Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 647 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 10-24-2026

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

• 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% …
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• 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% …
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• 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 …
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• 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 …
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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 …
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• 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 …
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• 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 …
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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 …
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• My Friend Built a $60,000 CD Ladder. Here's How Much It Pays Him Monthly
  Nov 18, 2025
  A $60,000 CD ladder sounds complex, but it's surprisingly simple. Here's how much my friend earns each month and how it works.
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• Why 0% Intro APR Cards Fail for So Many People -- and How to Win Instead
  Nov 16, 2025
  Many people misuse 0% intro APR cards and rack up even more debt. Here's how to avoid the trap and actually come out ahead.
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• 4 Safe Ways to Earn 4%+ on Your Retirement Savings
  Nov 16, 2025
  HYSAs, CDs, annuities, and T-bills all offer 4.00%+ yields right now. These low-risk tools can help grow your retirement savings safely.
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• 2026 IRA Limit Increase: What It Means and How to Optimize It
  Nov 16, 2025
  The IRS increased IRA limits for 2026. Learn the new caps, income rules, and smart moves to make the most of your retirement contributions.
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• Here's How Much You Need to Save Each Month to Max Out Your 401(k) in 2026
  Nov 16, 2025
  You'll need to save about $2,042 per month to max out your 401(k) in 2026. Here's how the new contribution limits work and how to …
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• 3 Little-Known Perks of Having a Credit Score of 750+
  Nov 15, 2025
  A 750+ credit score unlocks more than just low APRs. Here are three underrated ways a great score can save you money and open financial …
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• I've Got $5,000 Burning a Hole in My Pocket -- Here Are 3 Moves I'm Considering to Grow It
  Nov 15, 2025
  How I'm putting an unexpected $5,000 to work, from high-yield savings to long-term investing and low-risk growth options.
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• 2026 Contribution Limits Are Here: How Much You Can Save in Your 401(k) and IRA
  Nov 13, 2025
  The new 401(k) limit for 2026 contributions is $24,500, and the IRA limit has raised to $7,500 for savers under 50 years old.
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• Here's How Much You Can Make With $20,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account
  Nov 10, 2025
  With the right savings account, $20,000 can earn you hundreds in passive interest. Here's how much to expect, even if APYs drop.
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• The Fed Cut Rates Again -- and I'm Still Earning Over $1,000 a Year in Interest
  Nov 8, 2025
  A few top savings accounts are still paying over 4.00% APY right now even after the Fed cut rates again. Here's how to find the …
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• What NOT to Do With a 0% Intro APR Credit Card
  Nov 7, 2025
  A 0% intro APR credit card can be a financial blessing or a debt trap. Here's what to avoid so you actually get ahead, not …
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• $5,000 in Debt? Here's How Much to Pay Monthly With a 0% Intro APR Card
  Nov 2, 2025
  If you've got $5,000 in credit card debt, a 0% intro APR card could be your way out. Here's how much to pay monthly -- …
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• Rates Are Falling, but I'm Still Earning 4% on My Savings -- Here's How
  Nov 2, 2025
  Fed rates are dropping, but smart savers can still earn 4% or more. See how HYSAs and CDs can protect your yield as APYs begin …
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