FRUGALLIVING GUIDES
Last updated: August 25, 2026
FrugalLiving Guides uses a repeatable research and review process so practical advice does not become a pile of disconnected tips. The method below explains how we choose sources, handle numbers, structure recommendations, and decide when a page is ready to publish.
1. Start with the reader’s decision
We define the decision or problem before collecting tips. A useful article should answer a specific question. This helps prevent articles from drifting into generic advice.
2. Separate search intent
Before creating a new page, we check whether an existing article already answers the same intent. If two pages would largely solve the same problem, we prefer to strengthen, merge, or redirect rather than create unnecessary duplication.
3. Build the claim list
Research begins by identifying the claims that need support: factual statements, numerical estimates, cause-and-effect claims, regulatory rules, product or service limitations, and recommendations that could materially affect a reader’s finances.
4. Use a source hierarchy
When possible, we look first for official or primary sources. Our general hierarchy is:
- Government agencies, regulators, official program documentation, and professional bodies.
- Universities, systematic reviews, and authoritative technical references.
- Peer-reviewed research relevant to the exact claim.
- High-quality secondary reporting or explanatory sources for context.
5. Match wording to evidence
We use a Claim → Source → Wording check. If a source supports an association rather than causation, the article should not present causation. If a finding applies only under particular conditions, those conditions should not disappear from the final wording.
6. Check dates, jurisdictions, and definitions
Financial rules, insurance terms, rates, program thresholds, and consumer protections can depend on location and can change over time. We check the date and jurisdiction when those details matter.
7. Treat calculations as calculations
When an article includes arithmetic, we separate the inputs from the conclusion. Illustrative examples are labeled as examples. A conceptual diagram is not presented as measured data, and a chart with real numbers should have a traceable numerical source.
8. Test the recommendation for trade-offs
Before publishing a recommendation, we ask what could make it inappropriate. Lower monthly cost can mean higher risk, lower service quality, more time, or higher out-of-pocket exposure later. If the trade-off is meaningful, it belongs in the article.
9. Give the reader an action path
Articles should end with a practical next step rather than a vague instruction to “be more disciplined.” Where useful, we provide checklists, worksheets, trackers, decision sequences, or examples.
10. Connect related decisions
FrugalLiving Guides uses internal links to connect related decisions in a sequence. These links are designed to continue the problem-solving path, not simply to increase the number of links on a page.
11. Review before publication
Important pages are reviewed for four things: structure and reader value, clarity and natural writing, factual support, and publishing quality such as links, visuals, metadata, and indexing signals.
12. Revisit when something changes
Pages may be updated when official guidance changes, a cited data source is replaced, a recommendation needs narrower wording, a link breaks, or a newer article changes the best internal path through the site.
Questions about our method
For questions about a source, calculation, or editorial decision, use the Contact page and include the article URL.