Our Editorial Standard
TheRichGuyMath is committed to producing clear, accurate, useful, and transparent personal-finance education.
Our goal is not simply to publish information. We aim to help readers understand the reasoning, numbers, assumptions, and limitations behind financial concepts.
Our editorial process is built around five principles:
Accuracy.
Transparency.
Useful information.
Original value.
Reader-first explanations.
1. We Start With the Reader’s Question
Before creating an article, we identify what the reader is actually trying to understand.
A search query may appear simple but contain several underlying questions.
For example:
“What is credit utilization?”
may also involve:
- How is utilization calculated?
- What counts as the balance?
- Does the percentage affect credit scores?
- When is the balance reported?
- Does utilization apply across cards or individually?
- Can utilization change from month to month?
Where appropriate, we address these related questions so the reader does not have to search for fragmented answers across multiple pages.
2. We Prioritize Reliable Sources
For factual financial information, we prioritize primary and authoritative sources whenever practical.
Depending on the topic, these may include:
- U.S. government agencies
- Federal regulatory organizations
- Official financial institutions
- Regulatory filings
- Public datasets
- Academic research
- Reputable financial organizations
Examples include the SEC, CFPB, Federal Reserve, FDIC, FINRA, IRS, Treasury, and BLS.
Secondary sources may be used when they provide useful context, historical information, analysis, or additional explanation.
3. We Verify Important Claims
Financial information can affect real decisions.
For that reason, important claims should be checked against the underlying source whenever practical.
This is particularly important for:
- Tax information
- Regulations
- Interest rates
- Contribution limits
- Government programs
- Financial product terms
- Credit rules
- Investment information
- Statistical claims
We avoid presenting uncertain or changing information as permanent fact.
4. We Show the Math
When an article involves a calculation, we aim to make the underlying formula understandable.
For example:
Credit utilization = Balance ÷ Credit Limit × 100
If the balance is $300 and the credit limit is $2,000:
$300 ÷ $2,000 × 100 = 15%
Showing the calculation allows the reader to understand where the number came from rather than simply accepting the result.
5. We Identify Assumptions
Financial calculations often depend on assumptions.
Depending on the subject, these may include:
- Interest rate
- Investment return
- Inflation
- Contribution amount
- Payment amount
- Time period
- Fees
- Taxes
- Compounding frequency
When assumptions materially affect the result, we identify them.
6. We Explain Limitations
A calculator or financial rule may not account for every real-world circumstance.
When relevant, we explain what the information does not tell the reader.
For example, an investment calculator may illustrate mathematical growth but cannot predict future market returns.
A debt calculator can estimate payoff timing based on entered assumptions but cannot account for every possible change in a person’s financial situation.
7. Original Value
We aim to contribute something beyond simply rewriting information that already exists elsewhere.
Depending on the article, original value may include:
- Calculations
- Financial models
- Examples
- Comparisons
- Data analysis
- Original explanations
- Interactive calculators
- Visualizations
- Methodology
- Practical frameworks
Not every article requires every element. The appropriate format depends on the question being answered.
8. First-Hand Experience
When first-hand experience is relevant and genuinely available, we may incorporate it into an article.
We do not claim to have used a product, service, strategy, or financial method when we have not actually done so.
Personal experience is identified as personal experience rather than presented as universal financial advice.
9. Professional Review
Some financial subjects may benefit from review by an appropriately qualified professional.
When a professional reviews an article, their name, credential, and role should be accurately identified.
We do not describe an article as professionally reviewed unless the reviewer actually reviewed the material.
10. AI-Assisted Content
Artificial intelligence may be used as a research, drafting, organization, editing, or brainstorming tool.
However, AI-generated information is not treated as an authoritative source by itself.
Important factual claims, calculations, financial rules, and other material information should be independently checked against appropriate sources.
The final responsibility for published content rests with TheRichGuyMath editorial process.
11. Updates
Financial information can change.
Articles may be reviewed and updated when material information changes, including changes to:
- Laws
- Regulations
- Tax rules
- Contribution limits
- Interest rates
- Financial product terms
- Government programs
- Data
Where appropriate, articles display a publication date and/or last-reviewed date.
12. Corrections
If we identify a material factual or mathematical error, we work to correct it.
See our Corrections Policy for additional information.
13. Financial Disclaimer
TheRichGuyMath provides financial education and general information.
Our content is not individualized financial, investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice.
Readers should consider their own circumstances and consult an appropriately qualified professional when personalized advice is necessary.
Our Standard
Before publishing financial content, we ask:
Is it accurate?
Is it useful?
Can important claims be verified?
Are the assumptions clear?
Is the math correct?
Are limitations explained?
Does the article provide meaningful value to the reader?
That is the editorial standard we aim to apply across TheRichGuyMath.
Last reviewed: September 2026