Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 214 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 12-23-2025

Past Experience

Content Writer, The Points Guy

Summary

Ryan Wilcox is a full-time Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, covering credit cards, bank accounts, investing, auto insurance, and other personal finance topics. Ryan has been writing about credit cards and savings since 2022. Before joining Motley Fool Money, he was a full-time writer at The Points Guy, where he focused on maximizing credit card rewards and travel strategies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and American History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also spent four years reporting for The Daily Tar Heel. With a background in both journalism and consumer finance, he brings a clear and thoughtful voice to money topics. Outside of work, Ryan is likely reading, writing, or updating his Letterboxd account.

Ryan's Recent Articles

• If You See This on Your Bank Statement, It's Time to Switch Accounts
  Jul 14, 2025
  Still paying overdraft fees? Here's what to watch for -- and how switching banks can help you avoid them for good.
  Read More
• 3 Warning Signs Your Credit Card Perks Aren't Worth the Annual Fee
  Jul 13, 2025
  Paying for perks you don't think you'll use? Here are three signs your credit card's annual fee isn't worth it.
  Read More
• 3 Signs You Should Stay Away From 'Premium' Rewards Cards
  Jul 12, 2025
  Premium credit cards come with lots of luxury perks, but they're not for everyone. Here are a few key signs you should steer clear.
  Read More
• Personal Loans Aren't Just for Emergencies -- Here's How the Richest People Use Them
  Jul 12, 2025
  Personal loans aren't just for emergencies. Here's how wealthy people use them to build wealth, manage risk, and stay liquid.
  Read More
• How Long Should You Keep a Car to Get the Most for Your Money?
  Jul 11, 2025
  Want the most money for your car? Here's when to trade it in to avoid major depreciation -- or how long to keep it to …
  Read More
• The No. 1 Mistake People Make With Car Insurance
  Jul 10, 2025
  Want to save money on car insurance? Learn the biggest mistake drivers make so you can cut down on costs now.
  Read More
• Guide to Car Insurance: How Does It Work?
  Jul 9, 2025
  Read our guide to learn how car insurance works, what it covers, and how much you need to stay protected.
  Read More
• Warren Buffett Could've Bought His House in Cash. Here's Why He Still Took Out a Mortgage
  Jul 9, 2025
  Warren Buffett is worth billions, but he still took out a mortgage on his home. Here's why it made financial sense, and what everyday borrowers …
  Read More
• 4 Red Flags That Your Retirement Plan Is Off Track
  Jul 8, 2025
  Many Americans fall behind on retirement without realizing it. Learn four key mistakes to avoid, and how to fix them.
  Read More
• Here's What Lenders Aren't Telling You About Personal Loans in 2025
  Jul 6, 2025
  Personal loans can be useful -- but only if you know what you're getting into. Learn the hidden fees and tricks lenders don't always explain …
  Read More
• Most People Pick the Wrong Savings Account. Did You?
  Jul 2, 2025
  Most Americans earn almost no interest on their savings. Here's how to fix that in 30 minutes or less.
  Read More
• How the Average American Could Earn 10x More Interest on Their Savings
  Jul 1, 2025
  Most Americans earn next to nothing in interest on their savings. Learn how to boost your savings APY by switching accounts today.
  Read More
• 3 Smart Money Moves to Make Before a Recession Hits
  Jun 30, 2025
  Worried about the economy? Check out these three smart money moves to stay protected in the event of a recession.
  Read More
• Don't Wait for the Headlines -- Act Like a Recession Is Coming Now
  Jun 27, 2025
  Stashing your savings in a high-yield account can help you stay ahead of economic uncertainty. See how this simple move can make a big difference.
  Read More
• Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
  Jun 26, 2025
  Trying to decide between the Amex Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred? I'll break down the key differences to help you choose the best card …
  Read More
• Do You Have Too Much Car Insurance? 3 Red Flags to Watch Out For
  Jun 20, 2025
  Are you paying too much for car insurance? Watch for these three red flags that could mean you have more coverage than you need.
  Read More
• 3 Reasons Not to Get Low-Deductible Car Insurance
  Jun 16, 2025
  Thinking about getting low-deductible car insurance? Learn why it may actually cost you more in the long run.
  Read More
• Why You Might Be Paying a Late Fee Without Being Late
  Jun 10, 2025
  Think you paid your credit card on time but still got a late fee? Here's why it happens and how to avoid it.
  Read More
• You're Probably Paying an ATM Fee You Don't Need To
  Jun 9, 2025
  Most ATM fees are entirely avoidable. Here's how to switch to a bank that helps you keep more of your cash.
  Read More
• This Is the Top High-Yield Savings Account Right Now (It Pays up to 4.00%)
  Jun 9, 2025
  Earn more on your money today with LendingClub's high-yield savings account. See how much more you could be making today.
  Read More
• This Bank Pays an APY of 4.00%. Should You Switch Now?
  Jun 4, 2025
  You can earn an uber-competitive APY with a LendingClub LevelUp Savings account. Find out if it's the right time to switch today.
  Read More
• What Does a $50K Credit Limit Actually Mean -- and Should You Want One?
  Jun 3, 2025
  A $50,000 credit limit sounds great, but it's not always worth chasing. Here's what it really means -- and when it makes sense to aim …
  Read More
• Wells Fargo Autograph Card Review
  May 30, 2025
  The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a great option for budget-conscious rewards seekers. Read our full Wells Fargo Autograph review to learn if it's right …
  Read More
• Too Much in Savings? 3 Warning Signs You're Missing Out on Growth
  May 30, 2025
  You may be holding on to too much cash. Learn three of the biggest red flags -- and what to do with your money instead.
  Read More
• The One Mistake That Makes Your 0% APR Offer Useless
  May 30, 2025
  A single late payment can end your credit card's 0% intro APR offer. Here's how to avoid making that costly mistake.
  Read More