Joel O'Leary

Full Time Writer |

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 56 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-16-2025

Summary

Joel is a full-time 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

• Should You Ever Cash Out a CD Early?
  May 16, 2025
  Cashing out a CD early isn't the end of the world -- you'll likely just pay a penalty fee. Read on for some scenarios when …
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• Best Credit Card Bonuses Today, May 16, 2025: Earn up to $250 Now
  May 16, 2025
  The biggest credit card welcome offers today could earn you hundreds of dollars back on your spending. Learn all about the best bonuses available now.
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• The No. 1 Mistake People Make With High-Yield Savings Accounts in May 2025
  May 15, 2025
  Keeping too much in your high-yield savings account can hurt your long-term financial growth. Here's what to do with the extra cash.
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• Never Use Your Debit Card in These 5 Situations -- Here's Why
  May 15, 2025
  Learn when using a debit card can cost you real money -- and how credit cards can offer better rewards, protections, and peace of mind …
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• Best Credit Card Bonuses Today, May 15, 2025: Earn up to $250 Now
  May 15, 2025
  The best credit card offers today feature cards with hundreds of dollars in potential earnings. Find out about the biggest bonuses available now.
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• How Will Trump's Tariffs Affect Your Savings?
  May 14, 2025
  Trump's tariffs could shake interest rates and savings yields. Learn how to protect your money and earn more with smart, flexible savings options.
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• These 3 Cards Offer 0% APR Until 2027
  May 13, 2025
  Need extra time to pay off a big expense? These three credit cards offer 0% intro APR periods through 2027 -- and could save you …
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• Why I'm Putting $1,000 in Index Funds in May 2025
  May 13, 2025
  I'm investing my bonus into index funds in May 2025. Here's why I think it's still the smartest move for me to build long-term wealth.
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• Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Card Wins for Summer Travel?
  May 12, 2025
  Let's compare these two luxury cards side by side and find out which travel perks best fit your travel plans this summer.
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• Should You Lock In a 6-Month CD in May 2025?
  May 12, 2025
  Thinking about short-term savings? Find out if locking in a 6-month CD in May 2025 makes sense for you, plus smarter alternatives.
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• Act Fast: 3 High-Yield Savings Accounts That Still Pay 4.00%+ in May 2025
  May 11, 2025
  Looking for a great place to grow your savings? Here are three of our favorite high-yield accounts offering some of the best rates around.
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• 4 Habits to Help You Save Over $1 Million for Retirement
  May 11, 2025
  Learn simple, proven habits to save more and reach a $1 million goal for retirement -- starting with your very next paycheck.
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• I Have Too Many Credit Cards -- Which Ones Should I Cancel?
  May 11, 2025
  Thinking about canceling some credit cards? Learn how to do it smartly to protect your credit score and simplify your wallet.
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• Don't Pay Full Price for Travel in 2025 -- These Cards Can Cover Most of It
  May 10, 2025
  Save big on travel in 2025 with the right credit cards. These top three picks can help cover flights, hotels, and more with points and …
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• Are CDs Worth It in May 2025?
  May 10, 2025
  The top CD rates are still over 4% in May 2025. Locking in a great rate now will pay off if rate cuts become a …
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• Don't Use Auto-Pay Until You Check This Credit Card Setting
  May 10, 2025
  Be careful picking the "default" auto-pay setting for your credit card. Find out the right way to set it up without accruing any interest.
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• I'm 62 With $900,000 in Savings. Should I Retire Now, or Wait?
  May 9, 2025
  Thinking about retiring at 62? Learn how to estimate your income, factor in healthcare, and decide if now's the right time to leave work for …
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• 4 Reasons to Move Money Out of Savings in May 2025
  May 8, 2025
  Got cash piling up? Here are four smart reasons to move money out of savings now -- and what to do with it instead.
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• The Average American's Retirement Number Is $1.26M. Mine's Double That
  May 7, 2025
  Americans now think they need $1.26 million on average to retire. Here's why I'm aiming for double that -- and how you can calculate your …
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• Need More Spending Power? These 3 Premium Cards Offer Massive Limits in May 2025
  May 7, 2025
  Boost your buying power with these premium credit cards offering high limits and flexible spending in May 2025. Find out what they are.
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• May 2025 Update: 3 Credit Score Perks Most People Don't Know About
  May 6, 2025
  Unlock cheaper insurance, lower security deposits, and premium rewards cards with a strong credit score. Here's how it pays to level up your credit.
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• Wells Fargo Reflect Card: Nearly 2 Years Interest-Free -- Here's How
  May 6, 2025
  Get nearly two years interest-free with this Wells Fargo card -- see how it works and if it's right for you.
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• The 4 Safest Places to Park Your Cash in May 2025
  May 5, 2025
  Worried about market volatility? Here are four safe places to put your cash in May 2025 and earn up to 4.50% APY with minimal risk.
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• $50K in the Bank? Here's When It's Too Much -- and What to Do Instead
  May 5, 2025
  Got $50,000 in savings? Find out when it's too much, how much you could be losing, and smarter ways to grow your money starting today.
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• The Top 3 CDs of May 2025: Up to 4.65% APY
  May 3, 2025
  Lock in high CD rates this May and earn up to 4.65% APY. These CDs can help grow your savings faster with safe, guaranteed returns.
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