Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

This device is too small

If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.

Skip to main content

Motley Fool Money Newsroom

Get the latest research, find a personal finance expert, and drop us a line.
Media Contact Information

For media inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Are You Well-Paid? Compare Your Salary to the Average U.S. Income
research-artsalary-surprise.jpg

Trusted By

Bloomberg Logo
Yahoo Finance Logo
CNBC Logo
USA Today Logo
CBS News Logo

Our Research in Action

Major media outlets – from Harvard Business Review to The New York Times – regularly cite our personal finance research and data insights.

The average credit score in America is 715. Find out how yours compares in this full report by Motley Fool Money.

Featured In:

Discover wasteful spending trends -- and how high-yield savings accounts and budgeting tools can help curb impulse buying and grow your cash.

Featured In:

Americans shelled out $103 billion on state lottery tickets in 2023 and earned a prize payout of $69 billion. Does that make playing the lottery a good investment?

Featured In:

Subject Matter Experts

Need a quote or interview with one of our personal finance experts or research analysts? Contact: [email protected].

Jack Caporal

Jack Caporal

Research Director

Jack Caporal is the Research Director for The Motley Fool and Motley Fool Money and has worked full-time for the company since 2021. Jack leads efforts to identify and analyze trends shaping investing and personal financial decisions across the United States. His research has appeared in thousands of media outlets including Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Bloomberg, and CNBC, and has been cited in congressional testimony. He previously covered business and economic trends as a reporter and policy analyst in Washington, D.C. He serves as Chair of the Trade Policy Committee at the World Trade Center in Denver, Colorado. He holds a B.A. degree in International Relations with a concentration in International Economics from Michigan State University.

Expertise

Data collection, analysis, and visualization; consumer research & insights; financial education

Past Experience

Reporter and Policy Analyst

Joel O'Leary

Joel O'Leary

Full-Time Personal Finance Writer

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.

Expertise

Credit cards, banking, investing, insurance, personal loans

Past Experience

Writer & Editor, How To Money
Resident Blogger, Budgets Are Sexy

Recent Research

View All Research Learn More Link Arrow
Feb. 5, 2026 | By Jack Caporal

The Median Monthly Mortgage Payment in 2025 by State, City, and More

The median monthly mortgage payment is $2,034 -- read on for mortgage payment statistics by city, state, income, and more.
Jan. 29, 2026 | By Jack Caporal

America's Wasteful Spending Habits: From DoorDash to Dead Subscriptions

Discover wasteful spending trends -- and how high-yield savings accounts and budgeting tools can help curb impulse buying and grow your cash.
Jan. 12, 2026 | By Jack Caporal

Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud Statistics for 2025

Our experts reviewed the data to understand trends on identity theft, credit card fraud, and data breaches. Check out the latest in this in-depth report.
Jan. 6, 2026 | By Jack Caporal

American Households' Average Monthly Expenses: $6,545

The average monthly expenses for an American household total $6,545. But where does that all go? Read on to find out how much we spend on housing, food, and more.
Dec. 18, 2025 | By Jack Caporal

The Average Savings Account Balance In The U.S. – Here’s How Much Americans Have in the Bank

Learn the average savings account balance in the U.S., why medians matter, how your savings compare to national benchmarks, and strategies to boost your savings.