James McClenathen

Editorial Strategist | TMFJammerz

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 249 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 04-13-2026

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

• Here's Why the Average American Should Have $19,800 or More in Savings
  Feb 21, 2025
  $19,800 is about how much the average American spends in three months. Here's why they should try to have that amount in savings.
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• Here's How You Could Save $1,000 or More in Credit Card Interest
  Feb 18, 2025
  If you have thousands of dollars in credit card debt, a balance transfer card could help you pay it off faster -- and save you …
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• The Average American Has This Much Debt. How Does Yours Compare?
  Feb 16, 2025
  The average American owes $105,056 across all types of debt -- but don't compare yourself to the average. Learn how to tell how healthy your …
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• 3 Good Reasons Not to Keep Money in a Savings Account
  Feb 16, 2025
  Everyone should have a savings account, but there are cases where you're better off putting your money somewhere else. Find out when this rule might …
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• This Banking Mistake Could Cost You Hundreds of Dollars a Year
  Feb 15, 2025
  Settling for a low savings account APY is one of the biggest financial mistakes you can make. Fortunately, it's easy to switch. Here's where to …
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• 3 Perks of Keeping a Credit Card Open for 10 Years
  Feb 14, 2025
  You can boost your credit score and enjoy some benefits of being a loyal customer. Here's how -- and how to decide when to close …
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• You Might Not Realize What Happens When You Max Out Your Credit Card
  Feb 14, 2025
  Maxing out your card can hurt your credit score, trigger penalties and high APRs, get your account closed, or there may be no consequences at …
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• Here's How Much Money You Should Have in Savings by 50. How Do You Compare?
  Feb 14, 2025
  Some experts recommend saving six times your salary by age 50, but the real answer is more complicated. Here's how to find your retirement number.
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• Here's How to Earn $10,000 With CDs
  Feb 14, 2025
  It's possible to earn $10,000 or more from the best CDs on the market. However, it will take a lot of money or a very …
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• Should You Buy CDs Before Interest Rates Drop Again?
  Feb 11, 2025
  Federal Reserve rate cuts likely won't make a huge difference for CD investors, and you may have better options. Find out why.
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• This Bank Offers a 10% APY Savings Account. Is It Legit?
  Feb 10, 2025
  Some banks offer very high APYs -- but only on a portion of your savings. See why those eye-popping interest rates may not be worth …
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• Here's What Happens When You Leave a Lot of Money in Your Savings Account
  Feb 9, 2025
  A savings account is a great place to store money -- to a point. See how keeping too much money in savings could cost you …
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• Here's What Happens if You Deposit More Than $10,000 in Cash Into Your Bank Account
  Feb 9, 2025
  Cash deposits of over $10,000 must be reported to the federal government. You shouldn't have any problems, though -- just follow these rules.
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• 3 Reasons Not to Open a CD Right Now -- Even With Rates Over 4%
  Feb 8, 2025
  CDs offer respectable APYs right now, but there are probably better places for your money. Here are three reasons to ignore CDs.
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• This Bank Account Pays a 4.75% APY. Should You Open One Now?
  Feb 7, 2025
  Quontic's money market account pays a top-notch APY, which almost no savings account can match. Learn what else makes this MMA a great place for …
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• Here's the Single Best Strategy for Investing in CDs
  Feb 3, 2025
  CD laddering can boost your savings with better interest rates and regular access to cash. Learn how it works to start your own CD ladder …
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• Do You Really Need $1 Million to Retire?
  Feb 2, 2025
  You may need $1 million to retire at 65 and keep your standard of living. However, the amount you should save depends on many factors. …
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• Why I'm Moving Money Out of My High-Yield Savings Account
  Jan 31, 2025
  I'm moving money out of my high-yield savings account and into investments in my Roth IRA. Read on to learn why -- and why you …
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• Here's How Much Money You Can Make With $10,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account
  Jan 27, 2025
  A high-yield savings account could earn you thousands of dollars more than an average bank account. Learn what the best savings accounts are paying now.
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• Ranked: The 3 Best Places to Put Your Money in 2025
  Jan 27, 2025
  These investments could return 4% to 21% per year. Learn what they are and what makes them the best places for your money.
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• Why I'm Not Opening Any CDs in 2025 -- Even With Rates Over 4%
  Jan 24, 2025
  There are better places for me to put my money than CDs. Find out what they are and what makes them great.
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• Forget CDs, Even With Rates Over 4%. Here's Where to Put Your Money Instead
  Jan 17, 2025
  Certificates of deposit offer decent interest rates right now. But for most people, there are two better alternatives. Find out what they are.
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• Want a Perfect 850 Credit Score? These 3 Traits Make It Happen
  Jan 16, 2025
  Your credit score is a product of many factors, but people with perfect scores have three big things in common. Find out how they've earned …
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• How My Long-Distance Move Cost $15,000
  Oct 8, 2024
  Moving 1,000 miles or more can cost a shockingly high amount. Read on to learn about the expenses you should plan for.
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