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

• 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.
  Read More
• The Top Balance Transfer Card of November 2025: 0% Intro APR for 21 Months
  Nov 22, 2025
  Take control of your credit card debt with a no-annual-fee card offering one of the longest 0% intro APR periods on the market.
  Read More
• What Each Generation Wants to Fix About Their Money in 2026
  Nov 22, 2025
  Paying down debt is collectively the top New Year's resolution across all age groups. Here's the full breakdown of money goals for 2026 by generation.
  Read More
• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, Nov. 22, 2025 -- Earn up to $1,750
  Nov 22, 2025
  This week’s top credit card sign-up bonuses deliver big value -- cash back, travel rewards, and more. Hurry, these limited-time deals won't last.
  Read More
• 1 in 4 Americans Want to Pay Off Debt in 2026 -- These Tools Can Help
  Nov 21, 2025
  Tools like balance transfer cards, loan refinancing, and nonprofit counseling can help Americans cut interest and pay off debt faster in 2026.
  Read More
• America's Top 2026 Money Goal Is Eliminating Credit Card Debt -- Here's How to Speed It Up
  Nov 21, 2025
  A 0% intro APR card can help you pay off credit card debt faster and interest-free. Learn how it works and how to use it …
  Read More
• Need a Break From Interest Payments? Here's Our Top 0% Intro APR Credit Card
  Nov 21, 2025
  Looking to pause interest charges on new purchases or existing debt? This award-winning card gives you a huge 0% intro APR window and no annual …
  Read More
• Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
  Nov 20, 2025
  Discover the best credit card bonuses to jumpstart your rewards journey. From travel to cash back, find the ideal card for your lifestyle and start …
  Read More
• Still Banking Like It's 1998? Switch to These Modern High-Yield Accounts
  Nov 20, 2025
  Switch out of 1998-era banking. See why modern fintech platforms like SoFi® and LendingClub offer better tech, higher APYs, and fewer fees.
  Read More
• If Your Checking Account Has More Than This, You're Losing Money
  Nov 20, 2025
  Got more than a month's worth of expenses in your checking account? That extra cash could be doing a lot more. Here's where to move …
  Read More
• 4 Reasons I Keep Barely Any Money in My Checking Account
  Nov 19, 2025
  Most of my money skips right over my checking account into better places. Here's why I keep my balance low and what I do with …
  Read More
• Got a Holiday Bonus? Here's How to Stretch It, Grow It, and Still Have Some Fun
  Nov 19, 2025
  Even a small year-end bonus can help you pay down debt, save more, and invest for long-term growth. Here are some smart options to consider.
  Read More
• Motley Fool Money Newsroom
  Nov 18, 2025
  Get the latest personal finance data insights and connect with our personal finance experts in Motley Fool Money's Newsroom.
  Read More
• Pay No ATM Fees With These 3 High-Yield Banks
  Nov 18, 2025
  Skip ATM fees and earn more interest with these high-yield banks offering fee-free access and nationwide networks.
  Read More
• American Express National Bank Review
  Nov 18, 2025
  Read our full review of American Express National Bank (Member FDIC) to learn about its high-yield savings rates, fees, mobile app features, and more.
  Read More
• I'm Building a $50,000 'Reverse' CD Ladder to Buy a Rental Property -- Here's How
  Nov 18, 2025
  My wife and I are saving up $50,000 for a rental property using a CD ladder. Here's our plan, our timeline, and how much we'll …
  Read More
• My Friend Built a $60,000 CD Ladder. Here's How Much It Pays Him Monthly
  Nov 18, 2025
  A $60,000 CD ladder sounds complex, but it's surprisingly simple. Here's how much my friend earns each month and how it works.
  Read More
• Safe Havens for $5K, $10K, and $25K in Today's Uncertain Market
  Nov 18, 2025
  Compare HYSAs, CDs, T-bills, and money market funds, and see how much you can earn on $5K - $25K today without taking risks.
  Read More
• 3 Best Accounts for Lazy Savers -- 4.00%+ APY and No Fees
  Nov 18, 2025
  Earn over 4.00% APY with no monthly fees. These are three lazy-saver accounts that work hard so you don't have to.
  Read More
• 4 Places to Put Your Money if You Don't Trust Banks
  Nov 18, 2025
  Consider fintech brokers, credit unions, U.S. Treasuries and prepaid debit apps as safe, smarter places to keep your cash growing.
  Read More
• Why 0% Intro APR Cards Fail for So Many People -- and How to Win Instead
  Nov 16, 2025
  Many people misuse 0% intro APR cards and rack up even more debt. Here's how to avoid the trap and actually come out ahead.
  Read More
• 4 Safe Ways to Earn 4%+ on Your Retirement Savings
  Nov 16, 2025
  HYSAs, CDs, annuities, and T-bills all offer 4.00%+ yields right now. These low-risk tools can help grow your retirement savings safely.
  Read More
• 2026 IRA Limit Increase: What It Means and How to Optimize It
  Nov 16, 2025
  The IRS increased IRA limits for 2026. Learn the new caps, income rules, and smart moves to make the most of your retirement contributions.
  Read More
• Here's How Much You Need to Save Each Month to Max Out Your 401(k) in 2026
  Nov 16, 2025
  You'll need to save about $2,042 per month to max out your 401(k) in 2026. Here's how the new contribution limits work and how to …
  Read More
• 3 Little-Known Perks of Having a Credit Score of 750+
  Nov 15, 2025
  A 750+ credit score unlocks more than just low APRs. Here are three underrated ways a great score can save you money and open financial …
  Read More