Editorial Guidelines

Last Updated: August 8, 2025

Our Mission

At WalletImpact.com, our mission is to provide trustworthy, actionable, and accessible personal finance content that helps families achieve financial stability and freedom. These editorial guidelines ensure we maintain the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and transparency in everything we publish.

Core Editorial Principles

1. Accuracy and Fact-Checking

  • All financial data, statistics, and claims must be verified through reliable sources
  • We cite primary sources whenever possible (government agencies, financial institutions, peer-reviewed research)
  • Information is cross-referenced with multiple credible sources before publication
  • We promptly correct errors and clearly mark corrections when they occur

2. Transparency and Disclosure

  • All affiliate relationships, sponsorships, and partnerships are clearly disclosed
  • We distinguish between educational content and promotional material
  • Any potential conflicts of interest are disclosed upfront
  • We never accept payment for positive reviews or recommendations

3. Independence and Objectivity

  • Editorial content is never influenced by advertising or affiliate relationships
  • We maintain editorial independence from all business partnerships
  • Recommendations are based solely on merit, research, and reader benefit
  • We present balanced perspectives, including potential drawbacks of financial products or strategies

4. Educational Focus

  • Content is designed to educate, not replace professional financial advice
  • We provide general information and principles rather than specific investment recommendations
  • Complex topics are broken down into understandable, actionable steps
  • We encourage readers to consult with qualified professionals for personalized advice

Content Standards

Research and Sources

Acceptable Sources:

  • Government agencies (IRS, Federal Reserve, Bureau of Labor Statistics, etc.)
  • Established financial institutions and their official publications
  • Peer-reviewed academic research
  • Reputable financial news organizations
  • Industry reports from recognized authorities
  • Direct quotes from verified financial professionals

Sources We Avoid:

  • Unverified social media posts or forums
  • Websites without clear authorship or credentials
  • Outdated information (typically older than 2-3 years for financial data)
  • Sources with clear bias or promotional intent
  • Anonymous or pseudonymous sources without verification

Writing Standards

  • Content must be clear, concise, and accessible to readers of all financial literacy levels
  • Industry jargon is explained when necessary
  • Practical examples and real-world scenarios are used to illustrate concepts
  • Content is structured logically with clear headings and actionable takeaways
  • We use active voice and conversational tone while maintaining professionalism

Fact-Checking Process

  1. Primary Research: All claims are verified through primary sources
  2. Cross-Reference: Information is confirmed with multiple reliable sources
  3. Expert Review: Complex topics are reviewed by qualified professionals when possible
  4. Regular Updates: Content is reviewed periodically to ensure ongoing accuracy
  5. Reader Feedback: We investigate and address reader-reported inaccuracies promptly

Financial Product Reviews and Recommendations

Review Criteria

When evaluating financial products or services, we consider:

  • Cost and Fees: All associated costs, including hidden fees
  • Features and Benefits: Comprehensive analysis of what’s offered
  • User Experience: Ease of use, customer service, and accessibility
  • Reputation: Company track record and customer satisfaction
  • Regulatory Compliance: Proper licensing and regulatory standing
  • Target Audience: Who the product best serves

Recommendation Standards

  • We only recommend products and services we would personally consider using
  • Recommendations are based on thorough research and analysis
  • We clearly explain why we recommend or don’t recommend specific products
  • Alternative options are provided when possible
  • We regularly review and update recommendations based on changing market conditions

Prohibited Practices

  • We never guarantee specific financial outcomes
  • We don’t provide personalized investment advice
  • We avoid sensationalized language or “get rich quick” promises
  • We don’t recommend products solely based on commission potential
  • We don’t endorse illegal or unethical financial practices

Affiliate Marketing and Monetization

Disclosure Requirements

  • Affiliate relationships are disclosed at the beginning of relevant content
  • Individual affiliate links are marked clearly
  • We use standardized disclosure language for consistency
  • Disclosures are prominent and easily understood by readers

Affiliate Selection Criteria

  • Products and services must align with our editorial standards
  • We personally research all affiliate partners
  • Companies must have strong reputations and customer service records
  • Products must provide genuine value to our readers
  • We prioritize partnerships with established, reputable companies

Editorial Independence

  • Affiliate relationships never influence editorial content or rankings
  • We maintain the right to criticize products even if we have affiliate relationships
  • Commission rates don’t influence recommendation priority
  • We regularly review affiliate partnerships to ensure ongoing alignment with our values

Content Categories and Guidelines

Educational Articles

  • Focus on teaching fundamental financial concepts
  • Include actionable steps readers can implement immediately
  • Provide balanced perspectives on complex topics
  • Use real examples and case studies when appropriate

Product Reviews

  • Comprehensive analysis of features, benefits, and drawbacks
  • Comparison with similar products when relevant
  • Clear rating criteria and methodology
  • Regular updates to reflect changes in products or services

News and Commentary

  • Timely analysis of financial news and trends
  • Clear distinction between news reporting and opinion
  • Context provided for complex financial events
  • Focus on practical implications for readers

Personal Finance Tips

  • Practical, actionable advice
  • Appropriate for various income levels and life stages
  • Consideration of different financial situations and goals
  • Step-by-step implementation guides

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Disclaimers

All content includes appropriate disclaimers:

  • Information is for educational purposes only
  • Not intended as personalized financial advice
  • Readers should consult with qualified professionals
  • Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results

Regulatory Compliance

  • Content complies with FTC guidelines for affiliate marketing
  • Financial information adheres to relevant regulatory standards
  • Investment-related content includes appropriate risk disclosures
  • We stay updated on changing regulations affecting financial content

Quality Control Process

Content Review Stages

  1. Initial Draft: Author completes research and first draft
  2. Fact-Check: All claims and sources verified
  3. Editorial Review: Content reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to guidelines
  4. Final Approval: Final review before publication
  5. Post-Publication: Ongoing monitoring for accuracy and updates

Update and Maintenance

  • Content is reviewed annually for accuracy and relevance
  • Major changes in financial regulations trigger immediate reviews
  • Reader feedback is evaluated and incorporated when appropriate
  • Outdated content is updated or archived as necessary

Reader Engagement and Community

Comment Policy

  • We encourage constructive discussion and questions
  • Comments are moderated to maintain respectful dialogue
  • Spam, promotional content, and inappropriate material are removed
  • We respond to legitimate questions when possible

Feedback and Corrections

  • We welcome reader feedback on content accuracy and clarity
  • Corrections are made promptly and clearly marked
  • Reader suggestions for content topics are considered
  • We maintain transparency about our editorial process

Contact and Questions

If you have questions about our editorial guidelines or would like to report an error, please contact us at:

Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Editorial Guidelines Inquiry

We are committed to maintaining these high editorial standards and welcome feedback from our readers to help us improve our content and processes.

These guidelines are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure we continue meeting the highest standards of financial journalism and content creation.