Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 372 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 12-20-2025

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

• My Friend Found $40,000 Sitting in an Old 401(k) -- You Might Have One Too
  Oct 17, 2025
  A friend just rediscovered a 401(k) from his first job, and realized he's missed out on years of growth. Here's how to avoid the same …
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• Here's How Much the Average 60-Year-Old Has in Their 401(k)
  Oct 17, 2025
  The median 401(k) balance for 60-somethings is $187,957 (Empower) or $95,642 (Vanguard). Here's how to catch up if you're behind on savings.
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• I Analyze Bank Accounts for a Living -- Here's Exactly What I'd Do With $5,000 Right Now
  Oct 17, 2025
  Here's how to turn $5,000 into steady, safe growth using top high-yield savings and CD rates in October 2025.
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• The Forgotten 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You $500,000 in Retirement
  Oct 16, 2025
  Millions of Americans have left behind old 401(k)s worth $2 trillion. Here's why that mistake could cost you $500,000, and how to fix it.
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• Here's the Average American's Car Insurance Premium. How Do You Compare?
  Oct 16, 2025
  The national average policy is roughly $2,328 per year for full coverage auto insurance. Learn what factors actually move the needle on your premium.
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• 9 Stealth Wealth Moves That Keep You Rich (and Off Everyone's Radar) in 2025
  Oct 16, 2025
  In 2025, quiet wealth wins. Try these nine stealth wealth habits to stay rich, private, and financially free.
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• Best Gas & Groceries Cards
  Oct 15, 2025
  Some of our favorite gas and grocery credit cards offer up to 6% cash back, 0% intro APR offers, and other perks. Find out which …
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• Here's How I Double My Net Worth Every 10 Years
  Oct 15, 2025
  I use simple index funds and a target 7.2% average annual return to double my net worth roughly every decade. Here's how you can too.
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• Here's What Happens When Your Credit Score Reaches 850
  Oct 11, 2025
  There’s no parade or shiny trophy for hitting an 850 credit score. Rather, being in the excellent range unlocks a few extra perks and borrowing …
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• 7 Habits of 401(k) Millionaires (That You Can Start Today)
  Oct 10, 2025
  These simple habits have helped over 500,000 Americans become 401(k) millionaires. Here's how you can start building yours today.
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• How Much Income Puts You in the Upper, Middle, or Lower Class?
  Oct 9, 2025
  The top 20% of earners make $153,001 or more. See how much income it takes to be considered upper, middle, or lower class.
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• How Much Money Would You Need Invested to Produce a $100,000 Retirement Income?
  Oct 8, 2025
  You'd need about $2.5 million invested to generate $100,000 a year in retirement. Here's how the math and strategy breaks down.
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• Citi Diamond Preferred Review
  Oct 7, 2025
  Enjoy 0% APR for 21 months with the Citi Diamond Preferred. Learn if it's the right move to save on interest and crush your debt.
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• Environmentally Friendly Banks
  Oct 7, 2025
  Your bank account can help fight climate change -- see how eco-friendly "green banks" are working to make a difference for the planet and your …
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• 5 Money-Saving Hacks I Learned From Millionaires
  Oct 7, 2025
  Millionaires drive boring cars, use credit card points, max out the right accounts, leverage real estate, and actually pay attention to their numbers.
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• Are CDs Really a Good Investment? Here's the Truth
  Oct 6, 2025
  CDs are great for short-term goals and earning guaranteed interest. But they fall way behind when it comes to long-term investing and growth. Here's why.
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• How Long Should You Keep a Car to Get the Most for Your Money?
  Oct 5, 2025
  Wondering how long to keep your car before selling it? Here's a simple guide to help you get the most value.
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• 'Lazy Interest' Is Costing You Hundreds -- Switch to a 4.00%+ APY Account Instead
  Oct 5, 2025
  Stop letting your savings sit idle. Here's how a high-yield account paying 4.00%+ APY can earn you hundreds more each year.
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• Put $25,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account and Here's What Happens
  Oct 5, 2025
  Find out how much $25,000 can earn in a high-yield savings account and why these accounts beat traditional banks for growing your cash.
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• 3 Little-Known Perks of Having a Credit Score of 750+
  Oct 4, 2025
  A 750+ credit score unlocks more than low interest rates. Learn about the top hidden perks, from cheaper car insurance to earning rewards.
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• How Much Interest $10,000 Earns in a High-Yield Savings Account
  Oct 3, 2025
  See how much $10,000 can earn in a high-yield savings account and why these accounts are a smarter home for your cash.
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• What Credit Score Do You Need to Get the Amex Platinum Card?
  Oct 2, 2025
  The Amex Platinum Card is a premium travel and lifestyle card, and it generally requires good to excellent credit to qualify. Read on to find …
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• 10 Signs Someone Is Rich (but You'd Never Know It)
  Oct 2, 2025
  Wealth often hides in plain sight. Here are 10 surprising signs someone may be rich without showing it off.
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• 5 Stealth Wealth Habits That Keep Me Happy (Without Looking Flashy)
  Oct 1, 2025
  True wealth isn't about showing off. These stealth wealth habits help me stay financially free, enjoy life, and keep stress low -- without needing to …
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• My Best Friend Didn't Even Know He Was Earning 0.01% -- I Showed Him This 4.00% APY Account
  Oct 1, 2025
  See how a simple account switch turned dusty savings into $100 a month passive income, and how you can do the same.
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