Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 260 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 03-18-2026

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

• The 3 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Investing in CDs
  Sep 27, 2025
  CDs can be a smart way to grow your money, but simple mistakes could cost you. Learn how to avoid the biggest CD pitfalls today.
  Read More
• Discover it® Student Cash Back Review
  Jun 30, 2025
  Read our review of the Discover it® Student Cash Back card to learn why it's the perfect card for students beginning their credit journey.
  Read More
• Too Much Money in Savings? Here's How Much You Really Need
  Sep 26, 2025
  Keeping too much cash in your savings account could cost you. Learn how much you really need in the bank -- and where to put …
  Read More
• Here's the Single Best Strategy for Investing in CDs When Rates Are About to Fall
  Sep 26, 2025
  Learn how building a CD ladder can help you maximize long-term earnings, even once interest rates start to fall.
  Read More
• Act Fast to Lock in a 4% CD Before the Fed Cuts Rates
  Sep 26, 2025
  If the Fed cuts rates later this week, CD rates will likely fall, too. Learn how to lock in a 4% CD now before it's …
  Read More
• Have $50K in Savings? Here's What to Do With It
  Sep 26, 2025
  Keeping too much cash in your savings account could be costing you. Here's where to put your money instead.
  Read More
• IRA vs. 401(k): Where Should You Invest First?
  Sep 26, 2025
  Deciding between an IRA and 401(k)? Compare contribution limits, investment options, and more to see which is right for you today.
  Read More
• Upgrade Premier Savings Account Review
  Sep 25, 2025
  With no monthly fees, the Upgrade Premier Savings Account is a no-frills way to earn more on your cash. Read our full review now to …
  Read More
• What the Fed's Rate Cut Means for Personal Loan Rates
  Sep 24, 2025
  The Fed's recent rate cut could lead to lower rates on new loans, plus a great refinancing opportunity on existing ones. Here's what to know.
  Read More
• Rocket Money vs. YNAB
  Aug 12, 2025
  Deciding between Rocket Money and You Need A Budget? Read our full comparison to see which budgeting app is right for you.
  Read More
• Balance Transfer vs. Personal Loan: Which Should I Choose?
  Sep 22, 2025
  Looking to pay off high-interest debt? Read our guide to whether a balance transfer or a personal loan is the smarter way to save.
  Read More
• Here's Why September Could Be the Smartest Month to Open a CD
  Sep 20, 2025
  When interest rates drop, rates on high-yield savings accounts fall, too. Learn why now's the perfect time to lock your money in a CD.
  Read More
• Quontic Bank Review
  Jun 16, 2025
  Read our Quontic Bank review to learn more about its checking, savings, and CD options, and whether it's a fit for your money
  Read More
• Vanguard Review
  Mar 26, 2025
  Read our full Vanguard review and see why its low-cost ETFs and mutual funds make it the perfect place for long-term investing.
  Read More
• This Could Be Your Last Chance to Lock in 4%-Plus CD Rates
  Sep 17, 2025
  Interest rates are expected to fall over the next several years. Now's the time to lock your money in a high-APY CD while you still …
  Read More
• How to Apply for a Personal Loan
  Jul 25, 2025
  Thinking of applying for a personal loan? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it, what you'll need, and how to get the best …
  Read More
• How to Budget
  Aug 11, 2025
  I finally found a budgeting method that actually works. Here's my simple, step-by-step guide to taking control of your money -- without the overwhelm.
  Read More
• Never Pay an Overdraft Fee Again With These 3 Banks
  Sep 15, 2025
  Tired of overdraft fees eating into your savings? Find out about three great banks that will help you avoid them.
  Read More
• New to the Stock Market? Here's the No. 1 Investing App I Recommend to Everyone
  Sep 14, 2025
  If you've never bought a stock in your life, fear not -- Robinhood's here to help. Learn why it's my favorite brokerage for beginners.
  Read More
• How I Could Make $1,300 in the Next 2 Years Just by Switching Banks
  Sep 12, 2025
  I just ditched Wells Fargo and its 0.01% APY. See how switching to a high-yield savings account could earn me more than $1,300 in the …
  Read More
• The $400 a Year Penalty of Keeping Your Cash in a Chase Savings Account
  Sep 12, 2025
  Leaving $10,000 in a Chase savings account means you could be missing out on $400 a year in interest. Learn how to earn more today.
  Read More
• Should You Buy Stocks on E*TRADE?
  Sep 10, 2025
  E*TRADE is a good brokerage for both new and advanced investors, with no commission fees and an intuitive platform. Should you open an account today?
  Read More
• The Hidden Cost of a Wells Fargo Savings Account Could Be a Free Flight
  Sep 9, 2025
  Wells Fargo's savings account pays just 0.01% APY. See how switching to a high-yield savings account could earn you hundreds more per year.
  Read More
• Should You Buy Stocks on Robinhood?
  Sep 4, 2025
  Looking to start investing? Learn the pros and cons of buying stocks on Robinhood to see if it's right for you.
  Read More
• Best Banking Apps
  Sep 9, 2024
  Want to make banking on the go easier? See our list of the best mobile banking apps to help you save and spend smarter.
  Read More