Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 374 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 01-07-2026

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

• Forget CDs, Even With Rates Over 4%. Here's Where to Put Your Money Instead
  Jul 14, 2025
  CDs offer decent yields today, but there are better options for both short-term savings and long-term growth. Here's where to put your money instead.
  Read More
• What if You Invested Every Dollar You Spent on Subscriptions?
  Jul 12, 2025
  Could you cut some (or all) of your subscriptions and supercharge your savings instead? Here's how much the average person could earn by redirecting those …
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• This Personal Loan Mistake Could Cost You Thousands in 2025
  Jul 10, 2025
  Use this smarter strategy instead of a personal loan to avoid interest charges and potentially save thousands in 2025.
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• The Hidden Costs of Personal Loans (and How to Avoid Them)
  Jul 9, 2025
  Personal loans can be helpful, but surprise fees can add up fast. Here's how to spot hidden costs and keep more money in your pocket.
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• Watch Out for These 4 Hidden Fees Lurking in Personal Loan Offers
  Jul 7, 2025
  Personal loans can be helpful, but hidden fees can sneak up on you. Here's how to spot them before they drain your wallet.
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• 7 Red Flags When Shopping for a Personal Loan Online
  Jul 7, 2025
  Watch out for these big red flags before accepting an online personal loan. Protect your money and avoid costly traps.
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• Saving Just $12 Per Day Can Make You Rich. Here's How
  Jul 6, 2025
  A small daily habit of saving and investing can snowball into $1 million or more. Here's how to put compound interest to work for you.
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• 5 Credit Card Myths That Could Hurt Your Score
  Jul 5, 2025
  Believing these common credit card myths could drag down your score. Learn the truth and build your credit the smart way.
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• I Just Moved a $10,000 Credit Limit From One Chase Card to Another in 60 Seconds
  Jul 5, 2025
  Chase now lets you move credit limits between cards instantly in the app, without a credit check. Here's how I did it in under a …
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• 4 Retirement Savings Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make
  Jul 2, 2025
  Simple changes today can lead to a stress-free retirement later. Here's how to avoid the biggest savings slip-ups.
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• Here's Why July Might Be a Smart Month to Lock in a Personal Loan
  Jul 2, 2025
  Interest rates and lending conditions may shift soon. Here's why locking in a personal loan in July could be a financially smart move.
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• Still Using a Debit Card for Travel? That Mistake Could Be Costing You Thousands
  Jun 29, 2025
  Using debit cards means missing out on valuable travel rewards, trip protections, and perks that save you hundreds (or even thousands).
  Read More
• 5 Ways I Practice Stealth Wealth (While Still Living Large)
  Jun 28, 2025
  Living rich doesn't have to look rich. Here are five real-life stealth wealth strategies that help me grow money while still enjoying life.
  Read More
• I'm a 'Super Saver.' Here's How I Saved $10K in 6 Months
  Jun 27, 2025
  My wife and I saved a cool $10K in six months with side hustles, no-spend weekends, and smart credit card rewards.
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• I've Got $25,000 in My HYSA. Is That Enough?
  Jun 26, 2025
  A high-yield savings account is a smart place to stash cash. But how much should you actually keep in there? Here's how to find your …
  Read More
• Do You Really Need $750K in Car Accident Coverage?
  Jun 22, 2025
  Car accidents can cost more than you think. Here's how much liability coverage you may actually need, and why skimping could leave you broke.
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• Here's the Average American's Car Insurance Premium. Are You Overpaying?
  Jun 20, 2025
  Find out how your car insurance premium stacks up against the national average, as well as the factors that go into deciding your rate.
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• Should You Open a 6-Month CD Before Interest Rates Drop?
  Jun 20, 2025
  CD rates may fall soon. Locking in a 6-month CD now could help you secure a solid return before banks start trimming yields.
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• The 5 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Picking Car Insurance
  Jun 19, 2025
  Don't let a simple car insurance mistake cost you thousands. Here are five common mistakes (and how to avoid them).
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• Higher Prices Are Coming. Here Are 3 Ways to Prepare
  Jun 18, 2025
  Here's how to protect your budget, build up savings, and make your money go further as inflation and tariffs impact our bills.
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• 5 Ways to Save Money on Groceries as Prices Spike
  Jun 18, 2025
  Groceries are pricey. But these five frugal habits (including a 6% cash back card) can help you save hundreds without clipping a single coupon.
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• Here's What a $1 Million Retirement Actually Looks Like
  Jun 15, 2025
  A $1 million retirement can be built in many ways -- with 401(k)s, IRAs, savings, and even real estate -- giving you flexibility and income …
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• How to Start a CD Ladder With Just $5,000
  Jun 14, 2025
  You don't need tens of thousands to build a CD ladder. Here's how to start with just $5,000 and earn more on your savings.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When You Qualify for a High-Limit Credit Card
  Jun 14, 2025
  Qualifying for a high-limit credit card can boost your credit score, unlock better rewards, and give you more financial peace of mind.
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• Should You Sign Up for Pay-Per-Mile Auto Insurance in 2025?
  Jun 13, 2025
  Pay-per-mile auto insurance can lower costs for low-mileage drivers in 2025. Learn how it works and who it's best for.
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