Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 369 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 12-19-2025

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

• Fidelity vs. Robinhood
  Sep 23, 2025
  Fidelity and Robinhood are two excellent brokerage picks, but for different audiences. I'll break down which is best for you.
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• Here's What Happens When You Pay Your Credit Card Bill Every Week
  Sep 23, 2025
  Paying your balance off every week can lower your utilization, cut interest costs, and help you build stronger money habits. Here's why it works.
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• This Account Could Help You Save $1,000 Faster
  Sep 23, 2025
  Set up auto-deposits and earn a high APY with one of today's top high-yield savings accounts. Learn a smarter way to build savings with minimal …
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• Amex Hilton Honors Surpass Review
  Sep 22, 2025
  Earn free Hilton stays faster with this hotel-branded card. Big welcome bonus, high earning rates, and automatic Gold elite status.
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• The No. 1 Mistake People Make With High-Yield Savings Accounts
  Sep 21, 2025
  High-yield savings accounts are awesome. But here's why keeping too much cash in one could cost you hundreds of thousands in missed growth.
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• Why Mortgage Rates Probably Won't Drop After the Fed's Rate Cut
  Sep 18, 2025
  The Fed just cut rates. But don't expect mortgage rates to immediately follow suit. Here's why home buyers may not see cheaper loans just yet.
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• Best Credit Cards for Transfer Points
  Sep 18, 2025
  Want to get the most value from your rewards? Here are the best credit cards for transferring points to airline and hotel partners.
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• Here's What Happens When Your Credit Score Reaches a Perfect 850
  Sep 18, 2025
  Hitting an 850 credit score sounds epic, but does it really change anything? Here's what actually happens when you reach the top.
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• I Pay My Credit Card Bill Every Week. Here's Why
  Sep 17, 2025
  Paying my credit card weekly helps me stay on top of spending, avoid interest, and benefits my credit profile. Here's why it works so well.
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• 5 Places You Should Never Swipe Your Debit Card
  Sep 17, 2025
  Debit cards can leave your money exposed. Here are five risky places where swiping could cost you more than you think.
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• Here's What Happens When You Withdraw $10,000+ From Your Bank Account
  Sep 16, 2025
  Thinking of pulling out $10,000 or more in cash? Here's what really goes down, why banks keep an eye on it, and how to make …
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• 5 Little Habits That Keep Frequent Flyers in Business Class
  Sep 15, 2025
  Want to fly business class without paying sky-high prices? Learn about these five smart travel habits that can help you upgrade your seat for less.
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• Fidelity Review
  Sep 15, 2025
  I've used Fidelity for over a decade and hold 11 accounts. Here's my honest review of the platform's best (and worst) features in 2025.
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• I Analyze Bank Accounts for a Living -- Here's What I'd Do With $5,000
  Sep 15, 2025
  Got $5K sitting in your bank account? Here's how to make that cash work harder based on your short- and mid-term goals.
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• 6-Month or 5-Year CDs: Which Are Better in September 2025?
  Sep 12, 2025
  CD rates are likely dropping soon. Here's how to decide between a short-term 6-month CD or a 5-year commitment.
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• HYSA vs. CD: Where Should You Keep Your Cash in September 2025?
  Sep 11, 2025
  CD and high-yield savings rates are peaking. Here's how to decide where your cash can earn the most in September 2025.
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• How Much Money Could a Balance Transfer Save You? Here's the Math
  Sep 11, 2025
  Learn how much a balance transfer could save you in interest -- with real numbers and a quick way to find the right card.
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• This Is How Much You Should Have in Savings by Age 40
  Sep 11, 2025
  Find out how much money you should have saved by age 40, plus how to track your net worth and boost it faster.
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• Cash Back vs. Points: Which Is Better?
  Sep 11, 2025
  Find out how each rewards system works, when to use them, and how to maximize your card benefits for the most value.
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• 9 Stealth Wealth Moves That Keep You Rich and Private
  Sep 10, 2025
  These smart, low-key money moves can quietly build wealth without drawing attention. Here's how the stealthy rich stay ahead.
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• Here's How a Wells Fargo Savings Account Could Quietly Cost You $5,000
  Sep 10, 2025
  Wells Fargo's low savings rates could drain your future earnings. Here's how to avoid missing out on thousands of dollars in interest.
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• Rate Cut Playbook: How to Lock in a High Yield in September 2025
  Sep 8, 2025
  All signs are pointing towards the Fed cutting rates soon. Here's how to lock in a high yield this September and make the most of …
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• How Many Bank Accounts Do You Really Need?
  Sep 8, 2025
  Learn a simple bank account setup that helps you save more, stay organized, and earn top interest while rates are high.
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• 3 Shocking Reasons You Can Be Denied a Credit Card With an 800 Credit Score
  Sep 6, 2025
  Even with a perfect credit score, you can still be denied a credit card. Find out why it can happen and how to bounce back.
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• National 401(k) Day Is Here -- 3 Quick Things to Check Right Now
  Sep 5, 2025
  National 401(k) Day is the perfect reminder to check your contribution, investments, and retirement strategy. Here's how to quickly get on track.
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