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

• This Is How Much You Should Have in Savings by Age 40
  Sep 11, 2025
  Find out how much money you should have saved by age 40, plus how to track your net worth and boost it faster.
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• Cash Back vs. Points: Which Is Better?
  Sep 11, 2025
  Find out how each rewards system works, when to use them, and how to maximize your card benefits for the most value.
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• 9 Stealth Wealth Moves That Keep You Rich and Private
  Sep 10, 2025
  These smart, low-key money moves can quietly build wealth without drawing attention. Here's how the stealthy rich stay ahead.
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• Here's How a Wells Fargo Savings Account Could Quietly Cost You $5,000
  Sep 10, 2025
  Wells Fargo's low savings rates could drain your future earnings. Here's how to avoid missing out on thousands of dollars in interest.
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• 5 Little Habits That Keep Frequent Flyers in Business Class
  Sep 9, 2025
  Want to fly business class without paying sky-high prices? Learn about these five smart travel habits that can help you upgrade your seat for less.
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• Rate Cut Playbook: How to Lock in a High Yield in September 2025
  Sep 8, 2025
  All signs are pointing towards the Fed cutting rates soon. Here's how to lock in a high yield this September and make the most of …
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• How Many Bank Accounts Do You Really Need?
  Sep 8, 2025
  Learn a simple bank account setup that helps you save more, stay organized, and earn top interest while rates are high.
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• 3 Shocking Reasons You Can Be Denied a Credit Card With an 800 Credit Score
  Sep 6, 2025
  Even with a perfect credit score, you can still be denied a credit card. Find out why it can happen and how to bounce back.
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• National 401(k) Day Is Here -- 3 Quick Things to Check Right Now
  Sep 5, 2025
  National 401(k) Day is the perfect reminder to check your contribution, investments, and retirement strategy. Here's how to quickly get on track.
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• The No. 1 Strategy for Investing in CDs Right Now
  Sep 4, 2025
  Learn how to build a smart CD ladder in 2025 that takes advantage of high interest rates before they fall, especially on long-term terms.
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• Pay No ATM Fees With These 3 High-Yield Banks
  Sep 1, 2025
  Skip ATM fees and earn more interest with these high-yield banks offering fee-free access and nationwide networks.
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• 7 Credit Score Myths You Can't Afford to Believe
  Sep 1, 2025
  Don't let common credit myths tank your finances. Here are the biggest misconceptions about credit scores, and the truth you need to know.
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• Why I Keep as Little Money as Possible in My Checking Account
  Sep 1, 2025
  My checking account used to be stuffed to the brim -- now I intentionally keep the balance low. Here's how I changed my mindset around …
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• I Write About Credit Cards for a Living. Here's How I Earn $1,300+ in Rewards Each Year
  Aug 31, 2025
  Every dollar I spend goes on a rewards card, and I open new cards strategically to rack up over $1,300 per year. Here's how I …
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• Are No-Penalty CDs Worth It?
  Aug 30, 2025
  No-penalty CDs offer fixed yields and early access to your cash. Here's when they make sense, and when you might want to stick with an …
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• Why I Keep Over $500,000 in a Single Index Fund
  Aug 30, 2025
  One index fund holds a huge chunk of my net worth. Here's why that's not nearly as risky as it sounds.
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• 9 Frugal Hacks I Learned From Millionaires
  Aug 29, 2025
  These frugal habits aren't about cutting coupons. Here are some ways millionaires I know keep more money in their pocket and grow big wealth.
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• Stop Hoarding Credit Card Points: Here's How to Transfer Them for Bucket-List Travel
  Aug 29, 2025
  Millions of points go unused every year. Here's how to transfer your credit card rewards for high-value business class travel instead.
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• Had $25K in a Bank of America Savings Account for 5 Years? You Just Lost $5,000 in Interest
  Aug 29, 2025
  Keeping your savings in a low-interest account could be costing you thousands. Here's how to earn more with a smarter savings strategy.
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• I Write About APYs for a Living. Here's How I Earned $798 in Interest Last Year
  Aug 28, 2025
  Most people ignore APYs, but they can make a huge difference on your savings. Here's how I made $798 last year with zero risk.
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• Here's Why Your Checking Account Should Contain as Little Money as Possible
  Aug 27, 2025
  Keeping a big balance in your checking account feels safe, but it's costing you. Here's why you should keep it lean and move extra cash …
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• I've Maxed Out My Roth IRA Every Year Since 2016. Here's What It's Worth Now
  Aug 26, 2025
  I'm on track to become a Roth IRA millionaire. Here's how the last nine years have gone maxing out my account, and why I love …
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• Every $10K You Keep in a BofA Savings Account Costs You a New Pair of AirPods Every Year
  Aug 25, 2025
  Your bank's low savings rate might be silently draining your wealth. Here's a smarter way to earn more, without any added risk.
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• From 7 Rental Properties to 1 Index Fund: My Simplified Investing Strategy
  Aug 25, 2025
  I'm selling my last rental and going all-in on index funds. Here's how this move simplified my finances -- and why I wish I did …
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• How I Made $798 More in Interest Just by Ditching My Old Bank
  Aug 24, 2025
  I switched to a high-yield savings account and made $798 more last year. Here's how you can boost your interest earnings, too.
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