Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 647 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 10-27-2026

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

• How to Check if You're Eligible for a Credit Limit Increase
  Feb 17, 2026
  Most issuers let you request a higher credit limit without hurting your score. Learn how it works, what you'll need, and why it can actually …
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• Nearly 1 in 4 BNPL Users Pay Late. Here's the Simple Fix in 2026
  Feb 16, 2026
  Nearly 1 in 4 buy now, pay later users paid late. Here's a simple four-step plan for using BNPL wisely and avoiding regret in 2026.
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• The Best Roth IRA Account for 2026, Hands Down
  Feb 16, 2026
  Charles Schwab offers no fees, thousands of investment options, and an easy platform, making it the top Roth IRA choice for 2026.
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• What Does It Take to Get the Best Credit Cards?
  Feb 15, 2026
  You'll need more than a high credit score to get approved for top rewards cards. Here's what card issuers look for -- and how to …
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• Is There Any Point in Chasing a 'Perfect' Credit Score? Here's the Truth
  Feb 15, 2026
  Only 1.76% of Americans have a perfect credit score. Here's why you don't need one, and what matters more for your financial life.
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• How to Check if You're Eligible for a 0% Intro APR Credit Card
  Feb 15, 2026
  Most 0% intro APR cards require good credit and quick action. Here's how to check eligibility, avoid mistakes, and make the most of a no-interest …
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• Here's What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Get Married
  Feb 14, 2026
  Quick answer: Nothing immediately happens to your credit score when you get married. But joint accounts and smart habits can lift both partners' profiles.
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• Here's What Actually Changes When Your Credit Score Hits 800
  Feb 13, 2026
  Hitting an 800 credit score bumps you into the exceptional range. Here's what that means, and how to keep your place in the top tier.
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• Credit Card Fraud Is Up 54% -- These 5 Habits Make You a Hard Target
  Feb 12, 2026
  Credit card fraud is rising fast. These five easy habits can make you way less vulnerable to scams, breaches, and identity theft.
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• Forget CDs in 2026. Here's Why I'm Keeping My Cash in High-Yield Savings
  Feb 11, 2026
  CDs aren't paying enough of a premium to entice me locking in funds and giving up access to my cash. Here's why I'm sticking with …
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• Here's Why Keeping $10,000 in the Wrong Savings Account Is a Huge Problem
  Feb 10, 2026
  Keeping your savings in a low-yield account could cost you hundreds per year in interest. Here's how to fix it and earn more with zero …
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• Here's How Much Interest a 21-Month 0% Intro APR Card Can Really Save You
  Feb 7, 2026
  See how much you can save by transferring your credit card debt to a 0% intro APR card -- plus tips to make the most …
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• What Most People Get Wrong About 0% Intro APR Credit Cards
  Feb 7, 2026
  Many 0% intro APR credit card users make the same three mistakes. Here's how to avoid them and use balance transfer cards to actually pay …
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• Chase Ink Business Preferred Review
  Dec 2, 2025
  Earn 3x points on key business purchases and a massive welcome bonus with this small business credit card. See if it's right for your business.
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• The Single Biggest Mistake People Make With Balance Transfer Cards
  Feb 6, 2026
  Treating 0% intro APR cards like free money is a common mistake. Here's how to use balance transfer cards the right way, and what to …
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• Here's Why You Desperately Need to Upgrade Your Savings Account in 2026
  Feb 5, 2026
  Most savings accounts pay terrible rates. Here's why upgrading to a high-yield option in 2026 could help you earn more, save faster, and skip the …
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• Here's How to Tell if Your Bank Account Is Ripping You Off
  Feb 4, 2026
  Many Americans are earning next to nothing on savings and paying monthly fees they don't need to. Here's how to spot if your bank is …
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• Here's What Happens When You Close a Credit Card With a High Limit
  Feb 4, 2026
  Closing a credit card with a high limit can drop your credit score. Here's how it affects your credit utilization, history, and what to do …
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• Chase Slate Review
  Feb 3, 2026
  The revamped Chase Slate® offers 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and balance transfers, making it a top pick for debt payoff strategies.
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• The 4 Safest Places to Keep Your Cash in 2026
  Feb 3, 2026
  These safe cash storage options protect your principal, while still earning strong returns and offering easy access.
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• Here's What Happens When You Have Too Many Credit Cards
  Feb 1, 2026
  Carrying too many credit cards can hurt your credit score, cost you money, and make debt more likely. Here's what to watch for -- and …
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• Here's What Happens When You Don't Touch Your Bank Account for Years
  Feb 1, 2026
  If your bank account sits untouched too long, your money could wind up in your state's unclaimed funds database. Here's how to prevent that.
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• 4 Traits of Americans With a Perfect 850 Credit Score
  Jan 31, 2026
  People with top credit scores have multiple cards, keep utilization tiny, payments perfect, and their credit history strong over time.
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• CDs Are More Risky Than You Think. Here's Why
  Jan 31, 2026
  CDs feel safe, but they can limit your access, earnings, and financial freedom. Here's how to spot the risks before locking up your cash.
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• Here's What Happens When You Spend More Than $5,000 on Your Credit Card
  Jan 31, 2026
  Large credit card purchases can affect your score, trigger fraud alerts, or lead to debt. Learn how to handle them smartly and maximize rewards.
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