How we research, review and correct our work

Who we are

Cost of Financing is an independent editorial team researching what business financing really costs. We publish educational calculators and guides for small business owners and founders. We accept no lender sponsorships, referral fees or lead resale payments.

How we build estimates

We use published SBA rules and rate caps, lender published pricing, public disclosures and practitioner reported offers. A published maximum rate is not the same as an available offer, and a rate card may not include every fee. We distinguish those sources rather than treating them as interchangeable.

We model costs as ranges, not quotes. We show the assumptions behind each calculator and include fees and repayment timing when estimating the effective annual cost. Where sources disagree or pricing depends on circumstances we cannot observe, we widen the range and explain the limitation. Our methodology sets out the calculations and their limits.

How often we update

Every page is reviewed at least quarterly and dated. Rate sensitive figures, such as the prime rate, are checked monthly. We also review published SBA changes when they are announced. Rates and fee schedules can change between reviews, so figures remain educational estimates rather than current loan quotes.

Corrections

Readers can report an outdated figure or an error through our contact page. Include the page, the figure and a source where possible. We review reports and update outdated figures within 14 days. Material corrections are noted on the affected page.

Independence

No advertiser or lender influences any estimate. Display advertising funds the site, but it does not buy editorial input, favourable figures or placement in our guides. An advertisement is not an endorsement. We do not collect loan applications, sell leads or direct readers to lenders for referral fees.