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

• Best Credit Cards
  Dec 2, 2025
  Our team of experts reviewed the best credit cards to bring you our top picks for all scenarios: cash back, balance transfer, and more.
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• 3 Amazon Prime Visa Tricks Most People Miss
  Dec 2, 2025
  Here are a few extra reasons why I think every Amazon Prime member should have the Prime Visa card in their wallet.
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• The Top 3 High-Yield Savings Accounts of December 2025: APYs up to 4.31%
  Dec 2, 2025
  Explore these high APY savings accounts for December 2025, and watch your money grow faster, all with FDIC insurance protection.
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• The Best Business Cards This Week, Dec. 1, 2025: Cards for Travel, Cash Back, and More
  Dec 1, 2025
  These are the best business credit card offers this week, perfect for earning big rewards, managing expenses, and unlocking VIP perks.
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• 3 Time-Sensitive Reasons to Get the Amex Platinum Before the End of the Year
  Nov 30, 2025
  Applying now can help you double-dip annual credits, lock in a boosted welcome offer, and use your holiday spending to earn rewards faster.
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• Why This 21-Month 0% APR Card Could Save You Hundreds
  Nov 30, 2025
  With one of the longest 0% intro APR windows available, this Wells Fargo card could save you $1,200+ on a $6,000 balance, with no annual …
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• $285 a Month Could Erase $6,000 in Credit Card Debt Starting Today
  Nov 29, 2025
  Some 0% intro APR cards offer up to 21 months of no interest. Here's how paying just $285 a month can knock out $6,000 in …
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• Struggling With Credit Card Debt? See Why Wells Fargo Reflect Just Won Our Top 0% Intro APR Award
  Nov 29, 2025
  With one of the longest 0% interest offers and no annual fee, this Wells Fargo card just won our Best 0% APR Credit Card Award …
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• This Week's Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses: Nov. 29, 2025 -- Act Fast Before These Deals Expire
  Nov 29, 2025
  This week's top credit card sign-up bonuses offer big rewards -- cash back, travel perks, and more. Hurry, these limited-time deals won't last long.
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• This Is Our Top Pick for a No-Annual-Fee Credit Card in 2026
  Nov 28, 2025
  Earn travel rewards in top spending categories, plus an easy welcome bonus, all with no annual fee. Here's why this card is our 2026 winner.
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• 5 Simple Habits That Make or Break Your 0% Intro APR Card
  Nov 28, 2025
  Building a payoff plan, picking the right card, and automating your progress are a few habits that can help you eliminate debt with a 0% …
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• 5 Smart Moves That Make Your 0% APR Window Actually Worth It
  Nov 27, 2025
  Use these five smart habits like picking a long 0% period, automating payments, and avoiding new debt to get the most out of your 0% …
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• Side Hustlers Are Loving This BofA Card's $300 Bonus and Easy Cash Back
  Nov 27, 2025
  Here's how freelancers and side hustlers are earning a $300 welcome bonus plus unlimited cash back rewards on everything they buy.
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• This 0% Intro APR Card Lets You Skip Interest Payments in All of 2026, and Most of 2027, Too
  Nov 27, 2025
  With one of the longest 0% intro APR offers available, this Wells Fargo card could help you save hundreds on interest through 2026 and well …
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• Your 0% APR Window Won't Last Forever -- Here's How to Use It Right
  Nov 26, 2025
  A 0% intro APR card can buy you time to pay off debt without interest, but only if you use that window wisely. Here's how …
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• This 0% Intro APR Card Takes the Pressure Off Going Into 2026
  Nov 26, 2025
  This 0% intro APR offer lets you skip interest for all of 2026, plus earn cash back rewards that could double in your first year. …
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• This 21-Month 0% APR Window Is One of the Longest You'll See in 2026
  Nov 26, 2025
  Skip interest through 2026, and well into 2027 with this top 0% intro APR credit card. See how the Wells Fargo Reflect card can help …
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• Chase Freedom Flex® Review
  Nov 25, 2025
  This no-annual-fee credit card offers big cash back on bonus categories, dining, and more. See why it's a top choice for everyday spending.
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• If Your $10,000 Took a 12-Month Nap in a CD, Here's What It'd Wake Up As
  Nov 25, 2025
  You can earn $405 in guaranteed interest if you stash $10,000 in a 12-month CD at 4.05% APY. Here's how to find today's top CD …
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• Should You Open a 6-Month CD in November 2025?
  Nov 25, 2025
  CD rates are holding strong, despite the recent rate cuts. Here's why a 6-month CD could be a smart place to park your cash heading …
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• Americans Want to Travel More in 2026 -- These Credit Cards Can Help Make It Happen
  Nov 24, 2025
  See how the right rewards card with a big welcome bonuses, ongoing points, and top perks can fund your next getaway and 2026 travel goals.
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• 3 Dead Simple Reasons I Moved All My Savings to LendingClub This Month
  Nov 24, 2025
  I switched my $25K to LendingClub for its high APY, debit card access to savings, and an easy, no-fee experience. Here's why it beats most …
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• The Best Business Cards This Week for Travel, Cash Back, and More: Nov. 24, 2025
  Nov 24, 2025
  If you're a freelancer or small business owner, a business card can be one of the best ways to save. Here are some of our …
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• $750 Bonus and No Annual Fee: This Chase Card Just Won Best Business Card for 2026
  Nov 23, 2025
  Earn up to 5% cash back and a $750 welcome bonus with no annual fee. See why this Chase business card is a favorite among …
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• This Online Bank With a 4.00% APY Won Best Savings Account in America -- and It's Crushing Big Banks
  Nov 23, 2025
  See why LendingClub's LevelUp Savings account earned our best in America award for 2026, with a top APY, no fees, and flexible access features.
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