James McClenathen

Editorial Strategist | TMFJammerz

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 157 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 10-14-2025

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

• These 3 Red Flags Mean It's Time to Switch Bank Accounts
  Aug 14, 2025
  Are you earning a low interest rate, paying fees, or not getting the high APY your bank advertised? Find out here -- and find a …
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• Can You Retire With $400,000 in 2025?
  Jul 27, 2025
  Wondering if $400,000 is enough to retire in 2025? Here's how high yields, Social Security, and smart spending can help you stretch your savings.
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• Why I'm Moving Money Out of High-Yield Savings in July 2025
  Jul 22, 2025
  If your savings account has enough money to cover emergencies, then it's time to start investing for growth. Here's where I'm putting my spare cash …
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• Do You Really Need $750,000 to Retire in 2025?
  Jul 19, 2025
  Wondering if $750,000 is enough to retire in 2025? Here's how rising yields, inflation, and your lifestyle choices affect your retirement plans.
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• Do You Really Need $2 Million to Retire in 2025?
  Jul 11, 2025
  Is it true that you could need $2 million to retire comfortably? Find out how your lifestyle, inflation, and rising yields affect your retirement number.
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• Should You Lock In a 6-Month CD in June 2025?
  Jun 21, 2025
  With the Fed keeping rates steady in June, a short-term CD could be a smart move. Here's when it makes sense and how to get …
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• The Average American Needs $19,800 in Savings -- Most Don't Even Come Close
  Jun 20, 2025
  The $19,800 number isn't random. Here's where it comes from, why it matters, and how a high-yield savings account can help you get there faster.
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• $75K in Car Insurance? Here's Why It's Probably Not Enough
  Jun 19, 2025
  In a serious car accident, you could end up on the hook for far more than $75,000. Learn how much car insurance you really need …
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• Forget Minimum Car Insurance: Here's What You Really Need
  Jun 18, 2025
  With state minimum car insurance, an accident could leave you on the hook for tens (or hundreds) of thousands. Here are some smart ways to …
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• Ranked: Car Insurance Companies With the Best Discounts for Safe Drivers
  Jun 18, 2025
  Consider yourself a safe driver? These top insurers offer big telematics-based discounts -- some up to 40% -- that could save you hundreds on your …
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• Why Rich People Love This Simple Retirement Saving Strategy
  Jun 5, 2025
  Dollar-cost averaging into index funds through a tax-advantaged account is simple and effective. Here's why it works for rich people and the rest of us, …
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• 3 Little-Known Investing Tricks That Rich People Use
  Jun 4, 2025
  Wealthy investors have many ways of avoiding taxes and leaving more money to their heirs. Fortunately, there are ways for everyday people to do the …
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• 6-Month vs. 5-Year CDs: What's the Best Investment Now?
  Jun 1, 2025
  CD rates are high, but they may drop soon. Find out if you should you lock in a guaranteed rate for five years, or take …
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• 4 Retirement Savings Mistakes That Could Cost You Over $50,000
  May 30, 2025
  Avoid these mistakes that could cost you over $50,000, including investing too late, playing it too safe, or skipping tax-advantaged accounts.
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• 3 Habits That Help the Rich Stay Rich
  May 29, 2025
  Being wealthy (and staying wealthy) takes more than a high income. Here are three habits of the rich that you can adopt, too.
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• This Warren Buffett Strategy Could Keep You Out of Debt
  May 21, 2025
  Warren Buffett's company maintains a huge cash reserve. Here's why you should have plenty of cash on hand, too.
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• Should You Open a 5-Year CD Now or Wait? May 2025 Answers Inside
  May 9, 2025
  Five-year CD rates are at the highest levels we're likely to see for a long time. But that doesn't mean they're a great investment for …
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• Do You Have Too Much Money in Your Checking Account? 3 Red Flags to Watch in May 2025
  May 8, 2025
  Everyone needs a checking account. But once it has enough money to cover the bills, your checking account becomes a liability. Here's why.
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• Why I'm Moving Money Out of My High-Yield Savings Account in May 2025
  May 5, 2025
  I'll always have money in high-yield savings. But right now, I see a better long-term opportunity. Here's what it is -- and how you can …
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• The 3 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Investing in CD in May 2025
  May 1, 2025
  Investing in CDs is simple and safe, so long as you avoid a few pitfalls. Here are three mistakes you definitely don't want to make …
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• Warren Buffett's Best Advice for Recessions
  Apr 29, 2025
  If the economy crashes, the best thing to do is hold on to your investments -- or, even better, buy more. Here's why, as well …
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• Best CD Rates Today, April 28, 2025: Up to 4.65%
  Apr 28, 2025
  The top CD rates today are up to 4.65% for terms of 12 months or less. Take advantage now before potential Fed rate cuts lower …
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• Best CD Rates Today, April 27, 2025: Up to 4.65%
  Apr 27, 2025
  Today's leading CD rates are up to 4.65% for terms less than 12 months. Lock in a competitive rate now before Fed rate cuts arrive.
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• Have a Wells Fargo Savings Account in April 2025? You're Probably Missing Out on $300-Plus a Year
  Apr 26, 2025
  Wells Fargo's interest rates are laughable. See how a high-yield savings account could earn you far more money for almost no work.
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• Best CD Rates Today, April 26, 2025: Up to 4.65%
  Apr 26, 2025
  Take advantage of today's best CD rates -- up to 4.65% for terms less than 12 months. Lock in a competitive rate before looming Fed …
  Read More