Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 581 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-19-2026

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

• Here's What Happens When You Pay for Everything in Cash
  Jan 30, 2026
  Switching to a cash-only lifestyle might help you save more, but it also comes with surprising trade-offs that spark strong opinions.
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• Why People Stay in Terrible Savings Accounts Even When Rates Are High
  Jan 30, 2026
  Many savers earn 0.01% APY without realizing they're missing out. Here's why people stay in low-rate savings accounts, and how to make the switch simple.
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• Here's Why I Wouldn't Put $50,000 in CDs
  Jan 30, 2026
  CDs lock up your cash and limit your growth. Learn how much more $50K could earn elsewhere, and where I'd actually put my money.
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• 3 Unexpected Benefits of Choosing CDs Over Other Savings Accounts
  Jan 30, 2026
  CDs let you lock in a high interest rate, but there are other perks you might not know. Keep reading to learn why a CD …
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• The Most Valuable Credit Card Perk in 2026 Almost Everyone Ignores
  Jan 30, 2026
  0% intro APR cards can help you skip interest while you pay off debt or finance big purchases. See how to use this underrated perk …
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• Here's What Happens When You Switch From a Savings Account to CDs
  Jan 29, 2026
  CDs give you fixed returns, but locking up your cash can backfire. Here's how to know when it makes sense and when it doesn't.
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• SoFi Crypto Review
  Jan 27, 2026
  SoFi Crypto offers a beginner-friendly way to buy and sell crypto directly from your bank. Here's how it works, what it costs, and who it's …
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• Here's How Much $10,000 Could Earn in High-Yield Savings in 2026
  Jan 27, 2026
  Stashing $10,000 in the right savings account could earn you $360 a year or more. Here's how to get one of the highest APYs in …
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• Why I'm Not Opening Any CDs in 2026 -- Even With Rates Near 4%
  Jan 26, 2026
  Top CD rates are still hovering near 4%, offering a solid guaranteed rate on your cash for months or years. Find out why I'm staying …
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• Here's What Happens When You Pay Off Your Credit Cards With a Loan
  Jan 26, 2026
  Consolidating credit card debt with a personal loan can save you thousands in interest and boost your credit score -- if you handle it the …
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• Here's What Happens When You Only Have One Credit Card
  Jan 26, 2026
  Using a single credit card keeps things simple, but it can also limit your rewards, credit score growth, and financial flexibility.
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• These 3 Banks Pay the Highest Rates We've Seen in 2026
  Jan 25, 2026
  Earn a top-tier APY and skip the monthly fees with these top-rated bank accounts. Discover the best savings and checking bundles for your goals in …
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• Here's What Happens if Your Savings Account Balance Is Over $250,000
  Jan 24, 2026
  If your savings balance tops $250,000, some of your money may not be protected. Here's how FDIC limits work, and what to do next.
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• Here's What Happens When You Cash Out a CD Before It Matures
  Jan 24, 2026
  Thinking of pulling money early from a CD? Here's what to expect when it comes to the penalty and smarter ways to stay flexible.
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• Here's What Happens When Your Bank Flags a 'Suspicious' Deposit
  Jan 23, 2026
  If your bank flags a deposit as suspicious, here's what to expect and how to make sure your funds don't get stuck or delayed.
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• The Most Overlooked Credit Card Benefit for 2026
  Jan 23, 2026
  Use 0% intro APR cards to pay off debt or finance big purchases interest-free. Learn how this overlooked perk can save you money in 2026.
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• Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review
  Jan 22, 2026
  The new Sapphire Reserve for Business card offers premium travel perks, flexible rewards, and a massive intro bonus -- see if it's worth the high …
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• 3 Places You Should Never Keep Your Emergency Savings Fund
  Jan 22, 2026
  Your emergency fund deserves better than low returns. Discover three risky spots -- including checking accounts -- where parking this money can cost you.
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• Here's What Really Happens When You Miss One Credit Card Payment in 2026
  Jan 21, 2026
  Missed a credit card payment in 2026? Here's what happens next with late fees, interest, credit score timing, and the fastest way to fix it.
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• Here's What Happens When You Move All Your Savings to an HYSA
  Jan 21, 2026
  Move your money to a high-yield savings account and earn more interest, skip the fees, and build better saving habits. See the top HYSA picks …
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• Read This Before Swiping Your Credit Card for Any Big January Purchases
  Jan 21, 2026
  Opening a new credit card in January could save you hundreds. Here's how to use your purchases to earn rewards or avoid interest in 2026.
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• Here's What Happens When You Transfer Your Credit Card Balance
  Jan 19, 2026
  Transferring your credit card balance to a 0% intro APR card can save you hundreds in interest. Here's exactly what happens and how to make …
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• CDs vs. High-Yield Savings Accounts: Which Is Better in 2026?
  Jan 19, 2026
  Compare 2026 APYs for CDs vs. high-yield savings accounts. See how much you could earn and which strategy fits your savings goals best.
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• The Simple Savings Account Switch That Can Earn You Hundreds in 2026
  Jan 18, 2026
  Earn hundreds more on your savings with a top high-yield savings account. See how a simple switch could boost your account balance this year.
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• Here's One Purchase You Should Never Make With a Credit Card
  Jan 18, 2026
  Credit cards and lottery tickets are a risky combo. Here's why using cash is a much smarter move when chasing jackpot dreams.
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