Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer |

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 522 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 04-02-2026

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 0% Intro APR Credit Cards
  Apr 2, 2026
  A 0% intro APR credit card can be a powerful tool for saving money. See our top picks for the best 0% intro APR credit …
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• Best Travel Credit Cards
  Apr 2, 2026
  The best travel rewards credit cards can help you earn premium rewards and large sign-up bonuses while saving you money. Check out the top travel …
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• Our Top Balance Transfer Card of April 2026: 0% Intro APR Until 2028
  Apr 2, 2026
  The Chase Slate® offers one of the longest 0% intro APR periods available in 2026 -- here's why it's our top balance transfer pick for …
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• 3% Back on a Category of Your Choice: The Best Business Credit Cards This Month, April 2026
  Apr 2, 2026
  Looking for big-time savings on business expenses? A top business credit card can help. Here are our favorite options available this month.
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• Best High-Yield Savings Accounts (Up to 4.21%)
  Apr 1, 2026
  Our expert picks for the best high-yield savings accounts earn up to 4.31% APY -- 10x more than the national average. Most accounts here are …
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• Raisin Review
  Apr 1, 2026
  Raisin connects savers with some of the highest yield savings products on the market. Learn how Raisin works and who it's good for in our …
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• The Top 3 High-Yield Savings Accounts of April 2026: APYs up to 4.21%
  Apr 1, 2026
  The best high-yield savings accounts still offer 4.00%+ APY in April 2026. Here are three worth comparing -- with no monthly fees and FDIC insurance.
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• 3 Top Cash Back Cards You Can Apply for Right Now: April 2026
  Apr 1, 2026
  Our top pick cash back cards worth applying for in April 2026, covering flat-rate, rotating category, and grocery rewards.
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• The Amex Platinum's Q2 Perks Just Dropped. Here's How to Get $175 on Lululemon and Dining
  Apr 1, 2026
  The Amex Platinum comes with quarterly credits for lululemon and dining that expire every 90 days. Here's what resets in Q2 and when to use …
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• Our 3 Favorite Balance Transfer Cards Offering up to 21 Months of 0% Intro APR Right Now
  Apr 1, 2026
  Carrying a balance at 22% APR? These top balance transfer cards can give you a huge window to pause interest, breathe, and pay off your …
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• Fool-Proof Your Finances in 2026: 7 Easy Money Tips Anyone Can Use
  Apr 1, 2026
  These simple money moves can protect you from your own worst impulses -- no April Fools jokes, these tips actually work.
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• The 3 Best Credit Cards for First-Timers
  Apr 1, 2026
  Getting your first credit card? These three no-annual-fee picks cover credit levels from no credit history to good credit -- with real rewards from day …
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• Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
  Mar 31, 2026
  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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• Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access
  Mar 31, 2026
  Get ready to skip the terminal chaos. These are the best credit cards for airport lounge access this year, from budget-friendly to all-out luxury.
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• Chase Freedom Flex® Review
  Mar 30, 2026
  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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• Here's What 2% Cash Back Looks Like at Your Spending Level
  Mar 30, 2026
  A 2% flat-rate cash back card might be more powerful than you think -- and a lot less work than juggling multiple rewards cards. Here's …
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• Here's What Happens to $70 Billion of Unclaimed Money in the U.S.
  Mar 29, 2026
  About 1 in 7 Americans have unclaimed money or property waiting for them. Here's what it is, where it goes, and how to find out …
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• The Highest SoFi® Bonus We've Seen: Best Bank Account Bonuses This Week, March 29, 2026
  Mar 29, 2026
  My favorite savings account is offering the best bonus I've seen yet -- which means now is the time to open. Here are our favorite …
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• Earn an Easy $250 in Cash Back: The Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses This Week, March 28, 2026
  Mar 28, 2026
  One of my favorite credit cards out there is offering an easy-to-earn $250 bonus for a limited time. Here's what to know, plus other great …
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• 4 Best Savings Accounts for Your Tax Refund
  Mar 27, 2026
  Got a tax refund coming? Put it somewhere it'll actually grow. We've rounded up the best high-yield savings accounts to help you make the most …
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• Best Gas & Groceries Cards
  Mar 26, 2026
  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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• How to Find a Gas Credit Card That Actually Pays Off
  Mar 26, 2026
  Gas prices fluctuate, but your rewards don't have to. Here's how to find a gas credit card that actually saves you money in 2026.
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• Chase Freedom Unlimited - Core - 15 Mo - NA - (chase-freedom-unlimited-card-lto-v2)
  Mar 26, 2026
  It's one of the most lucrative cash-back cards we've come across. Uncover more about its cash rewards program and other valuable perks.
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• 10 Financial Statistics of the Average American
  Mar 26, 2026
  How do your finances stack up? Here are 10 money stats on the average American's income, savings, debt, credit score, and more.
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• The 7 Fastest Ways People Ruin Their Finances
  Mar 26, 2026
  These seven money mistakes can wreck your finances -- from spending money you don't have yet to panic-selling investments at the worst possible time.
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