Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 286 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-09-2026

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

• 3 Reasons Not to Open a CD in October 2025, Even With Rates Around 4.00%
  Oct 20, 2025
  Yes, CD rates are hovering around 4.00% -- but there are better ways to grow (and protect) your money. Here are three places to look.
  Read More
• Had $25K in a Wells Fargo Savings Account for 5 Years? You Just Lost $5,000 in Interest
  Oct 20, 2025
  If you're saving money with Wells Fargo, you're missing out on hundreds or thousands a year in interest. Here's what to do about it.
  Read More
• Claiming Social Security Early vs. Working Longer: A Side-by-Side
  Oct 16, 2025
  Headed toward retirement age? Learn the pros and cons of claiming Social Security early compared to working longer now.
  Read More
• It Might Cost You $400 to Keep Your Cash in a Chase Savings Account
  Oct 16, 2025
  Chase pays 0.01%, but top savings accounts pay 4.00%+. Here's how switching banks could earn you hundreds more every year.
  Read More
• Here's How I Could Make $1,300 in the Next 2 Years Just by Switching Banks
  Oct 15, 2025
  Big banks usually pay 0.01% and top online savings accounts pay 4.00%+. See how switching banks could earn you over $1,000 in two years.
  Read More
• Should You Buy Stocks on E*TRADE in 2025?
  Oct 15, 2025
  E*TRADE stays a top broker in 2025, but new rivals offer key perks it lacks. Compare the best brokers before you invest.
  Read More
• Here's What Happens When Your Credit Score Reaches a Perfect 850
  Oct 14, 2025
  Getting an 850 credit score might sound cool -- but is it necessary? Learn why getting a perfect score isn't as important as you might …
  Read More
• I'm Sick and Tired of Overdraft Fees. Here Are the 3 Best Banks Without Them
  Oct 11, 2025
  Looking for a savings account that won't eat into your cash with overdraft fees? Here are three of my favorite banks that don't charge them …
  Read More
• This Is What Really Happens When You Withdraw $10,000 From Your Bank Account
  Oct 11, 2025
  Thinking of taking $10,000 out of your savings account? Here's what happens when you do it -- and why the government will find out.
  Read More
• Why $50K in Savings Is Probably Too Much
  Oct 10, 2025
  Leaving too much cash in your savings account is costing you in the long run. Here's what to do instead.
  Read More
• 3 Savings Accounts Crushing Chase on Interest Rates
  Oct 10, 2025
  Interest rates are expected to fall soon, but SoFi®, CIT, and Barclays are still offering savings accounts with strong APYs. Find out which is right …
  Read More
• Why CDs Are a Great Place for Your Cash in October 2025
  Oct 8, 2025
  When interest rates fall, rates on all types of savings products fall, too. Learn why now's the perfect time to lock your money in a …
  Read More
• $50K in the Bank? Here's When It's Too Much -- and What to Do Instead
  Oct 7, 2025
  Keeping too much cash in your savings account could be costing you. Here's where you should put your money instead.
  Read More
• Your $10,000 in Savings With Bank of America Is Doing You Zero Favors. How to Earn $300 More a Year
  Oct 6, 2025
  Tired of earning next to nothing in interest with your Bank of America savings account? Here's how you can earn $300 more a year on …
  Read More
• I Write About Savings Accounts for a Living. Here's Why I Hate Bank of America
  Oct 4, 2025
  Still saving with Bank of America? You're probably earning next to nothing in interest. Here's how to switch to a high-yield savings account today.
  Read More
• Interest Rates Are on the Decline. Here's What to Do With Your Cash Today
  Oct 4, 2025
  Looking for steady ways to grow your cash, even with falling interest rates? Here's why CDs, HYSAs, and index ETFs are all great choices.
  Read More
• Scared of Falling Interest Rates? Here's Where to Put $10,000 in October 2025
  Oct 4, 2025
  Learn how building a CD ladder can help you lock in a high APY for years, even with interest rates on the decline.
  Read More
• Chase Might Be the Worst Place to Keep $20,000 in Savings. Here's Why
  Oct 3, 2025
  A Chase savings account is one of the worst places to keep your money. Read on to learn about two better places to save today.
  Read More
• I Keep Less Than $100 in My Checking Account. Here's Why
  Oct 2, 2025
  My checking account has next to nothing in it, and that's intentional. Here's how I earn hundreds of dollars a year on the rest of …
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• If You're Saving $15,000 With Wells Fargo, You Could Be Making $500 More a Year
  Sep 30, 2025
  Your Wells Fargo savings account is earning next to no interest. Here's why it's time to open a high-yield savings account.
  Read More
• The 3 Safest Places to Park Your Cash in September 2025
  Sep 30, 2025
  Looking for a way to earn more while keeping your money safe? Learn why HYSAs, CDs, and index ETFs are all great options.
  Read More
• Every $10K You Keep in a Chase Savings Account Costs You a New Pair of AirPods Every Year
  Sep 29, 2025
  Learn how moving $10,000 out of your Chase savings account can earn you hundreds of dollars more a year in interest.
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• 3 Savings Accounts Crushing Wells Fargo on Interest Rates
  Sep 29, 2025
  Want to earn more than 0.01% on your savings? Here are three accounts that'll get you hundreds of times more in interest than Wells Fargo.
  Read More
• Kept $10K in a Wells Fargo Account for 5 Years? You Missed Out on Almost $2,000 in Interest
  Sep 29, 2025
  If you're keeping $10,000 in a Wells Fargo savings account, you're missing out on hundreds of dollars in interest a year. Learn how you can …
  Read More
• If You're Parking More Than $25K in Your Savings Account, You're Doing It Wrong
  Sep 29, 2025
  Keeping more than a few months' worth of expenses in your savings account could cost you. Find out where you should put your cash instead.
  Read More