James McClenathen

Editorial Strategist | TMFJammerz

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 237 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 07-01-2026

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

• Get Chase Sapphire Preferred's Biggest Bonus Ever: Best Travel Cards This Month, July 2026
  Jul 1, 2026
  The Chase Sapphire Preferred was already a great deal -- now, it's better than ever. Here's what to know about it and four other great …
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• Best CD Rates This Week, June 8, 2026: The Fed Meets in 8 Days -- Don't Wait to Lock In Your Rate
  Jun 30, 2026
  Top CDs this week offer yields as high as 4.20% APY. But the Fed meets soon, so the direction of rates is uncertain. Secure a …
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• Best CD Rates This Week, June 15, 2026: The Fed Meets Tomorrow -- Get Ahead of the Decision
  Jun 30, 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 CD Rates This Week, June 22, 2026: Father's Day Is Over -- Now Do Something for Yourself
  Jun 30, 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 CD Rates This Week, June 29, 2026: Summer Is Here -- Don't Let Your Savings Sit Idle
  Jun 30, 2026
  This week's best CDs pay up to 4.20% APY. Lock in a solid return as we head further into 2026 and rates potentially become more …
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• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, June 29, 2026: Watch Your Debt Shrink, Not Your Wallet
  Jun 29, 2026
  Stop losing ground to interest. These balance transfer cards offer 0% intro APR for nearly two years, with no annual fees. Finally see your debt …
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• I Opened 3 Credit Cards in 8 Months. Here's What Happened to My Score
  Jun 22, 2026
  I earned over $2,200 in rewards, and my credit score only dropped three points. Learn how, and whether you could do the same.
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• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, June 22, 2026: Stop Bleeding Money to Interest
  Jun 22, 2026
  Stop losing money to interest. These balance transfer cards offer 0% intro APR for nearly two years -- a real path to getting ahead.
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• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, June 8, 2026: Put Interest on Pause for Nearly 2 Years
  Jun 19, 2026
  Pause the interest and make progress. These balance transfer cards offer 0% intro APR for almost two full years, no annual fees, and room to …
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• Best Balance Transfer Cards This Week, June 15, 2026: Shift the Fight in Your Favor
  Jun 19, 2026
  Level the playing field against high interest. These balance transfer cards offer 0% intro APR for nearly two years to help you win.
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• Discover it® Cash Back Review
  Jun 18, 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 …
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• Best Investment Apps for Beginners
  Jun 16, 2026
  The best investment apps for beginners are easy to use, with low fees and simple tools. Learn about our experts' picks for the best investment …
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• Have a Bank of America Savings Account? You're Probably Missing Out on $300-Plus a Year
  May 26, 2026
  Bank of America's savings account APYs are extremely low. See how you could earn hundreds more per year with a high-yield savings account.
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• Inflation Could Hit 6% This Summer. Here's What That Means for Your Wallet
  May 18, 2026
  Q2 inflation forecasts just jumped from 2.7% to 6%. Don't panic -- but do move your cash somewhere it earns more than 0.01%.
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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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• 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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• Here's How You Can Still Lower Your 2025 Tax Bill
  Apr 5, 2026
  If you haven't filed your 2025 taxes yet, you may be able to save money by contributing to an IRA before April 15. Here's how …
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• T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Who Has the Best Family Plans?
  Apr 1, 2026
  See how T-Mobile and Verizon compare on cost, coverage, data, and more. Plus, learn about a limited-time deal that's too good to ignore.
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• Here's the Best Phone Plan for Families Who Use a Lot of Data
  Mar 31, 2026
  We compared the top family phone plans from T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. This limited-time T-Mobile offer takes the cake.
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• Elon Musk's X Money Account Could Pay 6% APY. Here's What We Know
  Mar 17, 2026
  The upcoming X Money account may offer 6% APY. Here's what we know so far, plus two high-yield savings accounts paying 4%-plus that you can …
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• 6% APY: Is the New X Money Account Too Good to Be True?
  Mar 12, 2026
  Elon Musk's new X Money account could offer 6% APY on cash. Here's what we know so far -- and why you shouldn't wait to …
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