- Motley Fool Money Authors
- Joel O'Leary
Joel O'Leary
Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |
Expertise
Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans
NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 653 | 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
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What Credit Score Do You Need to Get the Amex Platinum Card?
Oct 2, 2025
The Amex Platinum Card is a premium travel and lifestyle card, and it generally requires good to excellent credit to qualify. Read on to find …
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10 Signs Someone Is Rich (but You'd Never Know It)
Oct 2, 2025
Wealth often hides in plain sight. Here are 10 surprising signs someone may be rich without showing it off.
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5 Stealth Wealth Habits That Keep Me Happy (Without Looking Flashy)
Oct 1, 2025
True wealth isn't about showing off. These stealth wealth habits help me stay financially free, enjoy life, and keep stress low -- without needing to …
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My Best Friend Didn't Even Know He Was Earning 0.01% -- I Showed Him This 4.20% APY Account
Oct 1, 2025
See how a simple account switch turned dusty savings into $100 a month passive income, and how you can do the same.
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I'm Saving for a Vacation -- and This 4.20% APY Account Is Speeding It Up
Sep 30, 2025
A high-yield savings account is helping me reach a big travel goal faster. Here's how it's working and why it might help you too.
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Here's What $25K Earns in a Big Bank vs. a High-Yield Account
Sep 30, 2025
Big bank savings accounts have notoriously low interest rates, while high-yield savings accounts pay way more. Here's how much $25,000 can really earn.
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This Account Could Help You Save $5,000 Faster
Sep 30, 2025
If you've hit a savings plateau, here's how this high-yield account can help you grow past $5,000 faster, without changing your daily routine.
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4 Safe Money Moves Millionaires Swear By
Sep 29, 2025
Millionaires use safe and proven strategies to grow and protect their wealth. Here are four money moves they rely on.
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7 Little-Known Credit Card Tips That Could Save You Money
Sep 29, 2025
Credit cards can do more than you think. Discover seven simple tips to cut costs, protect your stuff, and make your rewards go further.
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6-Month vs. 5-Year CDs: What's Best for Your Money Now?
Sep 29, 2025
The Fed just cut rates, and more cuts will likely follow. Here's how to decide between a 6-month CD, a 5-year CD, or a more …
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6 Things I'm Doing to Make My Finances Way Less Complicated
Sep 28, 2025
Here are six simple money moves I'm making to simplify my finances, reduce stress, and stay on track with my goals.
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Why I'm Keeping My High-Yield Savings Account Even as Rates Drop
Sep 28, 2025
Even as interest rates fall, high-yield savings accounts still pay better than big banks. Here's why I'm sticking with mine.
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Got $50K Sitting in the Bank? Here's Why That Could Be a Mistake
Sep 28, 2025
Put your $50K to better use with smart strategies like high-yield savings, CD ladders, and low-risk investing for long-term growth.
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Why a Guy Who Hates Debt Still Uses Credit Cards Every Day
Sep 28, 2025
Credit cards can be powerful tools if used wisely. Here's why I still swipe them daily despite hating debt.
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CDs Aren't Sexy -- but Neither Is Losing Money
Sep 26, 2025
Guaranteed returns with a CD might not be flashy. But they beat earning nothing. Here's why now is a smart time to consider a high-yield …
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Why $50K in Savings Is Probably Too Much
Sep 26, 2025
If you're sitting on $50,000 in a savings account, you might be missing out on better opportunities. Here's what to do instead.
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Here's How to Earn $10,000 With CDs
Sep 26, 2025
With today's top APYs, here's how much cash it takes to earn $10,000 with a traditional certificate of deposit.
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Ponce Bank CD Rates
Sep 26, 2025
Ponce Bank offers competitive rates on CDs through the Raisin platform. Check out current Ponce Bank CD rates to see how much interest you could …
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5 Habits That Help the Rich Stay Rich
Sep 26, 2025
Wealthy people follow consistent, strategic money habits. Here's what they do, and how you can follow their playbook.
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Guide to CD Laddering
Jun 3, 2025
Learn how to build a CD ladder, why it works, and how it can boost your savings with less risk. Includes step-by-step guide and real-life …
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How Does a CD Work?
Aug 8, 2025
Learn how a certificate of deposit (CD) works, including interest rates, terms, and why CDs can be a safe and predictable savings tool.
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How Much Savings You Really Need to Feel Confident in a Recession
Sep 24, 2025
Here's a simple guide for how to ride out a recession stress-free, plus smart ways to grow your cushion faster.
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This Account Could Help You Save $1,000 Faster
Sep 23, 2025
Set up auto-deposits and earn a high APY with one of today's top high-yield savings accounts. Learn a smarter way to build savings with minimal …
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Why Mortgage Rates Probably Won't Drop After the Fed's Rate Cut
Sep 18, 2025
The Fed just cut rates. But don't expect mortgage rates to immediately follow suit. Here's why home buyers may not see cheaper loans just yet.
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Here's What Happens When Your Credit Score Reaches a Perfect 850
Sep 18, 2025
Hitting an 850 credit score sounds epic, but does it really change anything? Here's what actually happens when you reach the top.
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