Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 374 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 01-07-2026

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

• 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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• Here's What Happens When You Try to Open Too Many Bank Accounts at Once
  Dec 21, 2025
  Opening too many bank accounts too fast can trigger denials, missed bonuses, and surprise fees. Here's what actually happens behind the scenes.
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• We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- This Is the Best $0 Annual Fee Card Right Now
  Dec 20, 2025
  Earn cash back on groceries, dining, and more without paying an annual fee. Here’s why Chase Freedom Unlimited is a winner for everyday spending in …
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• Passive Income Isn't Just for the Rich. Here Are 3 Ways Everyone Can Earn More Money
  Dec 20, 2025
  Savings accounts, dividend stocks or REITs, and credit card rewards are three easy ways anyone can earn passive income.
  Read More
• Get a $250 Amazon Gift Card Instantly -- The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Available This Week, Dec. 20, 2025
  Dec 20, 2025
  A credit card's welcome bonus can singlehandedly justify you hitting that apply button. Here are all our favorites available this week.
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• Here's What Happens When You Tip With a Credit Card
  Dec 19, 2025
  Tipping with a credit card works a little differently than cash. Here's where your tip goes, how workers get paid, and what most people don't …
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• Here's What Happens When You Open a CD Instead of Invest in the S&P 500
  Dec 19, 2025
  CDs offer safety and predictability, while the S&P 500 gives you better long-term growth. Here's what really happens when you choose one over the other.
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• How to See if You Qualify for an Amex Platinum Card Without Impacting Your Credit Score
  Dec 19, 2025
  Learn how to check if you're approved for the Platinum Card as well as the welcome offer you're eligible for with zero risk to your …
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• 3 Ways the 1% Maintain Their Wealth
  Dec 19, 2025
  The 1% stay wealthy by investing long term, keeping emergency cash, and avoiding high-cost debt. Here's why those habits work for anyone.
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• Best Broker Bonuses
  Dec 18, 2025
  Brokerages often offer bonuses and promotions for opening a new account. Here are our picks for the best broker bonuses available now.
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• Here's What Happens When You Withdraw Cash With a Credit Card
  Dec 18, 2025
  Withdrawing cash using a credit card (aka cash advance) can trigger instant fees, high interest, and credit risks. Here are smarter alternatives to consider.
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• 4 Reasons You Should Actually Pull From Your Savings Account
  Dec 18, 2025
  A savings account is usually for emergencies, but here's when tapping it is actually the smartest financial move you can make.
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• You Might Not Realize What Happens When You Spend More Than $10,000 on Your Credit Card
  Dec 18, 2025
  Charging $10,000+ to a credit card can trigger fraud checks, raise utilization, and rack up interest. Here's what happens, and how to avoid the downsides.
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• These 3 Changes Are Coming to IRAs in 2026
  Dec 18, 2025
  IRA rules are shifting slightly in 2026. Here are three key changes, including higher income and contribution limits, and how to use them to your …
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• Amex Platinum Offers a Massive Welcome Bonus. Find Out Your Offer Now
  Dec 18, 2025
  This VIP travel card is offering one of its biggest bonus incentives in years. Here's how to check your personalized offer and see if it's …
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• Charles Schwab Promotions
  Dec 17, 2025
  Learn about these current Charles Schwab promotions, including the $50 Starter Kit and referral bonuses for new customers.
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• Here's What Happens When You Only Use Credit Cards
  Dec 17, 2025
  Credit cards offer rewards and protection, but using them exclusively has downsides. Here's what to know before going all-in on credit.
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• We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- These 3 Offer the Best 0% Intro APR in 2026
  Dec 17, 2025
  These top 0% intro APR and balance transfer cards can help you save hundreds in interest in 2026 and pay off your debt faster.
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• Don't Keep Cash at Home. Here Are 3 Dead Simple Places to Put It Instead
  Dec 17, 2025
  High-yield savings, short-term CDs, and index funds beat hiding cash at home. Here's why these places are safer and smarter to put your money instead.
  Read More
• The 4 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Paying Off Credit Card Debt
  Dec 16, 2025
  Don't let these four mistakes wreck your debt payoff plans in 2026. Learn how to outsmart them and ditch your balance faster.
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• Earn $300 Cash Back + a $250 Gift Card -- Chase Has Two Standout Offers Live Right Now
  Dec 16, 2025
  Chase is running two generous limited-time offers right now with no-annual-fee cards. Here's how each deal works and how to pick the right card for …
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• Citi Double Cash Review
  Dec 15, 2025
  Earn 2% back on every purchase with no annual fee. See why the Citi Double Cash card is a top pick in our in-depth Citi …
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• Save Big on Business Expenses: The Best Business Credit Cards This Week, Dec. 15, 2025
  Dec 15, 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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