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

• I'm Saving for a Vacation -- and This 4.00% APY Account Is Speeding It Up
  Sep 30, 2025
  A high-yield savings account is helping me reach a big travel goal faster. Here's how it's working and why it might help you too.
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• Here's What $25K Earns in a Big Bank vs. a High-Yield Account
  Sep 30, 2025
  Big bank savings accounts have notoriously low interest rates, while high-yield savings accounts pay way more. Here's how much $25,000 can really earn.
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• This Account Could Help You Save $5,000 Faster
  Sep 30, 2025
  If you've hit a savings plateau, here's how this high-yield account can help you grow past $5,000 faster, without changing your daily routine.
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• 4 Safe Money Moves Millionaires Swear By
  Sep 29, 2025
  Millionaires use safe and proven strategies to grow and protect their wealth. Here are four money moves they rely on.
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• 7 Little-Known Credit Card Tips That Could Save You Money
  Sep 29, 2025
  Credit cards can do more than you think. Discover seven simple tips to cut costs, protect your stuff, and make your rewards go further.
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• 6-Month vs. 5-Year CDs: What's Best for Your Money Now?
  Sep 29, 2025
  The Fed just cut rates, and more cuts will likely follow. Here's how to decide between a 6-month CD, a 5-year CD, or a more …
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• 6 Things I'm Doing to Make My Finances Way Less Complicated
  Sep 28, 2025
  Here are six simple money moves I'm making to simplify my finances, reduce stress, and stay on track with my goals.
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• Why I'm Keeping My High-Yield Savings Account Even as Rates Drop
  Sep 28, 2025
  Even as interest rates fall, high-yield savings accounts still pay better than big banks. Here's why I'm sticking with mine.
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• Got $50K Sitting in the Bank? Here's Why That Could Be a Mistake
  Sep 28, 2025
  Put your $50K to better use with smart strategies like high-yield savings, CD ladders, and low-risk investing for long-term growth.
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• Why a Guy Who Hates Debt Still Uses Credit Cards Every Day
  Sep 28, 2025
  Credit cards can be powerful tools if used wisely. Here's why I still swipe them daily despite hating debt.
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• Earn 4.00% APY While You Sleep With This Set-and-Forget Savings Account
  Sep 27, 2025
  This award-winning savings account earns an impressive APY after setting up direct deposit, perfect for building steady savings on autopilot.
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• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card Review
  Jul 30, 2025
  Learn about all the features, perks, and fees of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card and see if it's worth it for your wallet.
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• Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Capital One Venture X
  Sep 8, 2025
  Compare fees, perks, rewards, and travel benefits between the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X to see which one is right for you.
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• Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
  Jul 31, 2025
  Explore the best business credit cards for travel. Maximize rewards, perks, and protection whether you're flying solo or managing employee spending.
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• Citi Simplicity Card Review
  Sep 18, 2025
  Citi Simplicity offers no annual fee and a 0% APR intro period -- perfect for paying off debt. Learn how this card works and if …
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• CDs Aren't Sexy -- but Neither Is Losing Money
  Sep 26, 2025
  Guaranteed returns with a CD might not be flashy. But they beat earning nothing. Here's why now is a smart time to consider a high-yield …
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• Why $50K in Savings Is Probably Too Much
  Sep 26, 2025
  If you're sitting on $50,000 in a savings account, you might be missing out on better opportunities. Here's what to do instead.
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• Here's How to Earn $10,000 With CDs
  Sep 26, 2025
  With today's top APYs, here's how much cash it takes to earn $10,000 with a traditional certificate of deposit.
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• Ponce Bank CD Rates
  Sep 26, 2025
  Ponce Bank offers competitive rates on CDs through the Raisin platform. Check out current Ponce Bank CD rates to see how much interest you could …
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• 5 Habits That Help the Rich Stay Rich
  Sep 26, 2025
  Wealthy people follow consistent, strategic money habits. Here's what they do, and how you can follow their playbook.
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• Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards
  Sep 24, 2025
  These top-rated flat-rate credit cards offer up to 2% back on every purchase, plus welcome bonuses and 0% intro APRs.
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• What Does 0% APR Mean?
  Jul 1, 2025
  0% APR means you won't pay interest for a limited time. Here's how it works for credit cards, with examples on balance transfers and new …
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• If You See This One Thing on Your Bank Statement, It's Time to Switch Accounts
  Sep 26, 2025
  Overdraft fees are extremely annoying. Here's what they really mean -- and how switching banks can help you avoid them for good.
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• Charles Schwab vs. Fidelity
  Sep 25, 2025
  You can't go wrong picking either Fidelity or Charles Schwab as a broker. Here's a quick overview of each and a fair comparison.
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• Guide to CD Laddering
  Jun 3, 2025
  Learn how to build a CD ladder, why it works, and how it can boost your savings with less risk. Includes step-by-step guide and real-life …
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