Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 579 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-18-2026

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

• The 3 Best Cards for People Who Hate Tracking Categories in 2026
  May 18, 2026
  Flat-rate cash back cards skip the category tracking and can easily out-earn most rewards programs for everyday spenders. Here are my top three picks.
  Read More
• Capital One Venture vs. Venture X: Which Travel Card Wins in May 2026?
  May 17, 2026
  Both Capital One travel cards earn at least 2X miles on every purchase, every day. But the premium version adds perks that can offset its …
  Read More
• Here's What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Close Your Oldest Credit Card
  May 17, 2026
  Closing your oldest credit card isn't the credit-score disaster most people fear. Two overlooked details explain why your real risk is somewhere else entirely.
  Read More
• The Citi Double Cash Card: Is 2% Back Still Worth It in 2026?
  May 17, 2026
  A flat 2% cash back rate is still one of the strongest no-annual-fee rewards setups available, especially for households that spend across multiple categories.
  Read More
• These 3 Cards Offer 0% Intro APR Until 2028 -- but There's One Clear Winner
  May 17, 2026
  Pausing interest for nearly two years can save more than $1,000 on a typical credit card balance with the right transfer card. Here are three …
  Read More
• Get up to $1,500 in Bonus Cash: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, May 17, 2026
  May 17, 2026
  This top high-yield savings account can help you land a whopping $1,500 in bonus cash. Here's how to get it, plus a few other great …
  Read More
• Chase Ink Business Unlimited Review
  May 16, 2026
  Get simple, unlimited cash back with no annual fee. Read our full Chase Ink Business Unlimited review to see if it's the best card for …
  Read More
• This Card Pairs Perfectly With the Capital One Venture X -- and Has No Annual Fee
  May 16, 2026
  The Capital One Savor earns unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and grocery stores with no annual fee -- a strong companion to any …
  Read More
• Switching From Amex Platinum to Venture X: Here's What You Gain and What You Give Up
  May 16, 2026
  The Amex Platinum costs $895 a year and still requires homework to get full value. Here's how the Capital One Venture X compares for everyday …
  Read More
• Up to $3,000 in Travel Rewards: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, May 16, 2026
  May 16, 2026
  One of the best travel cards out there is offering its biggest sign-up bonus ever -- but it won't last long. Here's how to know …
  Read More
• Best Business Credit Cards
  May 15, 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 …
  Read More
• Unlock up to $400 and a Boosted APY: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, May 10, 2026
  May 15, 2026
  My favorite high-yield savings account is offering sweet bonus cash and an elevated APY. Here's why now's the time to open an account.
  Read More
• Here's How Much a 3.50% APY CD Earns on $10,000 Over 12 Months
  May 15, 2026
  A 12-month CD at 3.50% APY earns more than double the national average. Here's exactly how much, plus when a CD beats a high-yield savings …
  Read More
• 21 Months of 0% Intro APR: Chase Slate Is One of the Best Balance Transfer Cards of 2026
  May 15, 2026
  Chase Slate offers one of the longest 0% intro APR windows on the market, with no annual fee and strong balance transfer flexibility for cardholders.
  Read More
• The Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Card of 2026: We Compared 50+ Options
  May 15, 2026
  The Wells Fargo Active Cash card has a $0 annual fee, flat-rate cash rewards, a strong welcome offer, and an intro APR offer -- here's …
  Read More
• 3 Reasons Not to Open a Balance Transfer Card in May 2026
  May 15, 2026
  A balance transfer card can save $1,000 in interest for the right person, but it isn't the perfect solution for every situation. Here's when to …
  Read More
• Stop Paying $3.50 Every Time You Need Cash. These 3 Banks Offer Fee-Free ATMs and up to 4.00% APY
  May 14, 2026
  Skip ATM fees with banks that offer massive fee-free networks nationwide, plus high-yield savings rates that beat traditional banks by a wide margin.
  Read More
• Need a Balance Transfer Card? Here's What a 'Good Deal' Looks Like
  May 14, 2026
  What separates a great balance transfer card from an average one? Long intro periods, low fees, and no annual cost top the list.
  Read More
• The Average Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus Is Worth $311. These 3 Cards Offer at Least Double
  May 14, 2026
  The average credit card welcome offer is worth $311. These three travel cards offer at least double that -- with no-nonsense perks and $95-$395 annual …
  Read More
• What the Average American's Credit Card Balance ($6,523) Is Really Costing Them
  May 14, 2026
  The average American carries $6,523 in credit card debt, costing around $1,368 a year in interest at today's average APR.
  Read More
• 'Save Three to Six Months of Expenses' -- What if That's Not Enough?
  May 14, 2026
  The three- to six-month emergency fund rule has been around for ages. Here's whether it still holds up, and how to figure out what you …
  Read More
• Citi Simplicity® Card vs. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
  May 13, 2026
  Compare two of the best 0% intro APR cards around. Here are the main differences and help deciding which one makes sense for your situation.
  Read More
• Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Capital One Venture X
  May 13, 2026
  Compare fees, perks, rewards, and travel benefits between the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X to see which one is right for you.
  Read More
• Should You Downgrade Your Chase Sapphire Reserve? Here's How to Decide
  May 13, 2026
  This premium travel card just got a big overhaul -- along with a huge fee increase. Here's how to tell if it's still worth it, …
  Read More
• Raisin Review
  May 13, 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 …
  Read More