Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 574 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-15-2026

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

• 3 Little-Known Drawbacks of CDs
  Jan 12, 2026
  CDs can have weaker long-term returns, taxes on interest, and rates that aren't always as "locked in" as they look. Here's how to navigate these …
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• Here's What Happens When You Open a CD Instead of Invest in the S&P 500
  Jan 12, 2026
  CDs offer safety and predictability, while the S&P 500 gives you better long-term growth. Here's what really happens when you choose one over the other.
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• Here's How Much $10,000 Could Earn in CDs in 2026
  Jan 12, 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.
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• Here's Why Your Credit Score Dropped Even Though You Paid Everything on Time
  Jan 11, 2026
  Credit scores go up and down for a number of reasons. Here's what causes dips and why steady habits usually push it higher in the …
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• Here's What $50,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account Actually Earns in 2026
  Jan 8, 2026
  With today's rates, $50,000 in a high-yield savings account can earn about $1,500-$2,000 in 2026, with FDIC insurance and easy access to cash.
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• 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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• 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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• 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.
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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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• 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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• What Does 0% APR Mean?
  Dec 29, 2025
  0% APR means you won't pay interest for a limited time. Here's how it works for credit cards, with examples on balance transfers and new …
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• Here's How Much the Average Rich Person Has in Their Savings Account
  Dec 25, 2025
  The wealthiest Americans hold six figures in savings. See the median balances by net worth and simple ways to build a stronger cash cushion.
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• Here's What Happens to Your Credit Cards When You Pass Away
  Dec 24, 2025
  Planning ahead for your credit cards can spare your loved ones stress. Here's what really happens to your accounts after you pass away.
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• This Is How Much You Should Have in Savings by 50. How Do You Compare?
  Dec 24, 2025
  Financial planners say you should have five to six times your income saved by age 50. Here's how that benchmark works, and what to do …
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• 4 Traits of Americans With a Perfect 850 Credit Score
  Dec 24, 2025
  Only a tiny group hits an 850 credit score. Here are four habits they share, and how you can borrow them to boost your own …
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• Fidelity Review
  Dec 23, 2025
  I've used Fidelity for over a decade and hold 11 accounts. Here's my honest review of the platform's best (and worst) features in 2025.
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• Why I Open at Least 1 New Credit Card Every Year
  Dec 23, 2025
  Opening a new credit card each year helps me earn bonuses, unlock perks, and save real money, as long as I stick to smart rules.
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• 5 Everyday Expenses You Should Never Put on a Credit Card in 2026
  Dec 23, 2025
  These five common charges can cost you way more than you think when paid with a credit card. Here's how to avoid expensive payment mistakes.
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• 5 Common Credit Score Myths That Hurt People Every Year
  Dec 22, 2025
  These credit score myths can sabotage your finances. Here's what to believe (and what to ignore) if you want to build better credit.
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• The Average American Has This Much Debt. How Does Yours Compare?
  Dec 22, 2025
  The average U.S. household now carries over $105,000 in debt. See how your balances compare, and what options can help.
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• How a Series of Small Deposits in Your Bank Account Could Cause You Some Financial Problems
  Dec 21, 2025
  Making multiple small cash deposits seems harmless, but it can raise red flags with the government. Here's what to know before heading to the bank.
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• 3 Little-Known Perks of Opening a Business Credit Card
  Dec 21, 2025
  Business credit cards can simplify expenses, boost points, and build credit. Learn which card might be the best fit for your business.
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• Here's What Happens When You Keep a Credit Card Open for Over 10 Years
  Dec 21, 2025
  Keeping a credit card for 10+ years can help your credit score, shape your spending habits, and even change rewards over time. Here's what to …
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• Here's What Happens When You Try to Open Too Many Bank Accounts at Once
  Dec 21, 2025
  Opening too many bank accounts too fast can trigger denials, missed bonuses, and surprise fees. Here's what actually happens behind the scenes.
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• Passive Income Isn't Just for the Rich. Here Are 3 Ways Everyone Can Earn More Money
  Dec 20, 2025
  Savings accounts, dividend stocks or REITs, and credit card rewards are three easy ways anyone can earn passive income.
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