Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 363 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 12-17-2025

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

• Best High-Yield Savings Accounts (Up to 4.31%)
  Dec 17, 2025
  Our expert picks for the best high-yield savings accounts earn up to 4.31% APY -- 10x more than the national average. Most accounts here are …
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• Charles Schwab Promotions
  Dec 17, 2025
  Learn about these current Charles Schwab promotions, including the $50 Starter Kit and referral bonuses for new customers.
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• Here's What Happens When You Only Use Credit Cards
  Dec 17, 2025
  Credit cards offer rewards and protection, but using them exclusively has downsides. Here's what to know before going all-in on credit.
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• We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- These 3 Offer the Best 0% Intro APR in 2026
  Dec 17, 2025
  These top 0% intro APR and balance transfer cards can help you save hundreds in interest in 2026 and pay off your debt faster.
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• Don't Keep Cash at Home. Here Are 3 Dead Simple Places to Put It Instead
  Dec 17, 2025
  High-yield savings, short-term CDs, and index funds beat hiding cash at home. Here's why these places are safer and smarter to put your money instead.
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• We Compared 100+ Credit Cards -- These Are the Best for 2026 Travel
  Dec 16, 2025
  Learn about these expert-approved winners that can give you top rewards, perks, and real value for every kind of traveler in 2026.
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• Amex Platinum Offers a Massive Welcome Bonus. Find Out Your Offer Now
  Dec 16, 2025
  This VIP travel card is offering one of its biggest bonus incentives in years. Here's how to check your personalized offer and see if it's …
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• Stuck at the Airport? Get Lounge Access With This Card
  Dec 16, 2025
  Get access to Capital One Lounges and over 1,300+ worldwide airport lounges via Priority Pass with this award-winning travel credit card.
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• The 4 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Paying Off Credit Card Debt
  Dec 16, 2025
  Don't let these four mistakes wreck your debt payoff plans in 2026. Learn how to outsmart them and ditch your balance faster.
  Read More
• Earn $300 Cash Back + a $250 Gift Card -- Chase Has Two Standout Offers Live Right Now
  Dec 16, 2025
  Chase is running two generous limited-time offers right now with no-annual-fee cards. Here's how each deal works and how to pick the right card for …
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• Citi Double Cash Review
  Dec 15, 2025
  Earn 2% back on every purchase with no annual fee. See why the Citi Double Cash card is a top pick in our in-depth Citi …
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• Best Stock Brokers
  Dec 15, 2025
  Get expert advice from The Motley Fool on the best stock brokers for your investment needs. Don't miss out on these 10 best trading platforms …
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• Save Big on Business Expenses: The Best Business Credit Cards This Week, Dec. 15, 2025
  Dec 15, 2025
  Business credit cards are one of the best ways to save on business expenses of all kinds. Here are some of our favorite options available …
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• 3 Top Balance Transfer Cards You Can Apply for Right Now
  Dec 14, 2025
  You can save hundreds on interest with a balance transfer. Here are three top cards offering long intro APR periods and real money-saving value.
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• Get Free Money for Switching Banks: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, Dec. 14, 2025
  Dec 14, 2025
  These four banks will pay you to open an account with them. Don't believe me? Check out this list of our favorite bank bonuses available …
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• 3 Top 0% Intro APR Credit Cards You Can Get Right Now
  Dec 13, 2025
  See how these 0% intro APR credit cards can help you save interest, manage expenses, and take control of your financial goals.
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• Don't Want to Pay the Amex Platinum's $895 Annual Fee? Here Are 3 Good Alternatives
  Dec 13, 2025
  If the Amex Platinum fee is a dealbreaker, check out these three cards with strong travel rewards and way smaller price tags.
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• 2 Chase Cards Offering Rare, Easy-to-Claim Bonuses Right Now
  Dec 13, 2025
  Two of Chase's most popular no-annual-fee cards are running limited-time bonuses right now. Here's how to qualify for each.
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• Forget the Amex Platinum: This Is My Favorite Travel Card Now
  Dec 13, 2025
  The Capital One Venture X card offers simple yet valuable travel perks at a lower annual fee. Here's why I like it more than the …
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• Earn $250 Instantly Upon Approval -- The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Available This Week, Dec. 13, 2025
  Dec 13, 2025
  A credit card's welcome bonus can be one of the biggest and best reasons to hit that apply button. Here are all our favorite card …
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• Limited-Time Offer: Chase Freedom Unlimited Is Currently Offering an Easy $300 Bonus
  Dec 12, 2025
  A rare limited-time welcome offer opportunity is live, offering a great deal on an award winning no-annual-fee cash back card if you apply soon.
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• LendingClub Just Won Best Savings Account in America for 2026 -- Here's Why
  Dec 12, 2025
  Learn why LendingClub earned our best high-yield savings account award for 2026, with a top APY, no fees, and flexible savings features.
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• The No. 1 Mistake People Make With High-Yield Savings Accounts
  Dec 12, 2025
  Keeping too much in your high-yield savings account can hurt your long-term financial growth. Here's what to do with the extra cash.
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• Why This $0-Annual Fee Business Card Belongs in Every Freelancer's Wallet
  Dec 12, 2025
  Freelancers can earn up to 5% cash back and a $750 welcome bonus with this $0-annual fee business card. Here's why it's a smart move …
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• Put $25,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account and Here's What 4.00% APY Does Over a Year
  Dec 12, 2025
  See how much $25,000 can grow in a high-yield savings account and why these accounts are the smartest place to store short-term savings.
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