Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 376 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 01-09-2026

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

• 'Lazy Interest' Is Costing You Hundreds -- Switch to a 4.00%+ APY Account Instead
  Oct 5, 2025
  Stop letting your savings sit idle. Here's how a high-yield account paying 4.00%+ APY can earn you hundreds more each year.
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• Put $25,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account and Here's What Happens
  Oct 5, 2025
  Find out how much $25,000 can earn in a high-yield savings account and why these accounts beat traditional banks for growing your cash.
  Read More
• 3 Little-Known Perks of Having a Credit Score of 750+
  Oct 4, 2025
  A 750+ credit score unlocks more than low interest rates. Learn about the top hidden perks, from cheaper car insurance to earning rewards.
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• How Much Interest $10,000 Earns in a High-Yield Savings Account
  Oct 3, 2025
  See how much $10,000 can earn in a high-yield savings account and why these accounts are a smarter home for your cash.
  Read More
• What Credit Score Do You Need to Get the Amex Platinum Card?
  Oct 2, 2025
  The Amex Platinum Card is a premium travel and lifestyle card, and it generally requires good to excellent credit to qualify. Read on to find …
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• 10 Signs Someone Is Rich (but You'd Never Know It)
  Oct 2, 2025
  Wealth often hides in plain sight. Here are 10 surprising signs someone may be rich without showing it off.
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• 5 Stealth Wealth Habits That Keep Me Happy (Without Looking Flashy)
  Oct 1, 2025
  True wealth isn't about showing off. These stealth wealth habits help me stay financially free, enjoy life, and keep stress low -- without needing to …
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• My Best Friend Didn't Even Know He Was Earning 0.01% -- I Showed Him This 4.00% APY Account
  Oct 1, 2025
  See how a simple account switch turned dusty savings into $100 a month passive income, and how you can do the same.
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• I'm Saving for a Vacation -- and This 4.00% APY Account Is Speeding It Up
  Sep 30, 2025
  A high-yield savings account is helping me reach a big travel goal faster. Here's how it's working and why it might help you too.
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• Here's What $25K Earns in a Big Bank vs. a High-Yield Account
  Sep 30, 2025
  Big bank savings accounts have notoriously low interest rates, while high-yield savings accounts pay way more. Here's how much $25,000 can really earn.
  Read More
• This Account Could Help You Save $5,000 Faster
  Sep 30, 2025
  If you've hit a savings plateau, here's how this high-yield account can help you grow past $5,000 faster, without changing your daily routine.
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• 4 Safe Money Moves Millionaires Swear By
  Sep 29, 2025
  Millionaires use safe and proven strategies to grow and protect their wealth. Here are four money moves they rely on.
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• 7 Little-Known Credit Card Tips That Could Save You Money
  Sep 29, 2025
  Credit cards can do more than you think. Discover seven simple tips to cut costs, protect your stuff, and make your rewards go further.
  Read More
• 6-Month vs. 5-Year CDs: What's Best for Your Money Now?
  Sep 29, 2025
  The Fed just cut rates, and more cuts will likely follow. Here's how to decide between a 6-month CD, a 5-year CD, or a more …
  Read More
• 6 Things I'm Doing to Make My Finances Way Less Complicated
  Sep 28, 2025
  Here are six simple money moves I'm making to simplify my finances, reduce stress, and stay on track with my goals.
  Read More
• Why I'm Keeping My High-Yield Savings Account Even as Rates Drop
  Sep 28, 2025
  Even as interest rates fall, high-yield savings accounts still pay better than big banks. Here's why I'm sticking with mine.
  Read More
• Got $50K Sitting in the Bank? Here's Why That Could Be a Mistake
  Sep 28, 2025
  Put your $50K to better use with smart strategies like high-yield savings, CD ladders, and low-risk investing for long-term growth.
  Read More
• Why a Guy Who Hates Debt Still Uses Credit Cards Every Day
  Sep 28, 2025
  Credit cards can be powerful tools if used wisely. Here's why I still swipe them daily despite hating debt.
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• Earn 4.00% APY While You Sleep With This Set-and-Forget Savings Account
  Sep 27, 2025
  This award-winning savings account earns an impressive APY after setting up direct deposit, perfect for building steady savings on autopilot.
  Read More
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card Review
  Jul 30, 2025
  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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• Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Capital One Venture X
  Sep 8, 2025
  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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• Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
  Jul 31, 2025
  Explore the best business credit cards for travel. Maximize rewards, perks, and protection whether you're flying solo or managing employee spending.
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• Citi Simplicity Card Review
  Sep 18, 2025
  Citi Simplicity offers no annual fee and a 0% APR intro period -- perfect for paying off debt. Learn how this card works and if …
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• CDs Aren't Sexy -- but Neither Is Losing Money
  Sep 26, 2025
  Guaranteed returns with a CD might not be flashy. But they beat earning nothing. Here's why now is a smart time to consider a high-yield …
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• Why $50K in Savings Is Probably Too Much
  Sep 26, 2025
  If you're sitting on $50,000 in a savings account, you might be missing out on better opportunities. Here's what to do instead.
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