Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 544 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 04-27-2026

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

• SoFi vs. Ally
  Apr 16, 2026
  SoFi and Ally are two of the most popular online banks. I compare features, rates, and tools to help you figure out which one fits …
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• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
  Apr 16, 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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• What 21 Months of 0% APR Is Actually Worth in Real Dollars
  Apr 16, 2026
  The average American carries $6,500+ in credit card debt. Here's exactly how much a 21-month 0% intro APR card can save you in real dollars.
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• Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access
  Apr 15, 2026
  Get ready to skip the terminal chaos. These are the best credit cards for airport lounge access this year, from budget-friendly to all-out luxury.
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• Trump Accounts for Kids: How Do They Work and Who Qualifies?
  Apr 15, 2026
  Trump Accounts give eligible kids a $1,000 government head start -- but the tax rules are complicated. Here's how they work and who actually qualifies.
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• Here's Why I Stopped Chasing the Highest Savings Rate
  Apr 15, 2026
  Moving your cash just to get the highest savings rate isn't always worth it. Here's why strings, rate drops, and marginal gains changed how I …
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• Your High-Yield Savings Account Is Probably Paying You Less Than It Did Last Year. Here's What to Do
  Apr 15, 2026
  Savings account rates have dropped over the past year. Learn how to spot the gap, compare today's top APYs, and decide if switching makes sense.
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• Best Credit Cards to Transfer Points
  Apr 14, 2026
  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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• Best Travel Credit Cards
  Apr 14, 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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• Our Top Cash Back Card of April 2026: Earn up to 6% Back
  Apr 14, 2026
  The Amex Blue Cash Preferred earns high cash back at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and on streaming, making it a top pick for everyday Americans
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• Here's What $500 a Month Invested in an S&P 500 Index Fund Could Look Like in 20 Years
  Apr 14, 2026
  Investing $500/month in an S&P 500 index fund could grow into serious wealth over 20 years. See the numbers across multiple return scenarios.
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• Our Favorite Balance Transfer Card if You Have Excellent Credit: April 2026
  Apr 14, 2026
  The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has one of the longest 0% intro APR windows for balance transfers, and no annual fee. It's our top pick …
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• The $179 Per Month Difference Between a 12-Month and 21-Month 0% Intro APR
  Apr 14, 2026
  Picking the right intro window isn't just about time -- it's about what you can actually afford to pay each month.
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• Best IRA Accounts
  Apr 13, 2026
  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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• I Compared Dozens of Savings Accounts. These 3 Paid the Most
  Apr 13, 2026
  The national average savings rate is just 0.39% APY. Here are three accounts that lap it -- and what it takes to qualify.
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• Here's How to Ask Your Credit Card Company for a Retention Offer (and What to Say)
  Apr 13, 2026
  A retention offer can mean bonus points, a statement credit, or a waived annual fee. Here's how to ask your card issuer for one.
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• Here's What Happens When You Have Two Balance Transfer Cards at the Same Time
  Apr 12, 2026
  Learn what happens when you use two balance transfer cards at once, including the credit impact, transfer limits, and how much you can save.
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• Get $400 and a Boosted APY: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, April 12, 2026
  Apr 12, 2026
  My favorite savings account is currently offering the best bonus I've seen yet. Here's how to get it, plus other great bonuses available now.
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• 3 Types of Credit Cards That Are Almost Never Worth It
  Apr 11, 2026
  Find out which credit card types to avoid and what to look for in a card that actually works for you.
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• An Easy $250 in Travel Rewards: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, April 11, 2026
  Apr 11, 2026
  One of my favorite travel cards out there is offering an easy $250 in bonus rewards. Here's what to know, plus other great bonuses available …
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• Americans Say They Need $1.46 Million to Retire -- Here's What It Actually Buys You
  Apr 10, 2026
  Learn how much Americans say they need to retire comfortably, what that generates in monthly income, and whether it's actually enough.
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• The 3 Top Balance Transfer Cards: One Pays up to 6% Cash Back
  Apr 9, 2026
  These cards offer long intro APR periods, no annual fees, and useful extras to help you pay off balances faster in 2026 and beyond.
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• Prime Visa Review
  Apr 6, 2026
  Here's my honest review of the Prime Visa credit card. Learn how the rewards work, how to qualify, and whether it's a good fit for …
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• Up to $1,500 in Bonus Cash: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, April 5, 2026
  Apr 5, 2026
  Want to land one of the biggest bank bonuses I've ever seen? Here's the account to open today, plus other favorites available now.
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• Best Financial Advisors This Month, April 2026: Vetted Advisors for Every Stage of Life
  Apr 4, 2026
  Find the right fit for your money goals without the research rabbit hole. Here are this month's best financial advisors, freshly updated for April 2026.
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