How We Create Content You Can Trust

Our Mission

Student loans, paying for college, and building wealth are some of the most complex financial decisions people make. Our goal is to help you make each one with confidence.

There are thousands of financial products, programs, and rules out there. We help you understand which ones fit your situation, how they work, and whether they’ll actually help you reach your goals. Everything we create is objective, independent, and free.

01Who Creates Our Content

Our articles, videos, podcast episodes, newsletters, and social posts are created by a team with real expertise in student loans, financial aid, investing, taxes, and personal finance.

• Named CreatorsEvery article carries a byline. Each creator’s background and credentials are on their author page.
• Named ReviewersEach article also lists the editor who reviewed it, so you can see who checked the work.
• Audience FirstWe serve students, families, borrowers, and investors in very different financial situations. We create every piece with that range of readers in mind.

02How We Report And Source

Good guidance starts with good information. These rules apply to everything we create.

• Primary Sources FirstWe rely on primary sources: federal laws and regulations, Education Department data and announcements, official program terms, our own original research, and direct conversations with experts and officials.
• We Show Our WorkWhenever a primary source is available, we link to it, whether that’s the law, the regulation, the PDF, the data, or the video clip. Many outlets skip this step. We think you deserve to verify what we report for yourself.
• Clear AttributionAnything that could reasonably be disputed is attributed to its source. When another outlet breaks a story first, we credit them and link to their reporting.
• Accurate QuotesWe never alter a quote or take it out of context. If a quote is unclear, we paraphrase it in a way that stays true to what the person meant.
• Unnamed SourcesSometimes the only way to get the best information is to speak with people off the record. When we use an unnamed source, the information must be factual and important to the story.
• Fair ResponsesWhen our reporting portrays a person, company, or agency negatively, we make a real effort to reach them for comment before publishing, and we note it when they don’t respond.
• Nothing FabricatedWe never invent people, quotes, numbers, or events. Data in our charts and tools comes from credited sources and is never adjusted to fit a story.

03Types Of Content

Different content serves different purposes, so we handle each one a little differently. Check the date on anything you read.

Opinion and analysis pieces, like our commentary on federal policy, reflect the author’s view and are presented as commentary, not straight news.

04Fact-Checking

Accuracy is the foundation of everything we do. Before anything is published, an editor checks it against the original sources.

• What We CheckNumbers, dates, program rules, eligibility requirements, product terms, and quotes.
• Where We CheckThe most current primary sources available, including federal agencies, official program documents, and the companies and institutions involved.
• Keeping It CurrentWe regularly review our content to catch information that’s out of date. Outdated articles are updated, re-checked, or rewritten, and the new date is shown.

05Editorial Independence

Our reviews and recommendations are our own. They’re based on research, comparison with similar products, and an understanding of what consumers need.

• No Paid ReviewsBusiness partners and advertisers can never pay for a review, a better rating, or a higher placement in our editorial rankings.
• No Editorial InfluencePartners don’t influence what we cover or what we conclude. Some partners review content about their own products for compliance reasons, like confirming rates and required disclosures, but that review never changes our opinions or ratings.
• Clear DisclosureSponsored content is always labeled, and we follow FTC disclosure requirements. We explain exactly how we make money.
• Not Investment AdviceWe don’t recommend that you buy, sell, or hold any security or investment. We provide information, context, and comparisons to help you decide for yourself.

06AI Usage Policy

We use AI tools to help our team work faster and better. People remain responsible for everything we publish.

07Accuracy And Corrections

When we get something wrong, we say so and fix it.

• Fixed QuicklyWhen we find a factual error, we correct the article where it appeared as quickly as possible.
• Clearly LabeledSignificant corrections are noted on the article with the date and what changed. We call a correction a correction.
• Tell UsIf you spot a mistake, email [email protected] or use our contact form. We review every report.