How we decide what belongs in a guide.

1. Make the scope visible

Every guide page states what the product covers, who it is for, what format is delivered, and what the material cannot determine for an individual reader.

2. Separate experience from authority

Lived experience is valuable and is labeled as such. Public-resource research is linked. Professional review is named only when it actually occurred; it is never implied through tone or design.

3. Prefer primary and public-interest sources

For legal, government, or health-adjacent topics, we prefer statutes, government programs, public agencies, recognized nonprofits, and named professional organizations over anonymous summaries.

4. Use dates and stable claims

Guide pages include a visible last-reviewed date. Claims that can change by state, program, platform, or year are qualified. Readers are directed to current sources for time-sensitive details.

5. Correct clearly

Send a correction with the page or guide name, the disputed passage, and a supporting source to heather@lifestorystudios.com. Material corrections are reflected in the next digital edition and the public page.

6. Disclose commercial relationships

Product pages identify the publisher and checkout provider. Affiliate links are marked with rel="sponsored" and accompanied by a plain-language disclosure.

Last reviewed: July 20, 2026.