How we research and write our guides

Who writes our guides

Guides are written and approved by Grady Gardner, founder of MyLifeLedger. Grady is not an attorney, financial advisor, or accountant. Our guides are educational and are not legal, financial, or tax advice.

How we use AI

We use AI tools to help with research and first drafts. AI never publishes on its own. Every article is checked against its cited sources and approved by a person before it goes live.

Our sourcing rules

Every new or updated guide follows these rules. We're working through our older guides now, and each one lists its sources at the bottom once it has been updated.

• Every statistic, dollar amount, deadline, or legal rule is cited. A small numbered link takes you to the source at the bottom of the page.
• We start with official sources, such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, USA.gov, and state courts. Every guide cites at least one.
• Then established institutions, such as AARP, the American Bar Association, and the National Institute on Aging.
• We don't cite competitors, anonymous blogs, or unsourced “studies show” claims.
• We check that every source link works before publishing.

Keeping guides up to date

Each guide shows a “Last updated” date. We only change that date when the content actually changes. We review guides regularly and re-check sources for rules that change over time, like tax limits and benefit amounts.

Comparisons and product mentions

We make MyLifeLedger, and some guides mention it. In comparison articles we try to be fair, including saying when another option may be a better fit for you.

Found a mistake?

Please tell us. Use our contact page and include the page address. We review every report and correct errors promptly.