Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 653 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 10-15-2026

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

• Here's How Much $10,000 Would Earn in a 6-Month CD Now
  Jun 30, 2026
  See how much $10,000 earns in a 6-month CD with today's top APYs. Compare banks, rates, and promo terms to make the most of your …
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• My Friend Built a $60,000 CD Ladder. Here's How Much It Earns Monthly in 2026
  Jun 30, 2026
  A simple CD ladder strategy that pays monthly interest, keeps cash accessible, and locks in rates before they drop further.
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• Here's How Much $50,000 Would Earn in a 1-Year CD Right Now
  Jun 30, 2026
  A $50,000 CD earning 3.25% APY pays $1,625 in guaranteed interest in 12 months. See what today's best 1-year CD rates actually pay.
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• Here's When a CD Ladder Actually Makes Sense -- and When It Doesn't
  Jun 30, 2026
  A CD ladder can smooth out your rates and free up cash regularly -- but it's not the right move for everyone. Here's when it …
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• Here's Why a 1-Year CD Makes Sense Right Now
  Jun 30, 2026
  A 12-month CD can protect your savings from falling rates, offer guaranteed returns, and keep your money flexible. Here's why it's a smart move in …
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• Here's What Happens When You Cash Out a CD Before It Matures
  Jun 30, 2026
  Thinking of pulling money early from a CD? Here's what to expect when it comes to the penalty and smarter ways to stay flexible.
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• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card Review
  Jun 29, 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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• Citi Simplicity® Card Review
  Jun 29, 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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• Here's How to Make $1,000 a Month in Interest
  Jun 29, 2026
  It takes about $300,000 at today's top rates to generate $1,000 per month in interest. Here's a breakdown at different rates and where to keep …
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• Why I Chose a Roth IRA Over a Traditional One
  Jun 29, 2026
  I'd rather pay taxes on my retirement savings now than guess at a higher rate later. That's the core reason I picked Roth over traditional …
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• Do I Need a Credit Card to Rent a Car?
  Jun 28, 2026
  No, you can rent a car with a debit card at most agencies. Here's what rental car companies require and why I still recommend using …
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• How Much Income Puts You in the Upper, Middle, or Lower Class?
  Jun 28, 2026
  The Census Bureau puts the top 20% of households above $175,700. But your bracket and your real financial class aren't the same thing -- here's …
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• Forget CDs, Even With Rates at 4%. Here's Where I'd Put My Money Now
  Jun 27, 2026
  CDs lock your money up for a fixed rate, but a high-yield savings account can offer comparable yield without giving up access to your cash.
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• Citi Double Cash® Card Review
  Jun 26, 2026
  Earn 2% back on every purchase with no annual fee. See why the Citi Double Cash card is a top pick in our in-depth Citi …
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• Here's What Income Actually Makes You Upper Class in 2026
  Jun 26, 2026
  Cracking the top 20% of U.S. earners takes about $182,000 in 2026. Here's how income quintiles break down -- and why your bracket isn't what …
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• Citi Simplicity® Card vs. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
  Jun 23, 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® Card vs. Citi Double Cash® Card
  Jun 23, 2026
  Both of these balance transfer cards are good for paying off debt. But one gives you more breathing room while the other is focused on …
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• Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
  Jun 23, 2026
  Compare fees, perks, rewards, and travel benefits between the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X to see which one is right for you.
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• Amex Gold Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  Jun 23, 2026
  Amex Gold Card vs. Capital One Venture: we break down rewards, perks, and fees to help you pick the travel card that actually fits your …
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• Best Checking and Savings Account Combos
  Jun 23, 2026
  Simplify your banking. The best checking and savings combos of 2025 give you one bank, easy transfers, overdraft protection, and solid rates.
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• Here's How to Pick the Right Balance Transfer Card for Your Debt Amount
  Jun 23, 2026
  How much you owe can change which balance transfer card is right for you. Here's how to match the intro period, fee, and credit limit …
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• Earn 4.20% APY While You Sleep With This Set-and-Forget Savings Account
  Jun 22, 2026
  This award-winning savings account earns an impressive APY after setting up direct deposit, perfect for building steady savings on autopilot.
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• 3 Dead Simple Reasons I Moved All My Savings to Happen Bank This Month
  Jun 22, 2026
  I switched my $25K to LendingClub for its high APY, debit card access to savings, and an easy, no-fee experience. Here's why it beats most …
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• 3 Reasons to Open a Happen Bank Savings Account Before the Fed Changes Rates
  Jun 22, 2026
  Happen Bank'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 Places You Should Never Use a Debit Card
  Jun 22, 2026
  At gas stations, restaurants, and online, a credit card beats a debit card on safety and rewards. Here are five places where it matters most.
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