Corrections Policy

FinanceBlog is committed to publishing accurate, clear and useful financial information for South African readers. We recognise that mistakes can occur and that financial information can change over time.

This Corrections Policy explains how we handle factual errors, outdated information, reader feedback and updates to published articles.

Our Commitment to Accuracy

We aim to verify important factual information before publication and use reliable sources where appropriate.

For topics involving tax, banking, credit, financial regulation, government programmes or other official processes, we aim to consult relevant primary or authoritative sources wherever practical.

These may include organisations such as SARS, the South African Reserve Bank, National Treasury, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, the National Credit Regulator, government departments, banks and other relevant institutions.

However, financial information can change and no publication is immune from error. When we become aware of a material mistake, we aim to investigate it and correct it appropriately.

What We Correct

A correction may be necessary when published information contains a material factual error.

Examples may include:

• An incorrect financial figure, rate or calculation.
• Incorrect information about a banking process or financial service.
• An inaccurate description of a tax rule or requirement.
• Incorrect dates or eligibility requirements.
• A factual statement that is no longer supported by the cited source.
• An incorrectly attributed statement or source.
• Information that could materially mislead a reader about the subject being discussed.

We assess corrections according to the nature and significance of the error.

Updates Are Different From Corrections

Financial information frequently changes.

For example, SARS may introduce new tax-year figures, a bank may change its fees, an interest rate may change, a government programme may introduce a new process, or a regulator may publish updated requirements.

Changing an article to reflect genuinely new information is an update rather than necessarily a correction of the original article.

Where appropriate, substantially reviewed or revised articles may display a “Last updated” date.

We do not change publication or update dates simply to make older articles appear new.

Minor Editorial Changes

Not every edit requires a formal correction notice.

We may make minor changes such as correcting:

• Spelling and grammar.
• Punctuation.
• Formatting.
• Broken links.
• Typographical errors.
• Unclear wording that does not change the underlying meaning.

These changes may be made without a separate correction notice because they do not materially alter the factual substance of an article.

How We Handle Material Corrections

When a potential material error is identified, we aim to review the relevant section of the article and the evidence supporting it.

Where appropriate, this includes checking the original source and comparing the information with current authoritative or primary sources.

If an error is confirmed, we may:

1. Correct the inaccurate information.
2. Rewrite surrounding text where necessary to prevent misunderstanding.
3. Replace or update an outdated source.
4. Correct calculations, tables or examples affected by the error.
5. Add clarification where the original wording could materially mislead readers.
6. Record or explain a significant correction where appropriate.

The response depends on the seriousness of the issue and how much of the article is affected.

Sources and Verification

FinanceBlog aims to use appropriate sources for important financial claims.

For South African financial topics, we prefer primary sources where practical, particularly when dealing with tax rules, regulations, official rates and government processes.

Where an article discusses a particular bank, financial institution, regulator or government service, we may verify information against that organisation’s official material.

A third-party article repeating the same claim does not necessarily establish that the information is correct.

Reporting an Error

Readers are encouraged to tell us when they believe something published on FinanceBlog is inaccurate or outdated.

Please contact us through our Contact Us page and, where possible, provide:

• The URL or title of the affected article.
• The specific statement you believe is incorrect.
• An explanation of why you believe it is incorrect.
• The correct information, if known.
• A reliable source supporting the proposed correction.

Providing a source is particularly helpful for information involving tax rates, banking rules, legislation, regulations or government programmes.

What Happens After You Submit a Correction

Receiving a correction request does not automatically mean that the published information is incorrect.

We will assess the information provided and, where necessary, conduct additional research.

If we determine that a material factual error exists, we aim to correct it within a reasonable period.

If the existing information is supported by reliable evidence, we may leave the article unchanged.

Where an issue involves interpretation rather than an objectively incorrect fact, we may clarify the article if doing so would help readers better understand the issue.

Corrections to Calculations and Examples

FinanceBlog may use examples and calculations to explain financial concepts.

If an underlying figure, formula or calculation is incorrect, we aim to correct both the error and any conclusions or examples that depend on it.

Illustrative examples should also be clearly distinguished from personalised financial advice or guarantees about an individual’s circumstances.

Historical Information

Older information is not automatically incorrect simply because newer information exists.

An article discussing a particular tax year, historical interest rate or previous financial rule may retain the historical figure when it is relevant to the subject.

Where there is a reasonable risk of confusion, we may clarify that the information applies to a particular period and direct readers to newer information.

Article Removal and Consolidation

In some cases, correcting individual statements may not be sufficient.

FinanceBlog may remove, redirect or consolidate an article when:

• The article is substantially outdated.
• Reliable verification is no longer possible.
• The article substantially duplicates another FinanceBlog resource.
• The subject no longer fits our editorial focus.
• The page does not provide sufficient independent value to readers.
• Rebuilding the page would be more appropriate than making isolated corrections.

We do not keep an article online solely because it previously attracted search traffic.

Editorial Independence

Correction decisions should be based on accuracy and usefulness to readers.

Advertisers, sponsors, affiliate relationships, commercial partners or other third parties should not prevent the correction of a factual error.

Where a relevant commercial relationship exists, it should be disclosed appropriately.

Financial Information Disclaimer

FinanceBlog provides general educational information and does not provide personalised financial, investment, tax, credit or legal advice.

Even when an article has been carefully reviewed, readers should verify important and time-sensitive information with the relevant official organisation or suitably qualified professional before making significant financial decisions.

Contact FinanceBlog About a Correction

If you find information on FinanceBlog that you believe should be corrected, please contact us.

Include the article URL and as much detail as possible about the issue.

We appreciate readers who help us identify genuine errors and keep our financial information useful, accurate and relevant to South Africans.