Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 554 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-07-2026

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

• The 3 Worst Mistakes People Make With 0% Intro APR Credit Cards
  Dec 7, 2025
  Avoid these 0% intro APR credit card mistakes, like picking the wrong card offer, overspending, and paying too little. Here's how to do it right.
  Read More
• Why I Open a New Bank Account Every Year
  Dec 7, 2025
  Opening one new bank account can help you earn higher APYs, unlock promotions, and take advantage of better features. Here's why it's worth it.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When You Spend More Than $5,000 on Your Credit Card
  Dec 7, 2025
  Spending big on your credit card can trigger fraud checks, impact your score, and put you at risk of debt issues. Here's how to avoid …
  Read More
• Forget the Side Hustle: This 1 Trick Earned Me $1,000 Last Year
  Dec 4, 2025
  If you're tired of hustling for every dollar, this effortless savings strategy can help your money start earning on its own.
  Read More
• Forget Travel Cards. Here Are 3 Reasons Cash Back Wins for Most People
  Dec 3, 2025
  Cash back cards are simple, flexible, and often earn more on the spending you already do. Here are three reasons they beat travel cards for …
  Read More
• Move $5,000 Into a High-Yield Savings Account and Here's What Happens
  Dec 3, 2025
  Here's how putting $5,000 into a high-yield savings account can earn you $200+ in interest over a year, while keeping it accessible and FDIC insured.
  Read More
• Forget Bank of America. Your Emergency Cash Deserves a 4%+ APY
  Dec 3, 2025
  Many banks still pay 0.01% APY on savings. Here's why your emergency cash should be in a high-yield account paying 4.00% or more.
  Read More
• The Top 3 High-Yield Savings Accounts of December 2025: APYs up to 4.21%
  Dec 2, 2025
  Explore these high APY savings accounts for December 2025, and watch your money grow faster, all with FDIC insurance protection.
  Read More
• $285 a Month Could Erase $6,000 in Credit Card Debt Starting Today
  Nov 29, 2025
  Some 0% intro APR cards offer up to 21 months of no interest. Here's how paying just $285 a month can knock out $6,000 in …
  Read More
• 5 Simple Habits That Make or Break Your 0% Intro APR Card
  Nov 28, 2025
  Building a payoff plan, picking the right card, and automating your progress are a few habits that can help you eliminate debt with a 0% …
  Read More
• 5 Smart Moves That Make Your 0% APR Window Actually Worth It
  Nov 27, 2025
  Use these five smart habits like picking a long 0% period, automating payments, and avoiding new debt to get the most out of your 0% …
  Read More
• Your 0% APR Window Won't Last Forever -- Here's How to Use It Right
  Nov 26, 2025
  A 0% intro APR card can buy you time to pay off debt without interest, but only if you use that window wisely. Here's how …
  Read More
• Should You Open a 6-Month CD in November 2025?
  Nov 25, 2025
  CD rates are holding strong, despite the recent rate cuts. Here's why a 6-month CD could be a smart place to park your cash heading …
  Read More
• 3 Dead Simple Reasons I Moved All My Savings to LendingClub This Month
  Nov 24, 2025
  I switched my $25K to LendingClub for its high APY, debit card access to savings, and an easy, no-fee experience. Here's why it beats most …
  Read More
• What Each Generation Wants to Fix About Their Money in 2026
  Nov 22, 2025
  Paying down debt is collectively the top New Year's resolution across all age groups. Here's the full breakdown of money goals for 2026 by generation.
  Read More
• 1 in 4 Americans Want to Pay Off Debt in 2026 -- These Tools Can Help
  Nov 21, 2025
  Tools like balance transfer cards, loan refinancing, and nonprofit counseling can help Americans cut interest and pay off debt faster in 2026.
  Read More
• America's Top 2026 Money Goal Is Eliminating Credit Card Debt -- Here's How to Speed It Up
  Nov 21, 2025
  A 0% intro APR card can help you pay off credit card debt faster and interest-free. Learn how it works and how to use it …
  Read More
• Still Banking Like It's 1998? Switch to These Modern High-Yield Accounts
  Nov 20, 2025
  Switch out of 1998-era banking. See why modern fintech platforms like SoFi® and LendingClub offer better tech, higher APYs, and fewer fees.
  Read More
• If Your Checking Account Has More Than This, You're Losing Money
  Nov 20, 2025
  Got more than a month's worth of expenses in your checking account? That extra cash could be doing a lot more. Here's where to move …
  Read More
• 4 Reasons I Keep Barely Any Money in My Checking Account
  Nov 19, 2025
  Most of my money skips right over my checking account into better places. Here's why I keep my balance low and what I do with …
  Read More
• Got a Holiday Bonus? Here's How to Stretch It, Grow It, and Still Have Some Fun
  Nov 19, 2025
  Even a small year-end bonus can help you pay down debt, save more, and invest for long-term growth. Here are some smart options to consider.
  Read More
• Motley Fool Money Newsroom
  Nov 18, 2025
  Get the latest personal finance data insights and connect with our personal finance experts in Motley Fool Money's Newsroom.
  Read More
• Pay No ATM Fees With These 3 High-Yield Banks
  Nov 18, 2025
  Skip ATM fees and earn more interest with these high-yield banks offering fee-free access and nationwide networks.
  Read More
• American Express National Bank Review
  Nov 18, 2025
  Read our full review of American Express National Bank (Member FDIC) to learn about its high-yield savings rates, fees, mobile app features, and more.
  Read More
• I'm Building a $50,000 'Reverse' CD Ladder to Buy a Rental Property -- Here's How
  Nov 18, 2025
  My wife and I are saving up $50,000 for a rental property using a CD ladder. Here's our plan, our timeline, and how much we'll …
  Read More