Editorial Policy

1. Mission & Purpose

Our mission is to help financial advisors and planners make informed technology decisions by providing comprehensive, verified, and independently researched tool evaluations. We serve advisors — not vendors.

2. Editorial Independence

Advertising and affiliate relationships never influence editorial decisions.

• Editorial and business teams operate separately.
• No vendor review or approval of content before publication.
• No pay-to-play: vendors cannot pay for inclusion, placement, or favorable coverage.
• Affiliate revenue is incidental to editorial selection, not a driver.

3. Content Standards (E-E-A-T)

We adhere to Google's E-E-A-T framework (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) for financial content:

• Experience: Tools evaluated by professionals with direct experience in advisory technology.
• Expertise: Analysis informed by CFP®, CFA®, CPA, and Series 65/66 credentials on our editorial team.
• Authoritativeness: Sources include Kitces.com, Advisor Perspectives, Financial Planning Magazine, WealthManagement.com, vendor documentation, and regulatory filings.
• Trustworthiness: All tools marked "Verified" have confirmed pricing, features, and integration claims.

4. Research & Verification Methodology

Each tool listing undergoes a structured verification process:

1. Primary Research: Direct vendor website review, pricing pages, feature documentation, API docs, help centers.
2. Third-Party Validation: Cross-reference with G2, Capterra, Software Advice, vendor case studies, and independent reviews.
3. Advisor Feedback: Where possible, incorporate feedback from practicing advisors using the tools.
4. Integration Verification: Confirm integration claims via vendor API docs, marketplace listings (Salesforce AppExchange, Redtail/Wealthbox partner directories), or direct inquiry.
5. Pricing Verification: Confirm current pricing from vendor websites, public rate cards, or direct sales inquiries. Note when pricing is "contact for quote."
6. Version Dating: Each tool page displays a "Last Updated" timestamp. Full directory audits occur monthly.

5. Tool Selection Criteria

Tools are included based on:

• Relevance: Designed for or widely adopted by financial advisors/planners (RIAs, BDs, hybrid firms, fee-only planners).
• AI/Automation Component: Meaningful AI, ML, or workflow automation features (not just basic calculators).
• Market Presence: Active customer base, public pricing or transparent sales process, ongoing development.
• Category Coverage: Ensure representation across all 9 categories for comprehensive comparison.

6. Categorization & Comparison Methodology

Tools are assigned to one primary category based on core functionality. Cross-category capabilities are noted in descriptions.

Comparisons are based on:

• Feature parity matrices (verified against vendor docs)
• Pricing models (per-user, asset-based, flat-fee, enterprise)
• Integration depth (native API vs. Zapier/Make vs. none)
• Target firm size (solo, small ensemble, enterprise RIA, TAMP)

"Winner" and "Runner-up" designations reflect editorial judgment for typical advisory use cases — not universal rankings. Different firms have different needs.

7. Corrections & Updates

We correct errors promptly and transparently:

• Factual errors: Corrected within 24 hours of verification; correction note added to page.
• Pricing/feature changes: Updated during monthly audit; "Last Updated" timestamp refreshed.
• Major corrections: Noted in blog changelog or newsletter.
• User reports: Submit to [email protected] — we investigate and respond within 5 business days.

8. Conflicts of Interest

We disclose and manage potential conflicts:

• No equity positions in covered vendors.
• No employment or consulting relationships with covered vendors.
• No vendor-paid travel, gifts, or hospitality accepted.
• Affiliate relationships disclosed on Affiliate Disclosure page.

9. AI-Generated Content Policy

We use AI as a research and drafting aid, not as an author:

• AI may assist with: summarizing vendor docs, drafting initial outlines, checking consistency.
• ALL AI-assisted content is reviewed, verified, and edited by human editors before publication.
• No content is published solely from AI output without human verification of facts.
• Tool descriptions and comparisons are written by human analysts with domain expertise.

10. Sponsored Content & Native Advertising

We do not publish sponsored content, native advertising, or vendor-written articles. All editorial content is produced in-house. If this changes, sponsored content will be clearly labeled "Sponsored" and separated from editorial content.

11. Contact

Questions, corrections, or concerns about our editorial standards?

Email: [email protected]

We welcome feedback from advisors, vendors, and industry professionals to improve our directory.

12. Related Policies

• Affiliate Disclosure
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service