Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 610 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 07-05-2026

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

• Citi Simplicity® Card vs. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
  Jun 23, 2026
  Trying to choose between Citi Simplicity and Citi Diamond Preferred? Here's a breakdown of fees, perks, and which card is better for your balance transfer …
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• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card vs. Citi Double Cash® Card
  Jun 23, 2026
  Both of these balance transfer cards are good for paying off debt. But one gives you more breathing room while the other is focused on …
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• Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
  Jun 23, 2026
  Compare fees, perks, rewards, and travel benefits between the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X to see which one is right for you.
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• Amex Gold Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  Jun 23, 2026
  Amex Gold Card vs. Capital One Venture: we break down rewards, perks, and fees to help you pick the travel card that actually fits your …
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• Best Checking and Savings Account Combos
  Jun 23, 2026
  Simplify your banking. The best checking and savings combos of 2025 give you one bank, easy transfers, overdraft protection, and solid rates.
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• Here's How to Pick the Right Balance Transfer Card for Your Debt Amount
  Jun 23, 2026
  How much you owe can change which balance transfer card is right for you. Here's how to match the intro period, fee, and credit limit …
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• The Best Credit Card Combo for June 2026
  Jun 23, 2026
  Chase just refreshed the Sapphire Preferred for 2026. Here's why pairing it with the Freedom Unlimited is the smartest two-card combo now.
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• Earn 4.00% APY While You Sleep With This Set-and-Forget Savings Account
  Jun 22, 2026
  This award-winning savings account earns an impressive APY after setting up direct deposit, perfect for building steady savings on autopilot.
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• 3 Dead Simple Reasons I Moved All My Savings to Happen Bank This Month
  Jun 22, 2026
  I switched my $25K to LendingClub for its high APY, debit card access to savings, and an easy, no-fee experience. Here's why it beats most …
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• 3 Reasons to Open a Happen Bank Savings Account Before the Fed Changes Rates
  Jun 22, 2026
  Happen Bank's high-yield savings account offers a top APY, no fees, and easy access. Here's why it's worth opening before interest rates fall.
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• 5 Places You Should Never Use a Debit Card
  Jun 22, 2026
  At gas stations, restaurants, and online, a credit card beats a debit card on safety and rewards. Here are five places where it matters most.
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• 3 Top No-Annual-Fee Cards You Can Apply for Right Now: June 2026
  Jun 21, 2026
  Skip the annual fee and still get strong rewards, real welcome offers, and flexible redemption options on everyday spending.
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• The 3 Best High-Limit Cards You Can Apply for in June 2026
  Jun 20, 2026
  A bigger credit line can lower your utilization and lift your score over time. Here's how to increase your credit limit, plus the three I'd …
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• 3 Top Cash Back Cards You Can Apply for Right Now: June 2026
  Jun 20, 2026
  Ready to up your cash back game in 2026? Here's how to match the highest rewards structure to where your monthly spending actually lands.
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• Discover it® Chrome vs. Discover it® Cash Back
  Jun 18, 2026
  Both the Discover it Chrome and Discover it Cash Back cards offer strong rewards with no annual fee, but here's how they compare on earnings, …
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• Amex Business Platinum Card Review
  Jun 18, 2026
  The Amex Business Platinum Card packs VIP travel perks and statement credits. Here's an honest look at who should carry it, and who shouldn't.
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• This No-Annual-Fee Credit Card Offers up to 6% Cash Back and a $200 Bonus
  Jun 17, 2026
  Pick your own top cash back category, switch it monthly, and pay nothing in annual fees with a card built for everyday spenders.
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• Best Stock Brokers
  Jun 16, 2026
  Get expert advice from The Motley Fool on the best stock brokers for your investment needs. Don't miss out on these 10 best trading platforms …
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• Chase Freedom Rise Review
  Jun 16, 2026
  Earn cash back with $0 annual fee, easy approval odds, and more with the Chase Freedom Rise® card. Here's who this starter card is actually …
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• The Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Card for June 2026
  Jun 16, 2026
  This no-annual-fee card earns 2% flat-rate rewards on purchases, with cellphone protection and perks that punch above its price tag.
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• 100,000-Point Bonus, $100 Hotel Credit, 3X on Gas and Airbnb: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Is Getting Even Better
  Jun 15, 2026
  This rare refresh tilts further in the cardholder's favor, with bigger travel credits, new everyday categories, and the same modest annual fee.
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• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
  Jun 15, 2026
  Discover the best credit card bonuses to jumpstart your rewards journey. From travel to cash back, find the ideal card for your lifestyle and start …
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• Best Travel Credit Cards
  Jun 15, 2026
  The best travel rewards credit cards can help you earn premium rewards and large sign-up bonuses while saving you money. Check out the top travel …
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• Best Credit Cards
  Jun 15, 2026
  Our team of experts reviewed the best credit cards to bring you our top picks for all scenarios: cash back, balance transfer, and more.
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• Earn a 200,000-Point Bonus for a Limited Time With the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
  Jun 15, 2026
  Premium travel perks, airport lounge access, and free employee cards make this a strong fit for established businesses with serious monthly spend.
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