Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 552 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-06-2026

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

• Chase Freedom Flex® Review
  Mar 30, 2026
  This no-annual-fee credit card offers big cash back on bonus categories, dining, and more. See why it's a top choice for everyday spending.
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• Here's What 2% Cash Back Looks Like at Your Spending Level
  Mar 30, 2026
  A 2% flat-rate cash back card might be more powerful than you think -- and a lot less work than juggling multiple rewards cards. Here's …
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• Here's What Happens to $70 Billion of Unclaimed Money in the U.S.
  Mar 29, 2026
  About 1 in 7 Americans have unclaimed money or property waiting for them. Here's what it is, where it goes, and how to find out …
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• 4 Best Savings Accounts for Your Tax Refund
  Mar 27, 2026
  Got a tax refund coming? Put it somewhere it'll actually grow. We've rounded up the best high-yield savings accounts to help you make the most …
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• How to Find a Gas Credit Card That Actually Pays Off
  Mar 26, 2026
  Gas prices fluctuate, but your rewards don't have to. Here's how to find a gas credit card that actually saves you money in 2026.
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• 10 Financial Statistics of the Average American
  Mar 26, 2026
  How do your finances stack up? Here are 10 money stats on the average American's income, savings, debt, credit score, and more.
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• The 7 Fastest Ways People Ruin Their Finances
  Mar 26, 2026
  These seven money mistakes can wreck your finances -- from spending money you don't have yet to panic-selling investments at the worst possible time.
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• 3 Things to Do Right Now if Your Credit Card Debt Feels Unmanageable
  Mar 26, 2026
  Credit card debt feels unmanageable for millions of Americans. Here are three practical steps you can take right now to start getting it under control.
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• The Surprising Age When Income Usually Peaks
  Mar 25, 2026
  Most people assume income peaks in their 30s. ADP data on 110 million payroll records says otherwise. Here's what the wage lifecycle actually looks like.
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• Here's Exactly What Happens When You Call a Nonprofit Credit Counselor
  Mar 25, 2026
  Nonprofit credit counselors offer free, judgment-free help with debt. Here's what to expect on your first call -- and why it might be the best …
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• Are We Over-Optimizing Our Finances?
  Mar 25, 2026
  The 80/20 rule applies to personal finance too. Here's where optimization actually moves the needle -- and where it's just burning your time.
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• The Easiest Way to Earn $500+ a Year From Credit Cards
  Mar 24, 2026
  A no-annual-fee flat-rate cash back card can earn $500+ a year with zero strategy required. Here's how to maximize what you're already spending.
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• The Financial Advice That Sounds Right but Isn't
  Mar 24, 2026
  Some of the most common money tips are actually costing you. Here are the financial myths that sound smart but don't hold up.
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• Can't Get a 0% Intro APR Card? Here's the Next Best Thing
  Mar 24, 2026
  A personal loan for debt consolidation can beat a high credit card APR -- but your rate depends heavily on your credit score. Here's how …
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• Best Mortgage Lenders
  Mar 23, 2026
  Best rated mortgage lenders & expert reviews; compare the best home loan lenders for purchase, refinancing, VA, FHA, USDA, jumbo loans & first-time home buyers.
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• 5 Things to Know Before You Make a Big Credit Card Purchase in March
  Mar 23, 2026
  Before your next big credit card purchase, check your APR, credit utilization, cash discount options, card rewards, and one easy issuer tip.
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• AI Is Coming for My Job. Here's How I'm Preparing Financially
  Mar 21, 2026
  Writer job postings fell 28% in 2025. Here's how I'm financially preparing for the possibility that AI eventually puts me out of work.
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• These 10 States Pay the Most for Gas as Iran War Pushes Prices Higher
  Mar 21, 2026
  The Iran war is pushing gas prices higher across every state. See which 10 states pay the most at the pump and what it means …
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• Here's the Only Reason I'd Put $50,000 in CDs
  Mar 21, 2026
  For near-retirees trying to protect savings from a market downturn, CDs are a smart tool. Here's when they make sense and when they don't.
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• Citi Simplicity Card Review
  Mar 20, 2026
  Citi Simplicity offers no annual fee and a generous 0% APR intro period -- perfect for paying off debt. Learn how this card works and …
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• Citi Simplicity Card vs. Citi Diamond Preferred
  Mar 19, 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 Review
  Mar 19, 2026
  Enjoy 0% APR for 21 months with the Citi Diamond Preferred. Learn if it's the right move to save on interest and crush your debt.
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• Discover it® Chrome vs. Discover it® Cash Back
  Mar 19, 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 Credit Cards for Home Repairs
  Mar 19, 2026
  Find the best credit cards for home repairs. Earn cash back on materials and labor, or finance big projects with a long 0% intro APR.
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• Here's What to Do With Your Old or Expired Credit Cards (Please Don't Microwave Them)
  Mar 19, 2026
  Before you pull the scissors out, here's exactly what to do with your old credit cards -- from safe disposal to surprisingly creative second uses.
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