James F. Royal, Ph.D. covers stocks, financial markets, and cryptocurrency — helping individuals make smart financial decisions that can significantly improve their lives. He's been investing in the markets for more than two decades, starting to invest during the “dotcom” boom and bust.

His work has been cited across major media, including CNBC, the Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN International and the Associated Press, and he has appeared on TV and radio in countless media outlets. James is the author of The Zen of Thrift Conversions and Options Trading 101. He previously worked as an editor and analyst at the Motley Fool as well as a principal writer at Bankrate.