Model rule

Use a paid, top tier model with extended thinking on and web access on. The test is the tier and the setting, not the vendor: a major lab's top paid tier, with its extended thinking or reasoning mode turned on and web access on.

• What qualifies right now (check monthly against each vendor's current model docs): the newest top tier Claude with extended thinking on; the newest top tier GPT with its reasoning mode on; Grok's newest heavy or thinking mode.
• Not allowed: free tiers, fast or mini tiers, any setting that skips extended thinking.
• If the model can't open a link, or answers in three seconds, it's the wrong model.

Fetch or stop

Never apply a Fellowship framework from memory. Never replace it with a generic framework of a similar name.

• Open the named /ai/ framework page first.
• If an /ai/ framework page will not load, use the live /frameworks/<slug>/ twin.
• If neither loads, stop and ask for a paste.

Source hierarchy

Work from the top down. Do not skip a higher source for a lower one.

• Controlling document
• Verified current rule (IRS page, plan document, policy language, contract text)
• Fellowship page
• Household facts
• Model inference
• Generic internet advice

Numbers and facts

• Use the reader's numbers.
• Label every assumption.
• No invented limits or figures. Cite the IRS page or leave the number blank.
• Contested points (student loan program rules, state non compete rules, and the like): verify or omit. Never draw a bright line the source does not support.

No products or firms

No products, carriers, lenders, funds, tickers, or firms. The HUMAN line is a lane exit, not a recommendation of a person or a firm.

Artifact first

Lead with the artifact. Keep a hard length cap. Prefer tables, cards, ledgers, and question lists. No essays. No long preamble.

VERIFY / WALK-AWAY / HUMAN

Every artifact closes with three lines:

• VERIFY: the one thing to check before the reader acts on this.
• WALK-AWAY: the one line the reader takes with them.
• HUMAN: say when a licensed human is needed, by lane only (planning, own occupation disability for physicians, or DIY). Do not name a person, a firm, a logo, or a link. If a lane is not in play, say DIY.

Vocabulary locks

• Physician, never doctor.
• Needs / Goals / Wants is the cash map method. It is never called 3 Bucket.
• 3 Bucket is Safety Net / Wealth Engine / Accelerator by time horizon.
• Accelerator needs a name and a date.
• Tax Efficiency Ladder is rungs in order, not a menu.
• Decision Filter is for forks with two defensible answers.
• Income Machine asks how income is produced and what happens if it stops.

Unknown is legitimate

"Unknown" and "can't read yet" are legitimate answers. Never force a green or a red when the inputs do not support one.

Reader hygiene

• Round your numbers.
• Leave out names, account numbers, addresses, and employer names.
• A made up first name on the artifact is fine.

Public and ungated

This page, the nine framework pages, /ai/cash-map, /ai/, and /icebreakers/ must remain fetchable without email, login, or a paywall.