- Motley Fool Money Authors
- Joel O'Leary
Joel O'Leary
Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |
Expertise
Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans
NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 672 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 08-20-2026
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
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Best Business Credit Cards
Aug 20, 2026
Compare the best business credit cards of 2026 for cash back, travel perks, and 0% intro APR offers. Find the perfect card to maximize your …
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Best Travel Credit Cards
Aug 20, 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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Best 0% Intro APR Credit Cards
Aug 20, 2026
The best 0% intro APR credit cards give you up to 21 months with no interest. Compare top picks for balance transfers, big purchases, and …
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Best Credit Cards
Aug 20, 2026
Our team of experts reviewed the best credit cards to bring you our top picks for all scenarios: cash back, balance transfer, and more.
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Raisin Review
Aug 20, 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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Capital One Venture X Business Review
Aug 20, 2026
The Capital One Venture X Business card offers premium travel perks and a huge welcome bonus -- see why it's a favorite among small business …
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The Biggest Reason I Chose a Roth IRA Has Nothing to Do With Taxes
Aug 20, 2026
The ability to pull your original contributions out penalty-free is an underrated perk that makes this retirement account easier to commit to.
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The Best Savings Account to Park Your Emergency Fund Right Now
Aug 20, 2026
A high-yield savings account is the smartest home for your emergency fund. Here's how to pick one that stays safe, easy to reach, and actually …
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Here's the Average Credit Card Debt for Your Age Group in 2026
Aug 20, 2026
Gen X carries the highest card balances of any generation. See where you land, what carrying a balance costs, and how to start cutting it …
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What Savings Account Is Best for Retirement?
Aug 20, 2026
The best account for retirement depends on your stage. Here's where to grow your savings and where to park cash you'll spend soon.
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The Ink Business Unlimited Is the No-Fuss Cash Back Card Every Owner Needs
Aug 19, 2026
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase without tracking categories or doing math. Here's why this is a strong pick for busy owners.
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Here's How Much a Roth IRA Could Be Worth if You Start Maxing It at 30
Aug 19, 2026
Maxing out a Roth IRA in your 30s can build a seven-figure, tax-free retirement fund, thanks to decades of compound growth.
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Americans Owe $6,610 on Credit Cards on Average. Here's the Fastest Way Out
Aug 19, 2026
A balance transfer can save cardholders over a thousand dollars in interest, but only when a firm monthly budget backs it up.
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E*TRADE Review
Aug 18, 2026
E*TRADE now offers fractional shares, crypto, and 0% index funds. Our 2026 review breaks down fees, tools, and who this Morgan Stanley broker fits.
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Openbank High Yield Savings Review
Aug 18, 2026
Put your cash to work with Openbank's High Yield Savings: a top online rate, zero monthly fees, and FDIC insurance. Here's our full review.
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Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier Review
Aug 18, 2026
Western Alliance Bank's High-Yield Savings Premier pays a competitive, above-average APY with no monthly fees. See who it's for, the $500 minimum, and more.
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30-Year T Bonds Jumped to 5.3%. Here's How to Buy Them Now
Aug 18, 2026
Long-term government bonds are paying more than they have in 19 years. Here's how to lock in a fixed rate -- the easy way and …
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Gen Z Has the Lowest Credit Card Debt of Any Working Generation. Here's Why
Aug 18, 2026
Low credit limits, a preference for debit, and a shift to buy now, pay later all help explain why younger Americans carry less card debt.
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Here's Why My Roth IRA Doubles as a Backup Emergency Fund
Aug 18, 2026
Contributions to a Roth retirement account can usually be withdrawn penalty-free, making it a surprisingly flexible savings tool.
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Here's How Much You Need to Fly per Year for a Travel Credit Card to Pay Off
Aug 18, 2026
The break-even point for a travel card usually isn't about flights. Credits and the welcome offer often cover the annual fee before you ever board.
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The Best Balance Transfer Card for You Depends on This One Number
Aug 17, 2026
A longer 0% intro APR period isn't automatically the better deal. Here's how your payoff timeline decides which balance transfer card actually fits.
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Citi Double Cash® Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Which 0% Intro APR Cash Back Card Wins in August 2026?
Aug 17, 2026
These two flat-rate cash back cards look nearly identical until you check what each 0% intro period actually covers. The right pick depends on your …
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Get 6 Months of up to 4.10%* APY: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Aug. 16, 2026
Aug 16, 2026
One of our favorite high-yield savings accounts out there is offering a boosted APY for six months. Here's how to get it, plus some other …
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How Long Does a Balance Transfer Take?
Aug 15, 2026
A balance transfer usually clears in about a week, but new accounts and large balances slow it down. Learn what to expect before you start.
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Never Pay Full Price on Groceries Again -- Amex Blue Cash Preferred Earns 6% Back
Aug 15, 2026
The Blue Cash Preferred rewards grocery-heavy households most. A breakdown of who benefits, how rewards work, and the fee to weigh.
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