Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 554 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-07-2026

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 the Safest, Easiest Way to Earn More on Your Savings Right Now
  Feb 22, 2026
  Earning almost nothing on your savings? A high-yield savings account could help you earn significantly more with zero investing risk. Here's how to make the …
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• Need to Deposit $10,000+ in Cash? The Government Will Know About It
  Feb 22, 2026
  Depositing $10,000 or more in cash triggers an automatic government report. Here's what a Currency Transaction Report is, why it exists, and what it means …
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• How Much Cash Is Too Much to Keep in Checking?
  Feb 22, 2026
  Keeping too much cash in checking could be costing you. Here's how much to actually keep -- and where the rest should go.
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• 83% of Americans Admit to Wasteful Spending. Here's the Fix That Works in 2026
  Feb 22, 2026
  Approximately 83% of Americans admit to wasteful spending. A simple savings account trick -- one my mom taught me -- is the fix that actually …
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• Why Americans Waste So Much Money Without Realizing It
  Feb 21, 2026
  83% of Americans admit to wasteful spending. Learn the hidden triggers behind impulse buys and the simple system that protects your savings.
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• Here's How Much $5,000 Would Earn in a 6-Month CD Now
  Feb 20, 2026
  A $5,000 CD at 3.50% APY would earn about $87 in six months. Find out if locking in your cash today makes sense for your …
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• Charles Schwab vs. E*TRADE
  Feb 19, 2026
  Both Charles Schwab and E*TRADE are well-known, but not identical. Here, we compare Schwab vs. E*TRADE to help you determine which broker is right for …
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• This Is the Easiest Financial Win This Month
  Feb 19, 2026
  Opening a high-yield savings account takes 10 minutes and could earn you hundreds more per year. Here's why it's the easiest financial win right now.
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• I'm 41 and Have Never Used Buy Now, Pay Later -- Here's Why
  Feb 19, 2026
  Buy now, pay later is popular with younger shoppers, but credit cards offer better rewards, protections, and credit building.
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• Here's What Happens to Your Joint Savings Account When You Pass Away
  Feb 19, 2026
  Joint savings accounts usually transfer automatically to the surviving owner -- no probate required. Here's what actually happens and what to double-check now.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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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