Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 408 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 01-25-2026

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

• These 3 Banks Pay the Highest Rates We've Seen in 2026
  Jan 25, 2026
  Earn a top-tier APY and skip the monthly fees with these top-rated bank accounts. Discover the best savings and checking bundles for your goals in …
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• 3 Unique Perks of the Amex Business Platinum Card
  Jan 25, 2026
  Earn 2X points on big purchases, up to $360 back with Indeed, and a 35% airline bonus with the Amex Business Platinum. See how the …
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• Why I'm Not Opening Any CDs in 2026 -- Even With Rates Near 4%
  Jan 25, 2026
  Top CD rates are still hovering near 4%, offering a solid guaranteed rate on your cash for months or years. Find out why I'm staying …
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• Up to $400 Plus Higher APYs: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Jan. 25, 2026
  Jan 25, 2026
  Some banks will pay you up to $400 just for opening a new account and completing some simple requirements. See our top picks for bank …
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• Here's What Happens if Your Savings Account Balance Is Over $250,000
  Jan 24, 2026
  If your savings balance tops $250,000, some of your money may not be protected. Here's how FDIC limits work, and what to do next.
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• The Amex Business Platinum Could Earn You $3,000+ in 2026
  Jan 24, 2026
  See how the Amex Business Platinum can earn you over $3K in value through rewards, credits, and travel perks.
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• Here's What Happens When You Cash Out a CD Before It Matures
  Jan 24, 2026
  Thinking of pulling money early from a CD? Here's what to expect when it comes to the penalty and smarter ways to stay flexible.
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• $250 Travel Credit + Earn 75,000 Miles: New Limited-Time Offer on Capital One Venture
  Jan 24, 2026
  Get a $250 travel credit and earn 75,000 bonus miles with this limited-time Capital One Venture card offer. Learn how to qualify and maximize the …
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• Land a Massive Bonus With This Travel Card: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, Jan. 24, 2026
  Jan 24, 2026
  A strong welcome bonus can make a card worth applying for. Explore our top credit card bonus offers available now and see which ones stand …
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• Citi Simplicity Card Review
  Jan 23, 2026
  Citi Simplicity offers no annual fee and a 0% APR intro period -- perfect for paying off debt. Learn how this card works and if …
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• Here's What Happens When Your Bank Flags a 'Suspicious' Deposit
  Jan 23, 2026
  If your bank flags a deposit as suspicious, here's what to expect and how to make sure your funds don't get stuck or delayed.
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• 3 Unique Perks of the Chase Ink Business Cash® Card
  Jan 23, 2026
  Earn a big cash back welcome offer, get 0% intro APR, and 5% back on Lyft rides through late 2027 with this top small business …
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• The Most Overlooked Credit Card Benefit for 2026
  Jan 23, 2026
  Use 0% intro APR cards to pay off debt or finance big purchases interest-free. Learn how this overlooked perk can save you money in 2026.
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• This Huge Amex Platinum Welcome Bonus Offer Could Pay for Your Next Vacation
  Jan 23, 2026
  You could cover flights, hotels, or even both with the current Amex Platinum welcome offer. Here's how it works and how to check your eligibility.
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• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review
  Jan 22, 2026
  The new Sapphire Reserve for Business card offers premium travel perks, flexible rewards, and a massive intro bonus -- see if it's worth the high …
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• Move Your Money, Make up to $400: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Jan. 18, 2026
  Jan 22, 2026
  A top online bank can net you up to $400 for opening a new account. Read our list of picks to learn how to earn …
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• Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash® Card Review
  Jan 22, 2026
  This no-annual-fee business credit card offers easy flat-rate rewards, a 0% intro APR offer, and flexibility designed to support growing businesses.
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• 3 Places You Should Never Keep Your Emergency Savings Fund
  Jan 22, 2026
  Your emergency fund deserves better than low returns. Discover three risky spots -- including checking accounts -- where parking this money can cost you.
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• Here's What Happens When You Get Approved for the Prime Visa
  Jan 22, 2026
  Get a $150 Amazon gift card instantly and earn 5% back with the Prime Visa, exclusively for Prime members. See how the rewards work.
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• Here's What Really Happens When You Miss One Credit Card Payment in 2026
  Jan 21, 2026
  Missed a credit card payment in 2026? Here's what happens next with late fees, interest, credit score timing, and the fastest way to fix it.
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• Here's What Happens When You Move All Your Savings to an HYSA
  Jan 21, 2026
  Move your money to a high-yield savings account and earn more interest, skip the fees, and build better saving habits. See the top HYSA picks …
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• The 3 Powerful 0% Intro APR Credit Cards People Rush to Open Every January
  Jan 21, 2026
  Wipe out credit card debt faster with a 0% intro APR offer. Compare the best cards for balance transfers, big purchases, and everyday rewards.
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• Read This Before Swiping Your Credit Card for Any Big January Purchases
  Jan 21, 2026
  Opening a new credit card in January could save you hundreds. Here's how to use your purchases to earn rewards or avoid interest in 2026.
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• Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards
  Jan 20, 2026
  These top-rated flat-rate credit cards offer up to 2% back on every purchase, plus welcome bonuses and 0% intro APRs.
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• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card Review
  Jan 20, 2026
  Learn about all the features, perks, and fees of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and see if it's worth it for your wallet.
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