Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 513 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 04-13-2026

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

• I Compared Dozens of Savings Accounts. These 3 Paid the Most
  Apr 13, 2026
  The national average savings rate is just 0.39% APY. Here are three accounts that lap it -- and what it takes to qualify.
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• Here's How to Ask Your Credit Card Company for a Retention Offer (and What to Say)
  Apr 13, 2026
  A retention offer can mean bonus points, a statement credit, or a waived annual fee. Here's how to ask your card issuer for one.
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• Here's What Happens When You Have Two Balance Transfer Cards at the Same Time
  Apr 12, 2026
  Learn what happens when you use two balance transfer cards at once, including the credit impact, transfer limits, and how much you can save.
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• Get $400 and a Boosted APY: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, April 12, 2026
  Apr 12, 2026
  My favorite savings account is currently offering the best bonus I've seen yet. Here's how to get it, plus other great bonuses available now.
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• 3 Types of Credit Cards That Are Almost Never Worth It
  Apr 11, 2026
  Find out which credit card types to avoid and what to look for in a card that actually works for you.
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• An Easy $250 in Travel Rewards: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, April 11, 2026
  Apr 11, 2026
  One of my favorite travel cards out there is offering an easy $250 in bonus rewards. Here's what to know, plus other great bonuses available …
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• Americans Say They Need $1.46 Million to Retire -- Here's What It Actually Buys You
  Apr 10, 2026
  Learn how much Americans say they need to retire comfortably, what that generates in monthly income, and whether it's actually enough.
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• The 3 Top Balance Transfer Cards: One Pays up to 6% Cash Back
  Apr 9, 2026
  These cards offer long intro APR periods, no annual fees, and useful extras to help you pay off balances faster in 2026 and beyond.
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• My Team Tracks Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses. These Are Easy Pickings in March 2026
  Apr 6, 2026
  Two no-annual-fee cards with easy welcome offers this month -- plus ongoing rewards worth keeping for the long haul. See which card fits how you …
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• Save $750+ on Travel: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, March 14, 2026
  Apr 6, 2026
  Want to unlock a points haul worth $750 or more in travel? Here's the card to apply for now, plus our other favorite bonuses available …
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• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
  Apr 6, 2026
  Discover the best credit card bonuses to jumpstart your rewards journey. From travel to cash back, find the ideal card for your lifestyle and start …
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• Prime Visa Review
  Apr 6, 2026
  Here's my honest review of the Prime Visa credit card. Learn how the rewards work, how to qualify, and whether it's a good fit for …
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• Up to $1,500 in Bonus Cash: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, April 5, 2026
  Apr 5, 2026
  Want to land one of the biggest bank bonuses I've ever seen? Here's the account to open today, plus other favorites available now.
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• Best Financial Advisors This Month, April 2026: Vetted Advisors for Every Stage of Life
  Apr 4, 2026
  Find the right fit for your money goals without the research rabbit hole. Here are this month's best financial advisors, freshly updated for April 2026.
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• Earn $250 Cash Back for a Limited Time: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, April 4, 2026
  Apr 4, 2026
  Right now, one of my favorite credit cards is offering an elevated limited-time cash back welcome bonus. Here's what to know, plus some other great …
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• Best 0% Intro APR Credit Cards
  Apr 2, 2026
  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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• Best Travel Credit Cards
  Apr 2, 2026
  The best travel rewards credit cards can help you earn premium rewards and large sign-up bonuses while saving you money. Check out the top travel …
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• Our Top Balance Transfer Card of April 2026: 0% Intro APR Until 2028
  Apr 2, 2026
  The Chase Slate® offers one of the longest 0% intro APR periods available in 2026 -- here's why it's our top balance transfer pick for …
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• 3% Back on a Category of Your Choice: The Best Business Credit Cards This Month, April 2026
  Apr 2, 2026
  Looking for big-time savings on business expenses? A top business credit card can help. Here are our favorite options available this month.
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• Best High-Yield Savings Accounts (Up to 4.21%)
  Apr 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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• Raisin Review
  Apr 1, 2026
  Raisin connects savers with some of the highest yield savings products on the market. Learn how Raisin works and who it's good for in our …
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• The Top 3 High-Yield Savings Accounts of April 2026: APYs up to 4.21%
  Apr 1, 2026
  The best high-yield savings accounts still offer 4.00%+ APY in April 2026. Here are three worth comparing -- with no monthly fees and FDIC insurance.
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• 3 Top Cash Back Cards You Can Apply for Right Now: April 2026
  Apr 1, 2026
  Our top pick cash back cards worth applying for in April 2026, covering flat-rate, rotating category, and grocery rewards.
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• The Amex Platinum's Q2 Perks Just Dropped. Here's How to Get $175 on Lululemon and Dining
  Apr 1, 2026
  The Amex Platinum comes with quarterly credits for lululemon and dining that expire every 90 days. Here's what resets in Q2 and when to use …
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• Our 3 Favorite Balance Transfer Cards Offering up to 21 Months of 0% Intro APR Right Now
  Apr 1, 2026
  Carrying a balance at 22% APR? These top balance transfer cards can give you a huge window to pause interest, breathe, and pay off your …
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