The Debt-Free Blueprint is an independent personal-finance education site. Money advice affects real people, so here is exactly how we work and where our limits are.
We use primary or original sources where we can: the Federal Reserve, government agencies, published research, and the companies that publish the data. We link the source next to the claim or in a Sources list at the bottom of the page, and we show the date of the data.
If we can't find a source for a number, we remove it instead of guessing.
Payoff examples use the standard monthly interest formula with a fixed APR and no new charges. We state the balance, rate and payment used, so you can reproduce the result in our calculator. Your results will differ if your rate or spending changes.
Each guide shows when it was last updated. Rates, card offers and account terms change often, so always confirm the current terms with the provider before you apply. If a figure looks out of date, tell us and we will check it.
We sell our own digital products, display Google AdSense ads, and may earn commissions if we add affiliate links in the future. Advertisers and partners cannot pay for placement, rankings or favorable wording. Where a link is an affiliate link we say so next to it. Full details are on our About page.
We include cautions even when they could cost us a sale, such as the risks of consolidation, balance transfers and borrowing against a home.
If you find an error, email info@debt-freeblueprint.com with the page and what's wrong. We review reports, fix confirmed errors, and update the page's date.
We are not a lender, a credit counselor or a licensed financial advisor, and our content is general education, not personal financial, legal or tax advice. For help with your own situation, consider a nonprofit credit counseling agency, such as one that is an NFCC member.