Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 269 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 09-20-2025

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

• Looking for a $50K+ Credit Limit? Check Out These 3 Cards
  Sep 20, 2025
  If you're chasing a $50,000 credit limit, these three cards might be your best shot. Big perks, big welcome offers, and serious spending power.
  Read More
• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, Sept. 20, 2025: Picks You Shouldn't Miss
  Sep 20, 2025
  This week's top credit card sign-up bonuses deliver major rewards -- cash back, travel perks, and more. Hurry, these limited-time deals won't stick around.
  Read More
• The Amex Platinum's Fee Just Went Up by $200 -- but the New Perks Are Worth Over $1,400
  Sep 19, 2025
  Amex just hiked the Platinum Card's annual fee. Here's how the added perks and refreshed benefits may justify the price for the right person.
  Read More
• Is the Amex Platinum Worth Its New $895 Annual Fee?
  Sep 19, 2025
  The Amex Platinum just increased its annual fee. Here's how to tell if the card's premium perks and new credits are worth the steep price.
  Read More
• Why Mortgage Rates Probably Won't Drop After the Fed's Rate Cut
  Sep 18, 2025
  The Fed just cut rates. But don't expect mortgage rates to immediately follow suit. Here's why home buyers may not see cheaper loans just yet.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When Your Credit Score Reaches a Perfect 850
  Sep 18, 2025
  Hitting an 850 credit score sounds epic, but does it really change anything? Here's what actually happens when you reach the top.
  Read More
• I Pay My Credit Card Bill Every Week. Here's Why
  Sep 17, 2025
  Paying my credit card weekly helps me stay on top of spending, avoid interest, and benefits my credit profile. Here's why it works so well.
  Read More
• 5 Places You Should Never Swipe Your Debit Card
  Sep 17, 2025
  Debit cards can leave your money exposed. Here are five risky places where swiping could cost you more than you think.
  Read More
• Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Still the King of Travel Rewards in 2025?
  Sep 17, 2025
  Is this still the best $95 travel card in 2025, with a generous welcome bonus and flexible rewards? Find out why I think so.
  Read More
• Here's How to Earn $10,000 With CDs
  Sep 16, 2025
  With today's top APYs, here's how much cash it takes to earn $10,000 with a traditional certificate of deposit.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When You Withdraw $10,000+ From Your Bank Account
  Sep 16, 2025
  Thinking of pulling out $10,000 or more in cash? Here's what really goes down, why banks keep an eye on it, and how to make …
  Read More
• I Analyze Credit Card Offers for a Living. Here's The Only Card I'd Recommend to My Mom
  Sep 15, 2025
  Learn why this all-in-one travel rewards card makes trips easier, covers its fee, and helps you earn more from every purchase.
  Read More
• 0% Intro APR for 12 Months and a $900 Bonus: The Chase Ink Business Cash Card Just Got Better
  Sep 15, 2025
  This top Chase business card just rolled out a major upgrade, making it one of the best options for small business owners right now.
  Read More
• I Analyze Bank Accounts for a Living -- Here's What I'd Do With $5,000
  Sep 15, 2025
  Got $5K sitting in your bank account? Here's how to make that cash work harder based on your short- and mid-term goals.
  Read More
• 3 Best Credit Cards With 2% Cash Back and No Annual Fee
  Sep 15, 2025
  Want easy rewards with no annual fees? Find out which top flat-rate cash back cards offer up to 2% back on every purchase.
  Read More
• Why $50K in Savings Is Probably Too Much
  Sep 14, 2025
  If you're sitting on $50,000 in a savings account, you might be missing out on better opportunities. Here's what to do instead.
  Read More
• Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week: Sept. 14, 2025
  Sep 14, 2025
  Earn a few hundred dollars with this week's top bank bonuses -- just open an account, meet the requirements, and collect real cash rewards with …
  Read More
• Our Favorite Business Card Just Got Better: Earn a $900 Bonus With Chase Ink Business Unlimited
  Sep 13, 2025
  A new limited-time bonus makes this Chase business card even better for owners who want easy rewards and breathing room on expenses.
  Read More
• 3 High-Yield Savings Accounts With No Minimum Balance: Up to 4.50% APY
  Sep 13, 2025
  These three high-yield accounts pay up to 4.50% APY right now, with no minimum balance required or monthly fees.
  Read More
• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, Sept. 13, 2025: Don't Let Time Run Out on These Offers
  Sep 13, 2025
  The best credit card sign-up bonuses this week bring big rewards -- cash back, travel perks, and more. Act quickly, these limited-time offers won't last.
  Read More
• Limited-Time Offer: Get a $900 Bonus With the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Card
  Sep 12, 2025
  Learn about this top Chase business card's new limited-time welcome offer, making it a no-brainer for small business owners who want easy cash back.
  Read More
• 6-Month or 5-Year CDs: Which Are Better in September 2025?
  Sep 12, 2025
  CD rates are likely dropping soon. Here's how to decide between a short-term 6-month CD or a 5-year commitment.
  Read More
• CDs Aren't Sexy -- but Neither Is Losing Money
  Sep 12, 2025
  Guaranteed returns with a CD might not be flashy. But they beat earning nothing. Here's why now is a smart time to consider a high-yield …
  Read More
• Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards
  Sep 11, 2025
  These top-rated flat-rate credit cards offer up to 2% back on every purchase, plus welcome bonuses and 0% intro APRs.
  Read More
• HYSA vs. CD: Where Should You Keep Your Cash in September 2025?
  Sep 11, 2025
  CD and high-yield savings rates are peaking. Here's how to decide where your cash can earn the most in September 2025.
  Read More