Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 226 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 08-29-2025

Past Experience

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

Summary

Joel is a full-time Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, where he brings a clear, approachable voice to topics ranging from credit cards to side hustles. He’s been writing about money since 2018, covering topics like credit cards, savings hacks, and the FIRE movement. Before joining the team, he managed editorial content for the How To Money podcast. When he’s not behind the laptop, Joel is likely at the beach surfing, or out and about with his family.

Joel's Recent Articles

• 9 Frugal Hacks I Learned From Millionaires
  Aug 29, 2025
  These frugal habits aren't about cutting coupons. Here are some ways millionaires I know keep more money in their pocket and grow big wealth.
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• Stop Hoarding Credit Card Points: Here's How to Transfer Them for Bucket-List Travel
  Aug 29, 2025
  Millions of points go unused every year. Here's how to transfer your credit card rewards for high-value business class travel instead.
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• Had $25K in a Bank of America Savings Account for 5 Years? You Just Lost $5,000 in Interest
  Aug 29, 2025
  Keeping your savings in a low-interest account could be costing you thousands. Here's how to earn more with a smarter savings strategy.
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• Forget Categories: This 5-Star Card Gives You 2% Back on Everything
  Aug 28, 2025
  Tired of juggling bonus categories? This top-rated card gives you unlimited 2% cash rewards on every purchase, with no annual fee and a $200 welcome …
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• I Write About APYs for a Living. Here's How I Earned $798 in Interest Last Year
  Aug 28, 2025
  Most people ignore APYs, but they can make a huge difference on your savings. Here's how I made $798 last year with zero risk.
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• I'm Rolling Over My 401(k) to SoFi® for the 1% Match -- Here's Why
  Aug 28, 2025
  Here's how I'm pocketing a $640 bonus by rolling over my 401(k) to a SoFi® IRA -- and why I think it's worth it.
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• 3 Little-Known Streaming Perks of the Amex Platinum Card
  Aug 27, 2025
  Learn about the sneaky little perks this luxury Amex card packs that can save you money on Paramount+, Disney+ bundles, ESPN+, Hulu, and more.
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• Here's Why Your Checking Account Should Contain as Little Money as Possible
  Aug 27, 2025
  Keeping a big balance in your checking account feels safe, but it's costing you. Here's why you should keep it lean and move extra cash …
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• I've Maxed Out My Roth IRA Every Year Since 2016. Here's What It's Worth Now
  Aug 26, 2025
  I'm on track to become a Roth IRA millionaire. Here's how the last nine years have gone maxing out my account, and why I love …
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• Act Fast: Savings Rates May Be Peaking. Here's How to Lock in a 4% APY Now
  Aug 26, 2025
  Savings rates could fall swiftly if the Fed cuts rates next month. Here's how to lock in a 4.00% APY while you still can.
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• Every $10K You Keep in a BofA Savings Account Costs You a New Pair of AirPods Every Year
  Aug 25, 2025
  Your bank's low savings rate might be silently draining your wealth. Here's a smarter way to earn more, without any added risk.
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• The Top 3 High-Yield Savings Accounts of August 2025: Up to 4.50% APY
  Aug 25, 2025
  Find the best high-yield savings accounts this month -- earn up to 4.50% APY and grow your money faster without leaving the safety of FDIC …
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• From 7 Rental Properties to 1 Index Fund: My Simplified Investing Strategy
  Aug 25, 2025
  I'm selling my last rental and going all-in on index funds. Here's how this move simplified my finances -- and why I wish I did …
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• 5 Signs You Should Stay Away From the Amex Platinum Card
  Aug 24, 2025
  Here are some reasons why you might want to reconsider your luxury card application, and alternatives that might be a better fit for you.
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• How I Made $798 More in Interest Just by Ditching My Old Bank
  Aug 24, 2025
  I switched to a high-yield savings account and made $798 more last year. Here's how you can boost your interest earnings, too.
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• My Company Gave Me $1,000 to Invest. Here's Exactly What I'm Doing With It
  Aug 24, 2025
  I was handed $1,000 to invest, no strings attached. Instead of chasing hot stocks, here's how I'm using it to build long-term wealth the boring …
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• How the Amex Platinum Card Could Save You $1,344 in the First Year
  Aug 24, 2025
  Smart use of the welcome offer, travel credits, and spending rewards can lead to over $1,300 in first-year value -- even after the annual fee.
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• Don't Miss the Best Bank Bonuses This Week: August 24, 2025
  Aug 24, 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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• My Father-in-Law Is Building a $50,000 CD Ladder. Here's How Much It Will Pay Him Each Year
  Aug 23, 2025
  Building a CD ladder is a safe way to lock in strong yields and predictable income. Here's how much you could earn with $50,000.
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• 2% Back on Everything and a $200 Bonus: This Is My Favorite Cash Back Card
  Aug 23, 2025
  See why this no-fee card earned a 5-star rating and took home the 2025 best cash back card award from Motley Fool Money.
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• Nearly 2 Years Interest-Free: This Is Our Favorite 0% Intro APR Card
  Aug 23, 2025
  This top-rated Wells Fargo credit card offers nearly two years of breathing room. See why it won our 2025 award for best 0% intro APR …
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• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week: Top Can't-Miss Offers for August 23, 2025
  Aug 23, 2025
  This week's best credit card sign-up bonuses bring big value -- cash back, travel rewards, and more. Act fast, these limited-time offers won't stick around.
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• Forget CDs, Even With Rates Over 4%. Here's Where I'd Put My Money Now
  Aug 21, 2025
  Here's where I'm putting my savings instead of locking them into a CD -- and how you can earn over 4% without giving up flexibility.
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• Act Fast: 3 Reasons It Pays to Apply for the Amex Platinum Before Its Big Coming Refresh
  Aug 21, 2025
  A big refresh is coming to the Amex Platinum Card. Here's why it might pay to apply now before the annual fee and benefits change.
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• Forget CDs: Here Are 3 Investments With Higher Growth
  Aug 20, 2025
  CDs are safe, but slow-growing. Find out about three alternative investments with higher growth potential that can supercharge your savings.
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