Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 353 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 12-12-2025

Past Experience

Writer & Editor, How To Money
Resident Blogger, Budgets Are Sexy

Summary

Joel O’Leary is a full-time Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, covering credit cards, bank accounts, investing, mortgages, and other personal finance topics. Joel has been writing about personal finance since 2018, previously leading editorial content for the How To Money podcast and serving as a resident writer at Budgets Are Sexy. He bought his first rental property at age 18, funding the down payment with savings from his high school job at McDonald’s -- a testament to his lifelong passion for smart money decisions. His work aims to make personal finance accessible and actionable for everyday readers. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys surfing and spending time with his family.

Joel's Recent Articles

• Limited-Time Offer: Chase Freedom Unlimited Is Currently Offering an Easy $300 Bonus
  Dec 12, 2025
  A rare limited-time welcome offer opportunity is live, offering a great deal on an award winning no-annual-fee cash back card if you apply soon.
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• LendingClub Just Won Best Savings Account in America for 2026 -- Here's Why
  Dec 12, 2025
  Learn why LendingClub earned our best high-yield savings account award for 2026, with a top APY, no fees, and flexible savings features.
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• The No. 1 Mistake People Make With High-Yield Savings Accounts
  Dec 12, 2025
  Keeping too much in your high-yield savings account can hurt your long-term financial growth. Here's what to do with the extra cash.
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• Why This $0-Annual Fee Business Card Belongs in Every Freelancer's Wallet
  Dec 12, 2025
  Freelancers can earn up to 5% cash back and a $750 welcome bonus with this $0-annual fee business card. Here's why it's a smart move …
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• Put $25,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account and Here's What 4.00% APY Does Over a Year
  Dec 12, 2025
  See how much $25,000 can grow in a high-yield savings account and why these accounts are the smartest place to store short-term savings.
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• CDs Are More Risky Than You Think. Here's Why
  Dec 12, 2025
  Here's why early withdrawal penalties, limited access, and slow growth can actually make CDs more costly than you first think.
  Read More
• 3 Reasons to Open a LendingClub Savings Account Before the Fed Changes Rates
  Dec 11, 2025
  LendingClub's high-yield savings account offers a top APY, no fees, and easy access. Here's why it's worth opening before interest rates fall.
  Read More
• We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- These Made the Winner's List for 2026
  Dec 11, 2025
  These five credit card award winners stand out for rewards, simplicity, and long-term value. Learn which 2026 picks made our expert-backed winner's list.
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• These 3 Cards Come With 0% APR Until 2027
  Dec 11, 2025
  Take a break from interest charges with these three cards, each offering 0% intro APR deals that last until early to mid-2027.
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• What's the Best Cash Back Credit Card Now? My Pick for November 2025
  Dec 11, 2025
  Chase Freedom Unlimited offers up to 5% back, a welcome bonus, and an intro APR offer with no annual fee. Here's why it's my top …
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• Best 0% Intro APR Credit Cards
  Dec 11, 2025
  A 0% intro APR credit card can be a powerful tool for saving money. See our top picks for the best 0% intro APR credit …
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• Here's How Many Americans Have a Perfect 850 Credit Score in 2025
  Dec 11, 2025
  Only 1.76% of Americans have a perfect 850 FICO® Score in 2025. Here's who they are, what they do differently, and why perfection doesn't actually …
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• 3 Little-Known 'Luxe' Credits of the Amex Platinum Card
  Dec 11, 2025
  From designer gifts to upscale dinners, these premium credits make it easy to treat yourself, or spoil your close friends and family.
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• Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Nov. 16, 2025
  Dec 10, 2025
  This week's best bank bonuses can earn you a few hundred dollars -- open an account, meet simple requirements, and enjoy real cash rewards with …
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• Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Nov. 23, 2025 -- Earn up to $300
  Dec 10, 2025
  Earn a few hundred dollars with this week's best bank bonuses -- just open an account, meet simple terms, and enjoy easy cash with no …
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• Best Bank Account Bonuses Now: Earn up to $300 for the Week of Nov. 30, 2025
  Dec 10, 2025
  This week's top bank bonuses can put a few hundred dollars in your pocket -- open an account, meet simple requirements, and enjoy hassle-free cash …
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• Earn up to $300: The Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Dec. 7, 2025
  Dec 10, 2025
  Want to get paid for opening a new savings account? With these banks, you can. Here are the best bank bonuses available this week.
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• Here's What Happens When You Have More Than $250,000 in Savings
  Dec 10, 2025
  Here's how FDIC insurance works, what's actually protected, and why holding over $250,000 in cash can hold you back long term.
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• I Missed the Last Venture X Offer -- and I'm Not Making That $1,000 Mistake Again
  Dec 10, 2025
  This rare Capital One welcome offer is back, worth $1,000 or more in travel value. Here's why I'm jumping on it and why you might …
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• 3 Steps to Grow Your Savings by $10,000 in 2026
  Dec 10, 2025
  Hit your 2026 savings goals by opening a dedicated savings account, automating deposits, and reducing one major expense.
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• 3 Savings Accounts Crushing Chase on Interest Rates
  Dec 10, 2025
  Chase pays just 0.01% on savings -- these three high-yield accounts offer top-tier APYs and are easy to open alongside your current bank.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When You Pay for Everything in Cash
  Dec 10, 2025
  Paying only in cash can change how you spend, save, and even think about money. Here's both the real-world upside and some sneaky downsides.
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• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Review
  Dec 9, 2025
  The Capital One Savor card earns bonus cash back on dining, entertainment, and groceries. Find out all about it in this Capital One Savor review.
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• If a Recession Hits in 2026, How Much Cash Should You Have on Hand?
  Dec 9, 2025
  If you're worried about a 2026 recession, start saving up three to six months' worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings account. Here's how …
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• 3 Little-Known Drawbacks of CDs
  Dec 9, 2025
  CDs can have weaker long-term returns, taxes on interest, and rates that aren't always as "locked in" as they look. Here's how to navigate these …
  Read More