Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 329 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 11-21-2025

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

• Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week: Oct. 12, 2025
  Oct 12, 2025
  Grab quick cash with this week's top bank bonuses -- earn a few hundred dollars just for opening an account and meeting easy requirements. No …
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• Here's What Happens When Your Credit Score Reaches 850
  Oct 11, 2025
  There’s no parade or shiny trophy for hitting an 850 credit score. Rather, being in the excellent range unlocks a few extra perks and borrowing …
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• 7 Habits of 401(k) Millionaires (That You Can Start Today)
  Oct 10, 2025
  These simple habits have helped over 500,000 Americans become 401(k) millionaires. Here's how you can start building yours today.
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• How Much Income Puts You in the Upper, Middle, or Lower Class?
  Oct 9, 2025
  The top 20% of earners make $153,001 or more. See how much income it takes to be considered upper, middle, or lower class.
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• How Much Money Would You Need Invested to Produce a $100,000 Retirement Income?
  Oct 8, 2025
  You'd need about $2.5 million invested to generate $100,000 a year in retirement. Here's how the math and strategy breaks down.
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• 3 Reasons to Open a LendingClub Savings Account Before the Fed Changes Rates
  Oct 8, 2025
  LendingClub'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 Money-Saving Hacks I Learned From Millionaires
  Oct 7, 2025
  Millionaires drive boring cars, use credit card points, max out the right accounts, leverage real estate, and actually pay attention to their numbers.
  Read More
• Are CDs Really a Good Investment? Here's the Truth
  Oct 6, 2025
  CDs are great for short-term goals and earning guaranteed interest. But they fall way behind when it comes to long-term investing and growth. Here's why.
  Read More
• How Long Should You Keep a Car to Get the Most for Your Money?
  Oct 5, 2025
  Wondering how long to keep your car before selling it? Here's a simple guide to help you get the most value.
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• 'Lazy Interest' Is Costing You Hundreds -- Switch to a 4.00%+ APY Account Instead
  Oct 5, 2025
  Stop letting your savings sit idle. Here's how a high-yield account paying 4.00%+ APY can earn you hundreds more each year.
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• Put $25,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account and Here's What Happens
  Oct 5, 2025
  Find out how much $25,000 can earn in a high-yield savings account and why these accounts beat traditional banks for growing your cash.
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• Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week: Oct. 5, 2025 -- Open an Account Today and Cash In on These Offers
  Oct 5, 2025
  Earn hundreds with this week's top bank bonuses -- open an account, complete a few easy steps, and enjoy real cash rewards with no gimmicks.
  Read More
• 3 Little-Known Perks of Having a Credit Score of 750+
  Oct 4, 2025
  A 750+ credit score unlocks more than low interest rates. Learn about the top hidden perks, from cheaper car insurance to earning rewards.
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• How Much Interest $10,000 Earns in a High-Yield Savings Account
  Oct 3, 2025
  See how much $10,000 can earn in a high-yield savings account and why these accounts are a smarter home for your cash.
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• 10 Signs Someone Is Rich (but You'd Never Know It)
  Oct 2, 2025
  Wealth often hides in plain sight. Here are 10 surprising signs someone may be rich without showing it off.
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• 5 Stealth Wealth Habits That Keep Me Happy (Without Looking Flashy)
  Oct 1, 2025
  True wealth isn't about showing off. These stealth wealth habits help me stay financially free, enjoy life, and keep stress low -- without needing to …
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• My Best Friend Didn't Even Know He Was Earning 0.01% -- I Showed Him This 4.20% APY Account
  Oct 1, 2025
  See how a simple account switch turned dusty savings into $100 a month passive income, and how you can do the same.
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• Environmentally Friendly Banks
  Sep 30, 2025
  Your bank account can help fight climate change -- see how eco-friendly "green banks" are working to make a difference for the planet and your …
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• I'm Saving for a Vacation -- and This 4.20% APY Account Is Speeding It Up
  Sep 30, 2025
  A high-yield savings account is helping me reach a big travel goal faster. Here's how it's working and why it might help you too.
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• Here's What $25K Earns in a Big Bank vs. a High-Yield Account
  Sep 30, 2025
  Big bank savings accounts have notoriously low interest rates, while high-yield savings accounts pay way more. Here's how much $25,000 can really earn.
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• This Account Could Help You Save $5,000 Faster
  Sep 30, 2025
  If you've hit a savings plateau, here's how this high-yield account can help you grow past $5,000 faster, without changing your daily routine.
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• 4 Safe Money Moves Millionaires Swear By
  Sep 29, 2025
  Millionaires use safe and proven strategies to grow and protect their wealth. Here are four money moves they rely on.
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• 7 Little-Known Credit Card Tips That Could Save You Money
  Sep 29, 2025
  Credit cards can do more than you think. Discover seven simple tips to cut costs, protect your stuff, and make your rewards go further.
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• 6-Month vs. 5-Year CDs: What's Best for Your Money Now?
  Sep 29, 2025
  The Fed just cut rates, and more cuts will likely follow. Here's how to decide between a 6-month CD, a 5-year CD, or a more …
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• 6 Things I'm Doing to Make My Finances Way Less Complicated
  Sep 28, 2025
  Here are six simple money moves I'm making to simplify my finances, reduce stress, and stay on track with my goals.
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