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

• Why I'm Keeping My High-Yield Savings Account Even as Rates Drop
  Sep 28, 2025
  Even as interest rates fall, high-yield savings accounts still pay better than big banks. Here's why I'm sticking with mine.
  Read More
• Got $50K Sitting in the Bank? Here's Why That Could Be a Mistake
  Sep 28, 2025
  Put your $50K to better use with smart strategies like high-yield savings, CD ladders, and low-risk investing for long-term growth.
  Read More
• Why a Guy Who Hates Debt Still Uses Credit Cards Every Day
  Sep 28, 2025
  Credit cards can be powerful tools if used wisely. Here's why I still swipe them daily despite hating debt.
  Read More
• Earn 4.20% APY While You Sleep With This Set-and-Forget Savings Account
  Sep 27, 2025
  This award-winning savings account earns an impressive APY after setting up direct deposit, perfect for building steady savings on autopilot.
  Read More
• If You See This One Thing on Your Bank Statement, It's Time to Switch Accounts
  Sep 26, 2025
  Overdraft fees are extremely annoying. Here's what they really mean -- and how switching banks can help you avoid them for good.
  Read More
• Up to $300 Bonus + High APY -- This Bank Account Gives You Both
  Sep 26, 2025
  This checking and savings combo account offers up to $300 bonus and high APY with direct deposit. Learn how to score this rare combo.
  Read More
• I've Got $35K Burning a Hole in My Pocket. Where Should I Put It?
  Sep 25, 2025
  Here's how I'm thinking through where to put my $35,000 windfall, from short-term storage to long-term growth.
  Read More
• How Much Savings You Really Need to Feel Confident in a Recession
  Sep 24, 2025
  Here's a simple guide for how to ride out a recession stress-free, plus smart ways to grow your cushion faster.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When You Pay Your Credit Card Bill Every Week
  Sep 23, 2025
  Paying your balance off every week can lower your utilization, cut interest costs, and help you build stronger money habits. Here's why it works.
  Read More
• This Account Could Help You Save $1,000 Faster
  Sep 23, 2025
  Set up auto-deposits and earn a high APY with one of today's top high-yield savings accounts. Learn a smarter way to build savings with minimal …
  Read More
• 5 Habits That Help the Rich Stay Rich
  Sep 22, 2025
  Wealthy people follow consistent, strategic money habits. Here's what they do, and how you can follow their playbook.
  Read More
• The No. 1 Mistake People Make With High-Yield Savings Accounts
  Sep 21, 2025
  High-yield savings accounts are awesome. But here's why keeping too much cash in one could cost you hundreds of thousands in missed growth.
  Read More
• Why Mortgage Rates Probably Won't Drop After the Fed's Rate Cut
  Sep 18, 2025
  The Fed just cut rates. But don't expect mortgage rates to immediately follow suit. Here's why home buyers may not see cheaper loans just yet.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When Your Credit Score Reaches a Perfect 850
  Sep 18, 2025
  Hitting an 850 credit score sounds epic, but does it really change anything? Here's what actually happens when you reach the top.
  Read More
• I Pay My Credit Card Bill Every Week. Here's Why
  Sep 17, 2025
  Paying my credit card weekly helps me stay on top of spending, avoid interest, and benefits my credit profile. Here's why it works so well.
  Read More
• 5 Places You Should Never Swipe Your Debit Card
  Sep 17, 2025
  Debit cards can leave your money exposed. Here are five risky places where swiping could cost you more than you think.
  Read More
• Here's How to Earn $10,000 With CDs
  Sep 16, 2025
  With today's top APYs, here's how much cash it takes to earn $10,000 with a traditional certificate of deposit.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When You Withdraw $10,000+ From Your Bank Account
  Sep 16, 2025
  Thinking of pulling out $10,000 or more in cash? Here's what really goes down, why banks keep an eye on it, and how to make …
  Read More
• I Analyze Bank Accounts for a Living -- Here's What I'd Do With $5,000
  Sep 15, 2025
  Got $5K sitting in your bank account? Here's how to make that cash work harder based on your short- and mid-term goals.
  Read More
• Why $50K in Savings Is Probably Too Much
  Sep 14, 2025
  If you're sitting on $50,000 in a savings account, you might be missing out on better opportunities. Here's what to do instead.
  Read More
• 6-Month or 5-Year CDs: Which Are Better in September 2025?
  Sep 12, 2025
  CD rates are likely dropping soon. Here's how to decide between a short-term 6-month CD or a 5-year commitment.
  Read More
• CDs Aren't Sexy -- but Neither Is Losing Money
  Sep 12, 2025
  Guaranteed returns with a CD might not be flashy. But they beat earning nothing. Here's why now is a smart time to consider a high-yield …
  Read More
• Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards
  Sep 11, 2025
  These top-rated flat-rate credit cards offer up to 2% back on every purchase, plus welcome bonuses and 0% intro APRs.
  Read More
• HYSA vs. CD: Where Should You Keep Your Cash in September 2025?
  Sep 11, 2025
  CD and high-yield savings rates are peaking. Here's how to decide where your cash can earn the most in September 2025.
  Read More
• How Much Money Could a Balance Transfer Save You? Here's the Math
  Sep 11, 2025
  Learn how much a balance transfer could save you in interest -- with real numbers and a quick way to find the right card.
  Read More