Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 372 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 01-06-2026

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 Top Tips for Maximizing CD Investment Returns
  Dec 27, 2025
  Learn how to shop around, match terms, and earn higher than average APYs. Here's how to make more out of your CD investments in 2026.
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• Pay for Your 2026 Getaway: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Available This Week, Dec. 27, 2025
  Dec 27, 2025
  A credit card's welcome bonus can be one of the biggest and best reasons to hit that apply button. Here are all our favorite card …
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• Best IRA Accounts
  Dec 26, 2025
  Looking for an IRA? Learn why our experts rank these accounts among the top and find the best IRA account for your needs here.
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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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• Still Time in December: The Top Balance Transfer Card With 21 Months at 0%
  Dec 23, 2025
  Nearly two years with no interest. See why this balance transfer card stands out in December with 21 months at 0% intro APR.
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• Best Gas & Groceries Cards
  Dec 22, 2025
  Some of our favorite gas and grocery credit cards offer up to 6% cash back, 0% intro APR offers, and other perks. Find out which …
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• SoFi vs. Chime
  Dec 22, 2025
  Let's compare fees, features, apps, and support for SoFi and Chime, to help you pick the best digital banking option for you.
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• Why Premium Cards Are Worth It in 2026 -- Even With High Annual Fees
  Dec 22, 2025
  Premium credit cards come with big annual fees, but also big VIP perks. Here's why they can be worth it in 2026, especially for travelers.
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• Best Credit Cards to Transfer Points
  Dec 22, 2025
  Want to get the most value from your rewards? Here are the best credit cards for transferring points to airline and hotel partners.
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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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• Forget Rotating Categories: This Wells Fargo Card Earns 2% Cash Rewards on Everything
  Dec 22, 2025
  This no-annual-fee card earns 2% cash rewards on every purchase, making it a top choice for effortless, everyday rewards.
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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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• $300 a Year on Streaming: The Amex Platinum Is the Best Card for Binge-Watching
  Dec 22, 2025
  The Amex Platinum offers up to $300 a year in digital entertainment credits, making it one of the easiest ways to save on streaming subscriptions.
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• 7 Small Changes That Could Have a Big Impact on Your Finances in 2026
  Dec 22, 2025
  Here are some simple money tweaks for 2026 that can help you save more, spend smarter, and grow your wealth.
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• Save Big on Business Trips and More: The Best Business Credit Cards This Week, Dec. 22, 2025
  Dec 22, 2025
  Business credit cards are one of the best ways to save on business expenses of all kinds. Here are some of our favorite options available …
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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 How to Easily Cover the New Amex Platinum Annual Fee
  Dec 21, 2025
  The Amex Platinum's annual fee can shock you, but the card's expanded credits and perks make it surprisingly easy to offset the cost.
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