Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 544 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-01-2026

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

• 7 Hidden Traps of Buy Now, Pay Later -- and How to Avoid Them
  Feb 18, 2026
  BNPL services seem convenient, but hidden fees and debt can pile up fast. Learn the traps and how to protect yourself.
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• The Average American Has This Much Debt. How Does Yours Compare?
  Feb 17, 2026
  The average household debt just hit $105,056. Here's how it breaks down, plus tips to help pay off what you owe faster, starting now.
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• How to Check if You're Eligible for a Credit Limit Increase
  Feb 17, 2026
  Most issuers let you request a higher credit limit without hurting your score. Learn how it works, what you'll need, and why it can actually …
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• Nearly 1 in 4 BNPL Users Pay Late. Here's the Simple Fix in 2026
  Feb 16, 2026
  Nearly 1 in 4 buy now, pay later users paid late. Here's a simple four-step plan for using BNPL wisely and avoiding regret in 2026.
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• The Best Roth IRA Account for 2026, Hands Down
  Feb 16, 2026
  Charles Schwab offers no fees, thousands of investment options, and an easy platform, making it the top Roth IRA choice for 2026.
  Read More
• What Does It Take to Get the Best Credit Cards?
  Feb 15, 2026
  You'll need more than a high credit score to get approved for top rewards cards. Here's what card issuers look for -- and how to …
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• Is There Any Point in Chasing a 'Perfect' Credit Score? Here's the Truth
  Feb 15, 2026
  Only 1.76% of Americans have a perfect credit score. Here's why you don't need one, and what matters more for your financial life.
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• How to Check if You're Eligible for a 0% Intro APR Credit Card
  Feb 15, 2026
  Most 0% intro APR cards require good credit and quick action. Here's how to check eligibility, avoid mistakes, and make the most of a no-interest …
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• Here's What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Get Married
  Feb 14, 2026
  Quick answer: Nothing immediately happens to your credit score when you get married. But joint accounts and smart habits can lift both partners' profiles.
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• Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Blue Cash Preferred
  Feb 13, 2026
  The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Amex Blue Cash Preferred both offer big value -- see which card gives you more savings and fits your …
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• Here's What Actually Changes When Your Credit Score Hits 800
  Feb 13, 2026
  Hitting an 800 credit score bumps you into the exceptional range. Here's what that means, and how to keep your place in the top tier.
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• Credit Card Fraud Is Up 54% -- These 5 Habits Make You a Hard Target
  Feb 12, 2026
  Credit card fraud is rising fast. These five easy habits can make you way less vulnerable to scams, breaches, and identity theft.
  Read More
• Forget CDs in 2026. Here's Why I'm Keeping My Cash in High-Yield Savings
  Feb 11, 2026
  CDs aren't paying enough of a premium to entice me locking in funds and giving up access to my cash. Here's why I'm sticking with …
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• Charles Schwab Promotions
  Feb 10, 2026
  Learn about these current Charles Schwab promotions, including the $50 Starter Kit and referral bonuses for new customers.
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• Here's Why a 1-Year CD Makes Sense Right Now
  Feb 10, 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 Why Keeping $10,000 in the Wrong Savings Account Is a Huge Problem
  Feb 10, 2026
  Keeping your savings in a low-yield account could cost you hundreds per year in interest. Here's how to fix it and earn more with zero …
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• E*TRADE Review
  Feb 9, 2026
  E*TRADE combines $0 online stock/ETF trades with strong tools like Power E*TRADE, plus a wide lineup of accounts for long-term investors
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• Here's How Much Interest a 21-Month 0% Intro APR Card Can Really Save You
  Feb 7, 2026
  See how much you can save by transferring your credit card debt to a 0% intro APR card -- plus tips to make the most …
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• What Most People Get Wrong About 0% Intro APR Credit Cards
  Feb 7, 2026
  Many 0% intro APR credit card users make the same three mistakes. Here's how to avoid them and use balance transfer cards to actually pay …
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• Chase Ink Business Preferred Review
  Dec 2, 2025
  Earn 3x points on key business purchases and a massive welcome bonus with this small business credit card. See if it's right for your business.
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• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Review
  Nov 13, 2025
  Learn how this no-fee business card can help you earn more on everyday expenses like office supplies, internet, and gas.
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• The Single Biggest Mistake People Make With Balance Transfer Cards
  Feb 6, 2026
  Treating 0% intro APR cards like free money is a common mistake. Here's how to use balance transfer cards the right way, and what to …
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• Here's Why You Desperately Need to Upgrade Your Savings Account in 2026
  Feb 5, 2026
  Most savings accounts pay terrible rates. Here's why upgrading to a high-yield option in 2026 could help you earn more, save faster, and skip the …
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• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card Review
  Feb 4, 2026
  Learn about all the features, perks, and fees of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and see if it's worth it for your wallet.
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• Here's How to Tell if Your Bank Account Is Ripping You Off
  Feb 4, 2026
  Many Americans are earning next to nothing on savings and paying monthly fees they don't need to. Here's how to spot if your bank is …
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