Ryan Wilcox

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer | TMFRyanWilcox

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 306 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 10-15-2026

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

• 6 Smart Places to Put Your Money in 2026
  Dec 6, 2025
  On the hunt for the best places to put your cash? Here are six great places to start, from paying off debt to opening a …
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• Best Places to Keep Your Emergency Fund
  Dec 3, 2025
  Want easy access and solid returns on your emergency savings? See our picks for the best places to keep your emergency fund in 2025.
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• $50K in the Bank? Here's When It's Too Much -- and What to Do Instead
  Dec 3, 2025
  If you've built up your emergency fund, a standard savings account is one of the worst places for your extra cash. Here's where to put …
  Read More
• What Happens When You Hit an 850 Credit Score? Here's the Truth
  Nov 25, 2025
  Getting a perfect credit score is impressive, but is it necessary? Here's what an 850 does -- and doesn't -- get you.
  Read More
• How Personal Loan Pre-Approval Works
  Nov 21, 2025
  Read our guide to how personal loan pre-approval works to learn why it matters and how to boost your chances of qualifying -- without hurting …
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• Here Are 3 Reasons Why Retirees Need to Move Their Cash to a High-Yield Savings Account
  Nov 20, 2025
  Want an easier way to earn more on your savings in retirement? Here are three reasons why opening a high-yield savings account is the way …
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• Why $50K in Savings Is Probably Too Much
  Nov 15, 2025
  If you've built up a solid emergency fund, a standard savings account is one of the worst places for your extra cash. Here's where to …
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• If You Withdraw $10,000, the Government Is Going to Know About It. Here's Why
  Nov 13, 2025
  The government finds out when you withdraw $10,000 from your bank account. Here's why -- and what you should (or shouldn't) do about it.
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• $50K in the Bank? Here's When It's Too Much -- and What to Do Instead
  Nov 13, 2025
  Keeping too much money in your bank account could be costing you in the long run. Here's what to do with your extra cash instead.
  Read More
• What Happens When You Reach an 850 Credit Score? It's Not What You Think
  Nov 12, 2025
  Having a perfect 850 credit score might sound impressive -- but what does it really get you? Here's the truth in 2025.
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• Had $25K in a Wells Fargo Savings Account for 5 Years? You Just Lost $5,000 in Interest
  Nov 12, 2025
  If you're still keeping your money in a Wells Fargo savings account, you're missing out. Here's what to make hundreds more a year with one …
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• The Government Knows When You Withdraw $10,000. Here's Why
  Oct 31, 2025
  Considering taking $10,000 out of your bank account? Here's what happens when you do it -- and why the government finds out.
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• 6-Month vs. 5-Year CDs: What's the Best Investment in October 2025?
  Oct 29, 2025
  With interest rates on the decline, now's a smart time to lock up your money in a CD. Learn the pros and cons of 6-month …
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• CD Ladders Made Easy: Here's a Simple Plan That Works
  Oct 27, 2025
  Want to earn more money the easy way? Learn how a CD ladder works and how it can supercharge your savings in 2025.
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• Your $20,000 at Wells Fargo Isn't Making You Any Richer. How to Make $800 More
  Oct 26, 2025
  If you're still saving with Wells Fargo, you could be doing better -- much better. Here's how one simple switch can earn you hundreds more …
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• Forget CDs, Even With Rates Over 4%. Here's Where I'd Put My Money Now
  Oct 25, 2025
  CD rates are a decent place to earn interest on savings, but there are a few smarter ways to grow (and protect) your money. Here …
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• Here's How Much You Can Make With $20,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account
  Oct 22, 2025
  A traditional savings account is one of the worst places to keep your money. Learn how much more you can make with a high-yield savings …
  Read More
• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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
• 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