Fact-Checking Policy
Money guidance is only useful if the numbers are right. Every guide on FinanceCalco is fact-checked before it is published and re-checked when the underlying figures change. This page explains exactly how.
What we verify
- Tax brackets, the standard deduction, and FICA rates (Social Security & Medicare).
- Retirement contribution limits (401(k), IRA) and Social Security figures.
- Deposit-insurance coverage limits (FDIC/NCUA) and account rules.
- Statutory thresholds, wage bases, and any rate or limit cited in an article or used by a calculator.
- That each calculator’s output matches the formula it documents.
Sources we trust first
We prioritise primary and official sources over secondary reporting. Where a figure exists in a government or regulatory publication, we cite it directly:
- IRS — tax brackets, deductions, contribution limits.
- Social Security Administration (SSA) — benefits, wage base.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — consumer lending & credit guidance.
- FDIC / NCUA — deposit insurance.
- Federal Reserve & Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — economic data, inflation (CPI).
- FTC, HUD, and Investor.gov (SEC) — consumer protection, housing, investing basics.
Our process
- Draft with sources. Writers attach a source to every figure as they write.
- Independent review. An editor verifies each claim against the original source, not a secondhand summary.
- Calculator check. Tool outputs are tested against the documented formula and worked examples.
- Date and label. We stamp the publish/update date and clearly label estimates as estimates.
- Scheduled refresh. Time-sensitive figures (annual limits, brackets) are reviewed on a recurring schedule and updated as needed.
Corrections
If we get something wrong, we fix it. Material corrections are made promptly and the “last updated” date is revised. To report an error or suggest a source, email editorial@financecalco.com. Our review standards are described in our Editorial Policy.
A note on estimates
Many of our tools produce estimates that depend on assumptions (rates, timeframes, rounding). We verify the method rigorously, but an estimate is not a quote or a guarantee. Always confirm specifics with the relevant institution or a qualified professional. See our Disclaimer.