Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 195 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 08-08-2025

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

• Sticking With a Wells Fargo Savings Account Could Cost You $5,000 Over the Next Decade
  Aug 8, 2025
  Wells Fargo's low savings rates could drain your future earnings. Here's how to avoid missing out on thousands of dollars in interest.
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• 3 Little-Known Reasons the Citi Strata Elite Can't Beat the Amex Platinum (but Might Still Be Worth It)
  Aug 7, 2025
  Learn which premium travel perks truly matter and how to decide which luxury card can deliver the best value for your lifestyle.
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• 3 Surprising Reasons You Can Be Denied a Credit Card, Even With an 800+ Credit Score
  Aug 6, 2025
  Even with a perfect credit score, you can still be denied a credit card. Find out why it can happen and how to bounce back.
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• Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs. Citi Custom Cash: Which Card Is Better for Groceries?
  Aug 6, 2025
  Learn how to maximize cash back on groceries and see which rewards card gives you the best return for your everyday shopping.
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• No Annual Fee, Serious Rewards -- Our Pick: Chase Freedom Unlimited
  Aug 5, 2025
  Enjoy top-tier rewards, a long 0% intro APR period, and no annual fee with our favorite beginner-friendly credit card.
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• Earn Miles While You Work: Top Business Credit Cards for Travel
  Aug 5, 2025
  Turn everyday business spending into free flights. Here are three top-tier business credit cards that reward you with serious travel miles.
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• Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week: August 3, 2025
  Aug 3, 2025
  Grab quick cash with this week's top bank bonuses -- earn a few hundred dollars just for opening an account and meeting easy requirements. No …
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• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, August 2, 2025: Don't Miss These Limited-Time Offers
  Aug 2, 2025
  This week's top credit card sign-up bonuses are packed with perks -- cash back, travel rewards, and more. Don't wait -- these offers might not …
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• Here's the Single Best Strategy for Investing in CDs Now
  Aug 1, 2025
  Learn how to build a smart CD ladder in 2025 that takes advantage of high interest rates before they fall, especially on long-term terms.
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• The High-Yield Savings Trend Is Exploding -- Don't Miss Out
  Aug 1, 2025
  Some high-yield savings accounts are paying over 4.00% APY right now. See why this savings trend is exploding and how you can start earning more …
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• Is It Too Late to Buy CDs in 2025?
  Jul 31, 2025
  CD rates are still strong in 2025, especially for short-term savers. Here's why now may be your last chance to lock in a high yield.
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• We Named This the Best No Annual Fee Card of the Year
  Jul 31, 2025
  Still using a low-rewards credit card? This no-fee card is easy to use, offers 1.5% back on everything, and earned a top pick award in …
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• The 5 Biggest Downsides of CD Investing
  Jul 31, 2025
  Certificates of deposit can be safe, but they're not perfect. Here are five CD investing drawbacks to understand before you lock in your cash.
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• Why I'm Prioritizing My 401(k) Over Everything Else in 2025
  Jul 29, 2025
  This year I'm planning to max out my 401(k) contributions. Here's why it's the smartest, simplest investment move I can make right now.
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• It's Official: Wells Fargo Active Cash Wins Our Award for Best Cash Back Card This Year
  Jul 29, 2025
  This no-annual-fee card gives you unlimited 2% cash rewards on everything, plus a welcome offer and 0% intro APR -- making it our top cash …
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• How My $1,000 Bonus Could Grow Into $17,449 -- if I Invest It Right
  Jul 28, 2025
  I got a $1,000 investment bonus from work. Instead of chasing hot stocks for a quick win, I'm aiming for long-term growth with boring index …
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• Here's How to Earn an Easy $200 Bonus Plus 2% Cash Rewards on Everything You Buy
  Jul 28, 2025
  Get 2% cash rewards on every purchase and a $200 welcome bonus -- see why this 5-star-rated card is our top pick for earning effortless …
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• Missed Prime Day? You Can Still Get $150 Instantly With This Amazon Credit Card
  Jul 27, 2025
  Prime Day might be over, but Amazon is still offering a $150 gift card instantly when you're approved for this top-rated credit card.
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• Keeping Your Savings in a Chase Account Could Cost You a Flight Every Year
  Jul 27, 2025
  A 0.01% Chase checking account vs. a 4.00% high-yield savings account? That difference could be costing you hundreds in lost interest every year.
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• Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week: July 27, 2025
  Jul 27, 2025
  Snag easy cash with this week's best bank bonuses -- earn a few hundred bucks for opening an account and meeting simple terms. No gimmicks, …
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• We Just Gave Our Best Cash Back Card a 5-Star Rating
  Jul 26, 2025
  Get unlimited 2% cash rewards on everything, plus a $200 bonus and 0% intro APR -- see why this no-annual-fee card earned our highest rating.
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• I Bought a Jeep With My Savings Account Interest -- Here's How
  Jul 26, 2025
  I switched to a high-yield savings account, let the interest pile up, and used it to buy a Jeep. Here's how you can earn more …
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• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, July 26, 2025: Don't Delay -- Apply Now!
  Jul 26, 2025
  Big perks are on the table with this week's top credit card sign-up bonuses -- cash back, travel rewards, and more. Act fast before these …
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• Big Bank Savings: $1. Online Bank: $500. Which Would You Rather Earn?
  Jul 25, 2025
  Switching to an online bank could earn you hundreds more in interest each year -- here's how to find a top one and make the …
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• Never Use Your Debit Card in These 3 Places
  Jul 25, 2025
  Avoid fraud and financial headaches -- learn where debit cards leave you most vulnerable and how to protect your money the smarter way.
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