster in 2026? I ranked my top three balance transfer cards based on fees, APR terms, and perks.
  Read More
• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, Feb. 9, 2026: More Time to Pay Down Debt With 0% APR
  Feb 9, 2026
  Pay down debt with the best balance transfer cards, featuring long 0% APR periods and no annual fees. Find the right card to get started.
  Read More
• Rack Up Points and Miles This Year: The Best Travel Cards This Week, Feb. 8, 2026
  Feb 8, 2026
  Planning travel this year? The right travel credit card can help you save big. Check out the best cards to apply for now and start …
  Read More
• How AI Is Helping High Earners See Where Every Dollar Goes
  Feb 6, 2026
  As your wealth grows, money gets harder to track. Here's how AI tools are helping high earners see the full picture.
  Read More
• How to Choose a Financial Advisor
  Feb 4, 2026
  Learn how to compare credentials, fees, and specialties so you can find a qualified advisor that you trust.
  Read More
• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, Feb. 2, 2026: Give Your Balance a Break
  Feb 2, 2026
  The best balance transfer cards now have long 0% APR periods and no annual fees. Find the right card for you and start tackling debt …
  Read More