Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 550 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 04-29-2026

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

• 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.
  Read More
• 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 …
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• 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 …
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• 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 …
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• Best Credit Cards for Rental Car Insurance
  Mar 20, 2026
  The best credit cards for rental car insurance offer primary coverage that can save you $30/day at the counter. Here are our top picks.
  Read More
• 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 …
  Read More
• Earn 4.00% APY Without Lifting a Finger -- This Account Does All the Work
  Mar 20, 2026
  The LendingClub LevelUp Savings account earns a top APY with no fees, no minimums, and easy setup. Here's how one simple recurring transfer unlocks it …
  Read More
• 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 …
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• 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, …
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• 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.
  Read More
• 3 Reasons Travel Cards Beat Cash Back Cards
  Mar 19, 2026
  Travel credit cards can offer bigger sign-up bonuses, more perks, and more valuable rewards than cash back cards. Here's when they're worth it -- and …
  Read More
• 3 Things My Wife and I Do With Money That Most Couples Don't
  Mar 18, 2026
  Nearly half of couples argue about money. Here are three simple habits my wife and I use to stay on the same financial team -- …
  Read More
• Cash Sitting Around? Here's Where It Should Be
  Mar 18, 2026
  Your cash doesn't have to sit idle. Here's where to put it to earn more interest without any extra risk -- including HYSAs, CDs, and …
  Read More
• Here's How Much a $10,000 Credit Card Balance Can Really Cost You
  Mar 18, 2026
  A $10,000 credit card balance costs you way more than interest. Here's the full financial, emotional, and opportunity cost -- and how to pay it …
  Read More
• Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders
  Mar 16, 2026
  Our experts reviewed countless refinance companies to come up with a list of the best mortgage refinance lenders. Check out our picks and find the …
  Read More
• 6 Reasons You Should Give Your Teenager a Credit Card
  Mar 16, 2026
  Giving your teenager a credit card as an authorized user can help build their credit score and teach real money skills. Here's why it works.
  Read More