Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 379 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 01-11-2026

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

• I'm a Millionaire, but I Still Do These 5 Frugal Things
  Oct 23, 2025
  Here's why I still cut my own hair, wear decade-old clothes, and wash my own car even though I've crossed millionaire status.
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• Why I'm Putting My $25,000 in an HYSA Instead of a CD
  Oct 23, 2025
  CDs have decent rates right now, but here's why I'm sticking with a high-yield savings account for my $25K emergency fund.
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• Balance Transfer Fee vs. Interest: Which Costs More?
  Oct 23, 2025
  Balance transfer fees can easily be cheaper than paying months of high interest. Here's how to compare the true costs.
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• What I've Learned After Opening 30+ Credit Cards
  Oct 22, 2025
  I opened 30+ credit cards and earned over $10K in sign-up rewards alone. Here are six lessons that could help you earn more (without going …
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• Would You Pay a $300 Fee to Save $1,000 in Interest? Here's Why It Actually Makes Sense
  Oct 21, 2025
  Paying a balance transfer fee might sound like a waste, but in many cases it can save you hundreds or even thousands in interest. Here's …
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• Merrill Edge Review
  Oct 20, 2025
  Merrill Edge offers $0 ATM fees, hands-on support, and powerful investing tools. Read our full review to see if it's the right broker for you.
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• Here's How Much Money the Average American Has in Their Checking Account
  Oct 19, 2025
  The average American checking balance might surprise you. But keeping too much cash in checking could be costing you hundreds in lost interest.
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• 6-Month or 5-Year CDs: Which Are Better Right Now?
  Oct 19, 2025
  CD rates near 4.00% APY make saving easy. See whether a 6-month or 5-year CD is the smarter move heading into late 2025.
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• The Real Difference Between a 680 and a 740 Credit Score (and What It'll Cost You)
  Oct 18, 2025
  A 680 vs. 740 credit score might not sound like a huge difference -- but it could cost you thousands in higher interest rates, insurance …
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• Are You Upper, Middle, or Lower Class? Here's the Income Cutoff
  Oct 18, 2025
  To land in the top 20% of U.S. households, you'll need to earn $153,001 or more. Here's where your income puts you, plus what really …
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• This Is How Much You Should Have Saved by Age 40 in 2025
  Oct 18, 2025
  Turning 40? Here's how much you should have saved, plus smart ways to grow your money faster in 2025.
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• Discover it® Chrome vs. Discover it® Cash Back
  Oct 17, 2025
  Both the Discover it Chrome and Discover it Cash Back cards offer strong rewards with no annual fee, but here's how they compare on earnings, …
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• My Friend Found $40,000 Sitting in an Old 401(k) -- You Might Have One Too
  Oct 17, 2025
  A friend just rediscovered a 401(k) from his first job, and realized he's missed out on years of growth. Here's how to avoid the same …
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• Here's How Much the Average 60-Year-Old Has in Their 401(k)
  Oct 17, 2025
  The median 401(k) balance for 60-somethings is $187,957 (Empower) or $95,642 (Vanguard). Here's how to catch up if you're behind on savings.
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• I Analyze Bank Accounts for a Living -- Here's Exactly What I'd Do With $5,000 Right Now
  Oct 17, 2025
  Here's how to turn $5,000 into steady, safe growth using top high-yield savings and CD rates in October 2025.
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• The Forgotten 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You $500,000 in Retirement
  Oct 16, 2025
  Millions of Americans have left behind old 401(k)s worth $2 trillion. Here's why that mistake could cost you $500,000, and how to fix it.
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• Here's the Average American's Car Insurance Premium. How Do You Compare?
  Oct 16, 2025
  The national average policy is roughly $2,328 per year for full coverage auto insurance. Learn what factors actually move the needle on your premium.
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• 9 Stealth Wealth Moves That Keep You Rich (and Off Everyone's Radar) in 2025
  Oct 16, 2025
  In 2025, quiet wealth wins. Try these nine stealth wealth habits to stay rich, private, and financially free.
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• Here's How I Double My Net Worth Every 10 Years
  Oct 15, 2025
  I use simple index funds and a target 7.2% average annual return to double my net worth roughly every decade. Here's how you can too.
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• Here's What Happens When Your Credit Score Reaches 850
  Oct 11, 2025
  There’s no parade or shiny trophy for hitting an 850 credit score. Rather, being in the excellent range unlocks a few extra perks and borrowing …
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• 7 Habits of 401(k) Millionaires (That You Can Start Today)
  Oct 10, 2025
  These simple habits have helped over 500,000 Americans become 401(k) millionaires. Here's how you can start building yours today.
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• How Much Income Puts You in the Upper, Middle, or Lower Class?
  Oct 9, 2025
  The top 20% of earners make $153,001 or more. See how much income it takes to be considered upper, middle, or lower class.
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• How Much Money Would You Need Invested to Produce a $100,000 Retirement Income?
  Oct 8, 2025
  You'd need about $2.5 million invested to generate $100,000 a year in retirement. Here's how the math and strategy breaks down.
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• Citi Diamond Preferred Review
  Oct 7, 2025
  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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• Environmentally Friendly Banks
  Oct 7, 2025
  Your bank account can help fight climate change -- see how eco-friendly "green banks" are working to make a difference for the planet and your …
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