Trust and transparency

Editorial Policy

Standards for research, writing, review, sourcing, updates, conflicts, and AI-assisted work.

Purpose

Content should help readers understand tradeoffs without exaggerating certainty or replacing individualized professional advice.

Source hierarchy

We prefer government datasets, official documentation, primary research, and established professional organizations. Commercial sources may be used for examples or current market quotes when clearly labeled.

Author and reviewer information

Every article should identify its author or editorial team, publication date, review date, and sources. Credential claims must be verified before publication.

Calculator standards

Every calculator must state its formula, defaults, data year, exclusions, and intended use. Outputs should be described as estimates, not approvals, guarantees, quotes, or predictions.

AI-assisted work

AI tools may support outlining, coding, editing, and consistency checks. A human editor remains responsible for source verification, calculations, originality, clarity, and final publication.

Conflicts and commercial relationships

Advertising or affiliate relationships must be disclosed and must not determine conclusions. Sponsored material must be labeled. The launch build contains no affiliate links.

Updates

Material data changes, broken tools, and substantive reader reports should trigger review. Minor style edits do not require a new methodological review date.