Sources we use
We rely on primary sources: the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (TreasuryDirect and Fiscal Data), the SEC (investor.gov), the CFPB, the NCUA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IRS and the Code of Federal Regulations (Regulation DD and Regulation D). Formulas are checked against the worked examples these sources publish. We do not use bank advertising, forums or social media as sources of fact.
How calculators are checked
Every calculator uses published, standard formulas. The code is covered by automated tests that check known answers (for example, $10,000 at 5% compounded monthly for 10 years grows to $16,470.09, and a 26-week Treasury bill bought at a 4.000% discount rate costs $97.977778 per $100). We show the formula next to each tool so anyone can verify the result by hand.
What we will not publish
- Rate rankings, "best account" lists or recommendations of a bank, broker or fund.
- Paid placements, referral links or affiliate links.
- Claims we cannot support with a source.
Updates and corrections
Each page shows the date it was last updated. When the FDIC publishes new national rates, the Treasury announces new I bond rates or the Federal Reserve changes its target range, we update the affected pages and their dates. If you find an error, tell us through the contact page and we will review it and correct it.