James McClenathen

Editorial Strategist | TMFJammerz

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 255 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-11-2026

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

• Best CD Rates This Week, May 11, 2026: New Fed Chair, Same Urgency -- Lock In Your Rate Now
  May 11, 2026
  This week's best CDs offer up to 4.20% APY, making now a smart time to lock in a solid return before rates have the chance …
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• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, May 11, 2026: Turn the Tables on High Interest
  May 11, 2026
  Beat high interest at its own game. These balance transfer cards offer 0% intro APR for up to two years, no annual fees, and a …
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• Up to $3,000 Toward Travel: The Chase Sapphire Reserve's Biggest Sign-Up Bonus Ever Is Here
  May 10, 2026
  For a limited time, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is offering a massive sign-up bonus -- its best ever! Should you apply?
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• My Credit Score Is Under 700. Can I Still Get a Balance Transfer Card?
  May 9, 2026
  A credit score under 700 doesn't automatically disqualify you. Here's what issuers actually look at, and what to do if you don't qualify.
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• Best CD Rates This Week, May 4, 2026: Lock In While Fed Rates Remain Unchanged
  May 7, 2026
  This week's top CDs still offer yields as high as 4.20% APY after the Fed held rates steady again last week. Secure a solid return …
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• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, May 4, 2026: Stop Watching Your Payments Disappear Into Interest
  May 4, 2026
  Quit losing money to interest charges. These balance transfer cards give you 0% intro APR for up to two years and no annual fee to …
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• Save $800+ in Your First Year: The Best Travel Cards This Month, May 2026
  May 3, 2026
  This Chase card is one of the best budget-friendly ways to save on travel, period. Here's how to apply and save $800 in your first …
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• How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?
  May 1, 2026
  What's the ideal number of credit cards for consumers? It depends. Read our guide to determine which factors to consider and what the right number …
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• Best CD Rates This Week, April 27, 2026: These Rates Won't Be Around Forever -- Act Now
  Apr 27, 2026
  This week's best CDs pay up to 4.20% APY. It could be a wise move to lock in a solid return as we head further …
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• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, April 27, 2026: Give Yourself a Real Shot at Hitting Zero
  Apr 27, 2026
  Stop fighting uphill against interest. These balance transfer cards offer 0% intro APR for up to two years and no annual fee to help you …
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• This Simple Mistake Can Cost You $8 Every Time You Buy Groceries
  Apr 25, 2026
  Using the wrong card at the supermarket costs the average family hundreds a year. These two no-fuss rewards cards fix that fast.
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• How to Get as High as 500,000 Points (Worth $5,000 on Travel) With 2 Amex Cards
  Apr 20, 2026
  The Amex Business Gold and Business Platinum are each offering some of their highest welcome bonus offers ever. Here's how to get both.
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• Best CD Rates This Week, April 20, 2026: Spring Cleaning Your Savings? Start With a Better Rate
  Apr 20, 2026
  Top CDs this week offer up to 4.20% APY, making now a smart time to lock in a solid return before rates have a chance …
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• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, April 20, 2026: Take Back Control of Your Debt
  Apr 20, 2026
  Take control back from high interest. These balance transfer cards offer 0% intro APR for up to two years, no annual fees, and a real …
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• My Friend Has 14 Credit Cards -- and a Perfect 850 Credit Score
  Apr 19, 2026
  A perfect 850 credit score is rare. Here's how my friend pulled it off with 14 cards and some surprisingly simple habits.
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• How to Get as High as 275,000 Points in a Year With 2 Amex Cards
  Apr 16, 2026
  The Amex Gold and Platinum cards have massive welcome bonus offers right now -- but there's only one way to get them both. Here's how.
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• Should You Downgrade Your Amex Platinum Instead of Canceling It?
  Apr 15, 2026
  The Amex Platinum's annual fee is only worth it if you use its many credits and perks. If you don't, here are your best options …
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• Best CD Rates This Week, April 13, 2026: Lock In up to 4.20% APY Now
  Apr 13, 2026
  The Fed cut rates a total of three times in 2025, but this week's top CDs still offer yields as high as 4.20% APY. Secure …
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• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, April 13, 2026: Stop Letting Interest Steal Your Progress
  Apr 13, 2026
  Stop losing ground to high interest. These balance transfer cards give you 0% intro APR for up to two years, no annual fee, and real …
  Read More
• 3 Things That Make Someone Look Rich -- but Could Make Them Go Broke
  Apr 12, 2026
  Some of the finer things in life can quickly wreck your finances, even if you can "afford" them. Here's how -- and what real rich …
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• Here's the Right Way to Cancel a Credit Card Without Hurting Your Credit Score
  Apr 12, 2026
  Thinking about canceling a credit card? Here's what actually happens to your score -- and the step-by-step process to avoid unnecessary damage.
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• This CD Mistake Could Cost You Hundreds Every Year
  Apr 9, 2026
  When your CD matures, your bank might renew it automatically. Letting that happen could cost you a lot of money -- here's why.
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• How to Open and Fund an IRA Before Tax Day -- in 10 Minutes
  Apr 7, 2026
  Contributing to an IRA before Tax Day could cut your 2025 tax bill by hundreds of dollars -- or more. Here's how to pick an …
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• Can You Add a Teenager to Your Credit Card? Here's What Parents Should Know
  Apr 6, 2026
  Adding a teenager to your credit card account can give them a head start on building credit. Here's what parents should know before making them …
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• Best CD Rates This Week, April 6, 2026: New Month, New Reason to Lock In Your Rate
  Apr 6, 2026
  This week's best CDs offer up to 4.20% APY, making now a smart time to lock in a solid return before rates have the chance …
  Read More