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

• Here's What Millionaires Do With Their Paychecks That Most People Don't
  May 18, 2025
  Millionaires don't waste paychecks. Here's how they use automation, smart tools, and ROI thinking to build lasting wealth.
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• Should You Ever Cash Out a CD Early?
  May 16, 2025
  Cashing out a CD early isn't the end of the world -- you'll likely just pay a penalty fee. Read on for some scenarios when …
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• How Will Trump's Tariffs Affect Your Savings?
  May 14, 2025
  Trump's tariffs could shake interest rates and savings yields. Learn how to protect your money and earn more with smart, flexible savings options.
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• Why I'm Putting $1,000 in Index Funds in May 2025
  May 13, 2025
  I'm investing my bonus into index funds in May 2025. Here's why I think it's still the smartest move for me to build long-term wealth.
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• 4 Habits to Help You Save Over $1 Million for Retirement
  May 12, 2025
  Learn simple, proven habits to save more and reach a $1 million goal for retirement -- starting with your very next paycheck.
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• The Average American's Retirement Number Is $1.26M. Mine's Double That
  May 12, 2025
  Americans now think they need $1.26 million on average to retire. Here's why I'm aiming for double that -- and how you can calculate your …
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• I'm 62 With $900,000 in Savings. Should I Retire Now, or Wait?
  May 12, 2025
  Thinking about retiring at 62? Learn how to estimate your income, factor in healthcare, and decide if now's the right time to leave work for …
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• I Have Too Many Credit Cards -- Which Ones Should I Cancel?
  May 11, 2025
  Thinking about canceling some credit cards? Learn how to do it smartly to protect your credit score and simplify your wallet.
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• Are CDs Worth It in May 2025?
  May 10, 2025
  The top CD rates are still over 4% in May 2025. Locking in a great rate now will pay off if rate cuts become a …
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• Don't Use Auto-Pay Until You Check This Credit Card Setting
  May 10, 2025
  Be careful picking the "default" auto-pay setting for your credit card. Find out the right way to set it up without accruing any interest.
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• May 2025 Update: 3 Credit Score Perks Most People Don't Know About
  May 6, 2025
  Unlock cheaper insurance, lower security deposits, and premium rewards cards with a strong credit score. Here's how it pays to level up your credit.
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• Retirees: Why Now Is the Time to Switch to a High-Yield Savings Account (April 2025)
  Apr 30, 2025
  It's time to ditch low interest rates and earn over 4% APY on your cash. Find out why switching to an HYSA is a no-brainer …
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• What Really Happens If You Deposit Over $10K in Cash Right Now?
  Apr 30, 2025
  Depositing $10,000 or more in cash? Here's what to expect, what banks report, and where to park your money to earn the most interest.
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• Don't Hide Cash at Home. Here Are 3 Places to Put It Instead
  Apr 29, 2025
  Hiding cash at home might feel sneaky and safe, but it's costing you. Here are three smarter places to stash short-term savings that actually grow …
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• Cashing Out a CD in April 2025? Avoid These 4 Costly Mistakes
  Apr 25, 2025
  When a CD matures, you have a short window of time to move your cash to another vehicle. Read on for four CD cash-out mistakes …
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• Here's the Median Down Payment on a Home in 2025
  Apr 21, 2025
  First-time home buyers put down a median of 9% last year, and 23% for repeat buyers. Learn more about lender requirements and savings tips.
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• The Only 3 Credit Cards You Really Need
  Apr 20, 2025
  Here's the only credit card setup you need: Keep your oldest card, add a top category card, and finish with a 2% catch-all for everything …
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• 3 Little-Known Perks of Having a Credit Score of 750 or Higher
  Apr 19, 2025
  A 750+ credit score doesn't just mean bragging rights -- it can unlock cheaper insurance, better job prospects, and access to top-tier credit rewards. Learn …
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• Why I'm Putting My $25,000 in an HYSA Instead of a CD
  Apr 15, 2025
  CDs are offering solid rates, but I'm sticking with my HYSA. Here's why I prefer flexibility and where I'm parking my $20,000-plus cash in an …
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