Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 370 | 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

• If a Recession Hits in 2026, How Much Cash Should You Have on Hand?
  Dec 9, 2025
  If you're worried about a 2026 recession, start saving up three to six months' worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings account. Here's how …
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• 3 Little-Known Drawbacks of CDs
  Dec 9, 2025
  CDs can have weaker long-term returns, taxes on interest, and rates that aren't always as "locked in" as they look. Here's how to navigate these …
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• This 0% Intro APR Card Can Give You Real Breathing Room in 2026
  Dec 9, 2025
  Get nearly two years of interest-free breathing room with the Wells Fargo Reflect Card's generous intro APR offer.
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• 3 Little-Known Perks of Having Multiple Credit Cards
  Dec 8, 2025
  Learn how you can earn more rewards, boost your credit score, and protect yourself if one issuer freezes your account by carrying multiple credit cards.
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• Save on Expenses, Travel and More: The Best Business Credit Cards This Week, Dec. 8, 2025
  Dec 8, 2025
  A business credit card is one of the best ways to save on work expenses, business trips and more. Here are some of our favorite …
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• The 3 Worst Mistakes People Make With 0% Intro APR Credit Cards
  Dec 7, 2025
  Avoid these 0% intro APR credit card mistakes, like picking the wrong card offer, overspending, and paying too little. Here's how to do it right.
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• Why I Open a New Bank Account Every Year
  Dec 7, 2025
  Opening one new bank account can help you earn higher APYs, unlock promotions, and take advantage of better features. Here's why it's worth it.
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• Get a $200 Bonus Offer and 6% Cash Back Offer With This Popular Bank of America Card
  Dec 7, 2025
  Earn massive cash back where you spend the most, plus score an easy $200 bonus with this top-rated no-annual-fee rewards card.
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• Here's What Happens When You Spend More Than $5,000 on Your Credit Card
  Dec 7, 2025
  Spending big on your credit card can trigger fraud checks, impact your score, and put you at risk of debt issues. Here's how to avoid …
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• This Bank of America Card Comes With a 6% Cash Back Offer and a $200 Bonus Offer
  Dec 6, 2025
  Earn more on what you already buy, plus get a $200 bonus with this flexible cash back card. See if it's the right fit for …
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• Save More on Gifts: The Prime Visa Is the Best Credit Card for Holiday Shopping in December 2025
  Dec 6, 2025
  Get an instant Amazon credit upon approval plus up to 5% back on gifts. Here’s why the Prime Visa is my favorite holiday shopping card …
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• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, Dec. 6, 2025 -- Earn up to $1,750
  Dec 6, 2025
  Itching for a valuable new credit card bonus? Earn up to $1,750 in rewards with the best card offers available this week.
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• 3 Little-Known Perks of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
  Dec 5, 2025
  DoorDash perks, anniversary points, and Chase Offers make the Chase Sapphire Preferred® a quiet money saver all year long.
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• This Credit Card Can Save the Average Family $350+ on Holiday Shopping
  Dec 5, 2025
  Get an instant Amazon gift card upon approval, plus up to 5% ongoing rewards. Here's how the Prime Visa card could help you save $350 …
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• Beat the Fed Rate Cut: These Award-Winning Banks Still Offer CDs With 4%+ APY
  Dec 5, 2025
  Fed rate cuts could push CD yields lower this month. These two award-winning banks still offer short-term CDs with high APYs you can lock in.
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• Best Business Credit Cards
  Dec 4, 2025
  Compare the best business credit cards of 2025 for cash back, travel perks, and 0% intro APR offers. Find the perfect card to maximize your …
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• Forget the Side Hustle: This 1 Trick Earned Me $1,000 Last Year
  Dec 4, 2025
  If you're tired of hustling for every dollar, this effortless savings strategy can help your money start earning on its own.
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• The Fed Is Cutting Rates Again, but These High-Yield Accounts Are Still Paying 4%+
  Dec 4, 2025
  The Fed is expected to cut rates in December, but these high-yield savings accounts are still offering 4.00%+ APYs. Here's where your money can keep …
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• Forget Travel Cards. Here Are 3 Reasons Cash Back Wins for Most People
  Dec 3, 2025
  Cash back cards are simple, flexible, and often earn more on the spending you already do. Here are three reasons they beat travel cards for …
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• The 3 Best High-Limit Cards You Can Apply for in December 2025
  Dec 3, 2025
  The 3 Best High-Limit Cards You Can Apply for in December 2025
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• Move $5,000 Into a High-Yield Savings Account and Here's What Happens
  Dec 3, 2025
  Here's how putting $5,000 into a high-yield savings account can earn you $200+ in interest over a year, while keeping it accessible and FDIC insured.
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• How to Check if You're Eligible for This 175,000-Point Welcome Offer
  Dec 3, 2025
  Amex is offering targeted Platinum Card welcome offers as high as 175,000 points. Here's how to check your offer with no impact to your credit …
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• Forget Bank of America. Your Emergency Cash Deserves a 4%+ APY
  Dec 3, 2025
  Many banks still pay 0.01% APY on savings. Here's why your emergency cash should be in a high-yield account paying 4.00% or more.
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• The Best Chase Credit Card in December 2025 (No, It's Not Sapphire)
  Dec 3, 2025
  The Amazon Prime Visa is one of the credit card industry's best kept secrets. Learn how this no-annual fee card can earn huge rewards.
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• Chase Ink Business Preferred Review
  Dec 2, 2025
  Earn 3x points on key business purchases and a massive welcome bonus with this small business credit card. See if it's right for your business.
  Read More