Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 652 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 10-14-2026

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

• Trump's $5,000 'Election Dividend' Won't Happen. Here Are 3 Real Ways to Save Thousands
  Sep 19, 2026
  Congress is unlikely to pass a $5,000 dividend. Paying down debt, investing, and switching accounts can build thousands regardless.
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• So Your Credit Score Hit 800? Here Are the 3 Cards You Should Apply for Next
  Sep 19, 2026
  Reaching the top credit tier unlocks the best credit cards. Here's my top travel pick, cash back pick, and a flat-rate option right now in …
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• The 3 Best Business Cash Back Cards You Can Get Right Now
  Sep 18, 2026
  How a company spends decides which cash back card pays the most, from flat-rate cards to category bonuses to big-purchase rewards.
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• The Fed Is Raising Rates for the First Time Since 2023. Here's What It Means for Your Savings
  Sep 17, 2026
  The Federal Reserve's rate increase pushes savings yields higher and borrowing costs up. Here's how the decision affects savers and people in debt.
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• Here's When Your High-Yield Savings Account Doesn't Make Sense Anymore
  Sep 16, 2026
  Keeping a liquid emergency fund is smart, but oversaving can quietly cost you. Here are the clear signs your money has outgrown a simple interest …
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• This Is Hands-Down the Best Card for Small Business Owners in 2026
  Sep 16, 2026
  A flat 1.5% cash back rate, no annual fee, and an optional loyalty boost that lifts what you earn on everyday business spending. Here's my …
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• Have an 800 Credit Score? Here Are the 3 Cards You Should Apply for Now
  Sep 15, 2026
  With excellent credit, approval is rarely the issue. See what an 800 score unlocks and which types of rewards cards make the most of it.
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• Here's How Much Your Savings Account Is Losing to Inflation Right Now -- and the Fix
  Sep 15, 2026
  Most savings accounts don't keep up with inflation. Here's how much buying power you lose each year and the simple move that fixes it.
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• SoFi vs. Chime
  Sep 14, 2026
  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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• Best Business Credit Cards
  Sep 9, 2026
  Compare the best business credit cards of 2026 for cash back, travel perks, and 0% intro APR offers. Find the perfect card to maximize your …
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• I Moved $106,000 Between Banks at Once. Here's What Happened Next
  Sep 8, 2026
  Moving a large sum between banks by ACH comes with hold times and a couple surprises. Here's what I learned about the wait before you …
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• Where to Buy IPO Stocks: Best Brokers for IPO Access in 2026
  Sep 4, 2026
  Want in on the next big IPO? These brokers give everyday investors real access to IPO shares before they hit the open market.
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• Can a Brand-New LLC Get a Business Credit Card?
  Sep 4, 2026
  A business you formed last week can get a credit card. Most issuers approve on your personal credit, not your company's history. Here's how.
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• Best IRA Accounts
  Sep 4, 2026
  Compare the eight best IRA accounts of 2026, including Charles Schwab and Fidelity. See fees, features, and how to open the right IRA for you.
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• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Card Review
  Sep 1, 2026
  Learn about all the features, perks, and fees of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and see if it's worth it for your wallet.
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• Paid Off Your Credit Card Debt? Here Are the 3 Things to Do With That Money Now.
  Sep 1, 2026
  Save it, invest it, or splurge a little -- here's how to put your freed-up money to work after clearing credit card debt.
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• The Best Roth IRA Brokers for People Who Are Starting Late
  Aug 31, 2026
  I break down three brokers I'd trust with a late-start retirement account, plus how the catch-up window helps you close the gap faster.
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• A 0% Intro APR Card Beats Buy Now, Pay Later for One Big Reason
  Aug 29, 2026
  Buy now, pay later gives you weeks to pay off a purchase. A credit card with 0% intro APR can give you almost two years, …
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• I Opened an IRA at 32. Here's How Much It's Worth Now at 41
  Aug 27, 2026
  More than half of my retirement account balance is growth I never contributed. Here's what nine years of maxing an index fund did.
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• Discover it® Chrome vs. Discover it® Cash Back
  Aug 27, 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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• Best Travel Credit Cards
  Aug 27, 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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• Here's What Happens When You Leave a Lot of Money in Your Savings Account
  Aug 26, 2026
  A big savings balance feels safe, but past a point it actually costs you money. Here's the line I use to decide what to save …
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• Best 0% Intro APR Credit Cards
  Aug 25, 2026
  The best 0% intro APR credit cards give you up to 21 months with no interest. Compare top picks for balance transfers, big purchases, and …
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• The Best Savings Accounts for Kids
  Aug 24, 2026
  Compare the top kids' savings accounts for 2026: ages, account type, fees, and standout features -- and how to pick the right one for your …
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• Why Your Checking Account Should Contain as Little Money as Possible
  Aug 24, 2026
  I keep almost nothing in my checking account on purpose. Here's how much cash to actually leave there, and where to move the rest so …
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