Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 374 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 01-07-2026

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

• A $750 Bonus and 12-Month Intro APR: This Chase Card Is the Best Business Card of 2026
  Jan 7, 2026
  Earn a massive welcome bonus, get a year of interest-free purchases, and rack up high rewards on everyday business expenses. Learn why it's our top …
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• Here's How Much $10,000 Could Earn in CDs in 2026
  Jan 7, 2026
  At today's CD rates, $10,000 could earn $300-$1,500+ depending on the term. See how much CDs could pay you in 2026.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When You Pay Your Credit Card Bill Every Week
  Jan 7, 2026
  Paying your credit card weekly can shrink your balance, reduce interest, and help you stay in control of your spending. Here's what actually changes.
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• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
  Jan 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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• Move Over, Amex Platinum: The Venture X Card Is an Amazing Deal
  Jan 6, 2026
  The premium travel card landscape is shifting. Here's how two popular cards stack up against each other, and which might be the better fit for …
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• Here's What Happens When You Leave Too Much Money in Your Savings Account
  Jan 6, 2026
  Learn how inflation and opportunity cost quietly eat into excess cash -- and how to balance savings and investing for long-term growth.
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• The 3 Best 0% Intro APR Cards for Paying Off Holiday Debt
  Jan 6, 2026
  Pay down holiday balances faster with the best 0% intro APR credit cards. Compare top balance transfer picks and start 2026 interest-free.
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• This Bank of America Card Is Our Top Gas Card for 2026
  Jan 6, 2026
  Earn up to 6% back on gas and everyday purchases with a no-annual-fee card that adapts to your monthly spending, plus a $200 bonus offer …
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• This Is How Much Money You Can Make With $20K in a 5-Year CD
  Jan 5, 2026
  Put $20,000 into a 5-year CD and see exactly how much it could grow. Here's what today's rates mean for your money.
  Read More
• Save On Work Expenses This Year: The Best Business Credit Cards This Week, Jan. 5, 2026
  Jan 5, 2026
  A top business credit card can help you save on everyday expenses and earn valuable rewards. Check out our favorite business card options available today.
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• 3 Underrated Amex Platinum Perks Frequent Travelers Should Know About
  Jan 4, 2026
  The Amex Platinum can save you serious time, money, and stress if you travel often. Here are a few overlooked perks to know about.
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• Here's How the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Could Earn You $820+ in a Year
  Jan 4, 2026
  Earn up to $820 in your first year with the Chase Freedom Unlimited card. See how the rewards stack up and why it just won …
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• The Top 0% Intro APR Card of 2026: Pay No Interest for 21 Months
  Jan 4, 2026
  The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers nearly two years of 0% intro APR, perfect for anyone looking to pay off debt or finance a major …
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• Start the New Year With $300: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Jan. 4, 2026
  Jan 4, 2026
  Some banks will pay you up to $300 just for opening a new checking or savings account. See our top picks and find out how …
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• Here's How the Citi Double Cash Could Earn You $920+ in a Year
  Jan 3, 2026
  Earn $200 upfront, rack up 2% cash back on spending, and potentially save big on interest with a balance transfer with this Citi credit card.
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• The 3 Perfect Credit Cards to Use for Your First Big Purchase of 2026
  Jan 3, 2026
  Whether you're spending big or planning ahead, these three credit cards are built for 0% intro APR, high limits, and huge welcome perks in 2026.
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• Earn an Easy $300: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Available This Week, Jan. 3, 2026
  Jan 3, 2026
  A great welcome bonus can make a credit card an easy win. Explore our top credit card bonus picks available right now and see which …
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• Best Stock Brokers
  Jan 2, 2026
  Get expert advice from The Motley Fool on the best stock brokers for your investment needs. Don't miss out on these 10 best trading platforms …
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• Forget the Amex Gold: This Capital One Card Wins for Grocery Stores and Dining
  Jan 2, 2026
  If food is one of your biggest monthly expenses, this no-annual-fee rewards card makes it easier to earn cash back where you spend most.
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• Last Chance: This Card's Instant $250 Bonus Could Cover Your Next Amazon Purchase
  Jan 2, 2026
  Get a $250 Amazon Gift Card instantly with this no-annual-fee Chase card -- offer ends Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. EST. See how much you …
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• 3 Reasons to Upgrade to the Amex Platinum in 2026
  Jan 2, 2026
  Big travel plans, a huge welcome offer, and refreshed lifestyle credits make upgrading to the Amex Platinum in 2026 worth a close look.
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• Why You Should Upgrade Your Savings Account in 2026
  Jan 1, 2026
  You can earn close to 4.00% APY on your cash with no risk and no effort, here's how to upgrade your savings account with a …
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• Get 0% Intro APR for 18 Months and 2% Cash Back on Everything With This Citi Card
  Jan 1, 2026
  Crush high-interest debt with 0% intro APR while earning up to 2% cash back on every purchase with this simple Citi card.
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• Best High-Yield Savings Accounts (Up to 4.31%)
  Jan 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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• 5 Habits of Self-Made Millionaires
  Dec 31, 2025
  Millionaires live below their means, build income streams, and invest like clockwork. Here's how to copy the habits that build real wealth.
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