Brian O'Connell Contributor

My story? I'm a Doylestown, Pennsylvania-based freelance writer with 15 years experience covering business news and trends, particularly in the financial, health and sciences, Internet and technology, political and career management sectors. I've had some good fortune, with two investment books in "The Book of the Month Club" and I've had hundreds of bylines in dozens of top-tier national business publications.

For details, let's go number-by-number, just like I did in my first career as a bond trader in New York and Philadelphia:

1. My most current or most recent job -- I've been a freelance financial and business writer for 14 years; with two Book of the Month Club financial book selections (The 401(k) Millionaire; Random House/Villard and CNBCs Guide to Creating Wealth; John Wiley & Sons). I currently write for media platforms like TheStreet.com, Yahoo Finance, AOL, and many others.
2. My background in the stock market and finance. I spent six years on Wall Street, as an over-the-counter trader for Kidder Peabody and as a corporate bond trader for Delaware Funds.
3. My background as a writer/editor. I've written 14 books, six of them strictly financial titles, for major publishers like Random House, John Wiley and McGraw-Hill. I've also written hundreds of articles for business media platforms like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Street.com, Bloomberg, Registered Representative, Financial Planning, and many, many others.
4. Why I do what I do. As a Dad, being a writer gives me flexibility with my kids, plus it saves time from a long commute. One of the pleasant surprises I discovered when I gave up the jacket-and-tie was that I found working at home was - and still is - much more productive for me.
5. Why I'm with Money Talks News. I might have given up my seat on a Wall Street trading desk but my passion for money and markets is still very much alive, and channeled through great platforms like Money Talks News. I just hope I can add something of value to the dialogue.

Posts by Brian O'Connell

Bank of America: Free Checking May Become Fee Checking

Jun 22, 2010 - The nation's largest bank, Bank of America, is exploring ways to leave free checking behind.

Tired of Being Robbed by Your Bank?

Jun 21, 2010 - If the savings rates you're receiving at your bank are too low, maybe it's time to shop for better rates.

Owe Back Taxes? 9 Tips to Help

Jun 18, 2010 - There's no shame in falling behind on your taxes, but bury your head in the sand and you'll owe even more.

10 Tip-Offs You’re Heading for a Debt Disaster

Jun 17, 2010 - Think you might be heading for debt trouble? Answer these 10 questions and you'll know.

Debit Card For Kids? PayPal’s Banking On It

Jun 17, 2010 - Got a kid heading to college in the fall? Now that credit cards are harder for young people to get, here's a potential solution.

3 Tips for Using a Credit Card Overseas

Jun 16, 2010 - Before you pack your credit card for foreign travel, make sure you know how to avoid fees and contact the company from afar.

Lost a Home To Foreclosure? Here’s How Long It Will Take To Buy Again

Jun 16, 2010 - Losing a home to foreclosure isn't a pleasant experience, but it's not the end of the world or the end of being a homeowner.

Time to Choose – Declined Card or Overdraft Fee?

Jun 16, 2010 - You're soon going to have to make a choice: to have your debit card refused when you're out of cash – or to pay 30 bucks for overdraft protection if you exceed your balance.

Senate Considers Quieter TVs, Louder Cars

Jun 15, 2010 - While the Financial Reform Bill and BP hearings are getting all the attention, Congress is busy with other legislation on everything from quieter commercials to louder cars.

Ranking the “Most Hated” Consumer Fees

Jun 14, 2010 - It's often said America is the home of the fee. Here are five of the worst... Is your most hated fee on it?

Don’t Let Your Employer Decide How to Invest Your Retirement Plan

Jun 14, 2010 - Just because your employer automatically enrolled you in their retirement plan doesn't mean you leave amounts and investments up to them as well.

Can’t Pay Your Student Loans? Ask for a Deferment

May 26, 2010 - If you can't pay your student loans because of job loss, illness or other hardship, you may be able to get a deferment.

6 Tips to Get What You Want From Customer Service

May 24, 2010 - You may not always get what you want from customer service, but if you use the right tactics, you'll almost always get what you need.