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

• Save $2,000: Boost Your Financial Well-Being by 21%, Says Vanguard
  May 31, 2025
  Even a small emergency fund can make a big difference. Here's why $2,000 is the magic number, and how to hit it quicker than you …
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• Here's How Much You Really Need to Save Each Month to Retire With $1 Million
  May 31, 2025
  See exactly how much you should save each month to hit $1 million by retirement -- and learn some strategies to make saving easier.
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• These 3 Bills Should Never Go on a Debit Card
  May 30, 2025
  Using your debit card for travel, big purchases, or online shopping could cost you valuable rewards, as well as added fraud protection.
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• Here's What Most People Get Wrong About 0% Balance Transfers
  May 29, 2025
  A 0% intro APR balance transfer offer won't save you without sticking to a payoff plan -- here's how to actually crush debt instead of …
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• Here's How to Get Approved for a $50,000 Credit Card Limit
  May 28, 2025
  Using smart credit habits, you can strategically raise your credit limit over time to reach a $50,000 or higher limit. Here's how.
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• I'm on Track to Retire Early Thanks to This Simple Habit
  May 26, 2025
  Consistently investing a large chunk of each paycheck can fast-track your path to early retirement -- or help catch up if you're behind on savings.
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• 3 Little-Known Perks of Premium Credit Cards Most People Miss
  May 26, 2025
  Discover unexpected benefits of premium credit cards like massages before flights and VIP restaurant access. Here's how to unlock them.
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• How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt (Even If You're Overwhelmed)
  May 25, 2025
  Learn four practical ways to tackle your credit card debt, including balance transfer cards, budgeting tips, and where to get free help.
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• Why Every American Should Aim for at Least $19,800 in Savings in 2025
  May 25, 2025
  Experts recommend keeping three to six months of living expenses in cash. Here's why that means saving at least $19,800 in 2025 (and how to …
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• 5 Ways to Protect Your Money From a Recession
  May 24, 2025
  Here are some simple steps to recession-proof your money. Build a buffer, lock in high rates, cut unnecessary expenses, and reduce risky exposure.
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• The Sneaky Fee That's Hiding in Your Monthly Bills
  May 24, 2025
  Here's how to spot sneaky convenience and processing fees -- and how to use cash back cards to cancel them out.
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• How I Turned $500 Into $5,000 With This Simple Savings Habit
  May 20, 2025
  I saved up $5,000 from my teenage job -- all thanks to one consistent savings habit my mum taught me. Find out what it was.
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• These 5 Tricks Can Get You Business Class Flights for Way Fewer Miles
  May 18, 2025
  Unlocking business class is sometimes easier and cheaper than you realize. Here are a few strategies to try before your next flight.
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• The Debt Trick That Saved My Friend $1,000 in 10 Minutes
  May 18, 2025
  Wipe out high-interest credit card debt fast with this 10-minute balance transfer trick. It helped my friend save over $1,000 in interest.
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• Here's What Millionaires Do With Their Paychecks That Most People Don't
  May 18, 2025
  Millionaires don't waste paychecks. Here's how they use automation, smart tools, and ROI thinking to build lasting wealth.
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• 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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• The No. 1 Mistake People Make With High-Yield Savings Accounts
  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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• 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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• 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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• 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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• 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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• 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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