Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 329 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 11-21-2025

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

• 1 in 4 Americans Want to Pay Off Debt in 2026 -- These Tools Can Help
  Nov 21, 2025
  Tools like balance transfer cards, loan refinancing, and nonprofit counseling can help Americans cut interest and pay off debt faster in 2026.
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• LendingClub Just Won Best Savings Account in America for 2026 -- Here's Why
  Nov 21, 2025
  Learn why LendingClub earned our best high-yield savings account award for 2026, with a top APY, no fees, and flexible savings features.
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• America's Top 2026 Money Goal Is Eliminating Credit Card Debt -- Here's How to Speed It Up
  Nov 21, 2025
  A 0% intro APR card can help you pay off credit card debt faster and interest-free. Learn how it works and how to use it …
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• Need a Break From Interest Payments? Here's Our Top 0% Intro APR Credit Card
  Nov 21, 2025
  Looking to pause interest charges on new purchases or existing debt? This award-winning card gives you a huge 0% intro APR window and no annual …
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• Still Banking Like It's 1998? Switch to These Modern High-Yield Accounts
  Nov 20, 2025
  Switch out of 1998-era banking. See why modern fintech platforms like SoFi® and LendingClub offer better tech, higher APYs, and fewer fees.
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• If Your Checking Account Has More Than This, You're Losing Money
  Nov 20, 2025
  Got more than a month's worth of expenses in your checking account? That extra cash could be doing a lot more. Here's where to move …
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• If Your $10,000 Took a 12-Month Nap in a CD, Here's What It'd Wake Up As
  Nov 19, 2025
  You can earn $405 in guaranteed interest if you stash $10,000 in a 12-month CD at 4.05% APY. Here's how to find today's top CD …
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• 4 Reasons I Keep Barely Any Money in My Checking Account
  Nov 19, 2025
  Most of my money skips right over my checking account into better places. Here's why I keep my balance low and what I do with …
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• Got a Holiday Bonus? Here's How to Stretch It, Grow It, and Still Have Some Fun
  Nov 19, 2025
  Even a small year-end bonus can help you pay down debt, save more, and invest for long-term growth. Here are some smart options to consider.
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• Limited-Time: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles With the Venture X Card
  Nov 19, 2025
  Don't miss this limited time welcome offer from Capital One. Here's why travelers are jumping on it.
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• Safe Havens for $5K, $10K, and $25K in Today's Uncertain Market
  Nov 18, 2025
  Compare HYSAs, CDs, T-bills, and money market funds, and see how much you can earn on $5K - $25K today without taking risks.
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• The Perfect Credit Card for Freelancers: No Annual Fee, Cash Back on Everything
  Nov 18, 2025
  Earn unlimited cash back on every purchase with no annual fee. See how this Chase business card can work well for freelancers and side hustlers.
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• 3 Best Accounts for Lazy Savers -- 4.00%+ APY and No Fees
  Nov 18, 2025
  Earn over 4.00% APY with no monthly fees. These are three lazy-saver accounts that work hard so you don't have to.
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• New Venture X Offer Alert -- 100,000 Miles for a Limited Time
  Nov 18, 2025
  Capital One just dropped a massive new welcome offer on the Venture X card. Here's why it's one of the most underrated travel cards out …
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• 4 Places to Put Your Money if You Don't Trust Banks
  Nov 18, 2025
  Consider fintech brokers, credit unions, U.S. Treasuries and prepaid debit apps as safe, smarter places to keep your cash growing.
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• The Best Business Cards This Week for Travel, Cash Back, and More: Nov. 17, 2025
  Nov 17, 2025
  These top business card offers can help small business owners earn rewards, manage expenses, and unlock serious value.
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• Why 0% Intro APR Cards Fail for So Many People -- and How to Win Instead
  Nov 16, 2025
  Many people misuse 0% intro APR cards and rack up even more debt. Here's how to avoid the trap and actually come out ahead.
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• 4 Safe Ways to Earn 4%+ on Your Retirement Savings
  Nov 16, 2025
  HYSAs, CDs, annuities, and T-bills all offer 4.00%+ yields right now. These low-risk tools can help grow your retirement savings safely.
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• 2026 IRA Limit Increase: What It Means and How to Optimize It
  Nov 16, 2025
  The IRS increased IRA limits for 2026. Learn the new caps, income rules, and smart moves to make the most of your retirement contributions.
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• Here's How Much You Need to Save Each Month to Max Out Your 401(k) in 2026
  Nov 16, 2025
  You'll need to save about $2,042 per month to max out your 401(k) in 2026. Here's how the new contribution limits work and how to …
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• These 3 Cards Come With 0% APR Until 2027
  Nov 16, 2025
  Take a break from interest charges with these three cards, each offering 0% intro APR deals that last until early to mid-2027.
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• 3 Savings Accounts Crushing Wells Fargo on Interest Rates
  Nov 16, 2025
  Wells Fargo still pays close to zero on basic savings accounts. Here are three high-yield options that offer dramatically higher APYs for your money.
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• Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Nov. 16, 2025
  Nov 16, 2025
  This week's best bank bonuses can earn you a few hundred dollars -- open an account, meet simple requirements, and enjoy real cash rewards with …
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• The Top 3 High-Yield Savings Accounts of November 2025: APYs up to 4.51%
  Nov 15, 2025
  Explore these high APY savings accounts for November 2025, and watch your money grow faster, all with FDIC insurance protection.
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• 3 Little-Known Perks of Having a Credit Score of 750+
  Nov 15, 2025
  A 750+ credit score unlocks more than just low APRs. Here are three underrated ways a great score can save you money and open financial …
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