Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 374 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 01-02-2026

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

• Forget the Amex Gold: This Capital One Card Wins for Grocery Stores and Dining
  Jan 2, 2026
  If food is one of your biggest monthly expenses, this no-annual-fee rewards card makes it easier to earn cash back where you spend most.
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• Last Chance: This Card's Instant $250 Bonus Could Cover Your Next Amazon Purchase
  Jan 2, 2026
  Get a $250 Amazon Gift Card instantly with this no-annual-fee Chase card -- offer ends Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. EST. See how much you …
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• 3 Reasons to Upgrade to the Amex Platinum in 2026
  Jan 2, 2026
  Big travel plans, a huge welcome offer, and refreshed lifestyle credits make upgrading to the Amex Platinum in 2026 worth a close look.
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• Why You Should Upgrade Your Savings Account in 2026
  Jan 1, 2026
  You can earn close to 4.00% APY on your cash with no risk and no effort, here's how to upgrade your savings account with a …
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• Get 0% Intro APR for 18 Months and 2% Cash Back on Everything With This Citi Card
  Jan 1, 2026
  Crush high-interest debt with 0% intro APR while earning up to 2% cash back on every purchase with this simple Citi card.
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• Best High-Yield Savings Accounts (Up to 4.31%)
  Jan 1, 2026
  Our expert picks for the best high-yield savings accounts earn up to 4.31% APY -- 10x more than the national average. Most accounts here are …
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• The Wells Fargo Reflect Card Could Give You Nearly 2 Years With 0% APR
  Dec 31, 2025
  Say goodbye to credit card interest with nearly two years of 0% intro APR -- perfect for paying off debt or making new big purchases.
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• 5 Habits of Self-Made Millionaires
  Dec 31, 2025
  Millionaires live below their means, build income streams, and invest like clockwork. Here's how to copy the habits that build real wealth.
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• What Does 0% APR Mean?
  Dec 29, 2025
  0% APR means you won't pay interest for a limited time. Here's how it works for credit cards, with examples on balance transfers and new …
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• Cut Down on Business Expenses in 2026: The Best Business Credit Cards This Week, Dec. 29, 2025
  Dec 29, 2025
  For a great way to save on business expenses of all kinds, a top business credit card is worth a look. Here are some of …
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• Earn Hundreds for Moving Your Money: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Dec. 28, 2025
  Dec 28, 2025
  With these banks, you can earn up to $300 just for opening a new checking or savings account. Don't believe me? Read our list of …
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• 5 Top Tips for Maximizing CD Investment Returns
  Dec 27, 2025
  Learn how to shop around, match terms, and earn higher than average APYs. Here's how to make more out of your CD investments in 2026.
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• Pay for Your 2026 Getaway: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Available This Week, Dec. 27, 2025
  Dec 27, 2025
  A credit card's welcome bonus can be one of the biggest and best reasons to hit that apply button. Here are all our favorite card …
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• Best IRA Accounts
  Dec 26, 2025
  Looking for an IRA? Learn why our experts rank these accounts among the top and find the best IRA account for your needs here.
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• Here's How Much the Average Rich Person Has in Their Savings Account
  Dec 25, 2025
  The wealthiest Americans hold six figures in savings. See the median balances by net worth and simple ways to build a stronger cash cushion.
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• Here's What Happens to Your Credit Cards When You Pass Away
  Dec 24, 2025
  Planning ahead for your credit cards can spare your loved ones stress. Here's what really happens to your accounts after you pass away.
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• This Is How Much You Should Have in Savings by 50. How Do You Compare?
  Dec 24, 2025
  Financial planners say you should have five to six times your income saved by age 50. Here's how that benchmark works, and what to do …
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• 4 Traits of Americans With a Perfect 850 Credit Score
  Dec 24, 2025
  Only a tiny group hits an 850 credit score. Here are four habits they share, and how you can borrow them to boost your own …
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• Fidelity Review
  Dec 23, 2025
  I've used Fidelity for over a decade and hold 11 accounts. Here's my honest review of the platform's best (and worst) features in 2025.
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• Why I Open at Least 1 New Credit Card Every Year
  Dec 23, 2025
  Opening a new credit card each year helps me earn bonuses, unlock perks, and save real money, as long as I stick to smart rules.
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• Move Over, Amex Platinum: The Venture X Card Is an Amazing Deal
  Dec 23, 2025
  The premium travel card landscape is shifting. Here's how two popular cards stack up against each other, and which might be the better fit for …
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• This Is How Much Money You Can Make With $20K in a 5-Year CD
  Dec 23, 2025
  Put $20,000 into a 5-year CD and see exactly how much it could grow. Here's what today's rates mean for your money.
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• 5 Everyday Expenses You Should Never Put on a Credit Card in 2026
  Dec 23, 2025
  These five common charges can cost you way more than you think when paid with a credit card. Here's how to avoid expensive payment mistakes.
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• Still Time in December: The Top Balance Transfer Card With 21 Months at 0%
  Dec 23, 2025
  Nearly two years with no interest. See why this balance transfer card stands out in December with 21 months at 0% intro APR.
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• Best Gas & Groceries Cards
  Dec 22, 2025
  Some of our favorite gas and grocery credit cards offer up to 6% cash back, 0% intro APR offers, and other perks. Find out which …
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