How Long We Keep This Data

Different cookies stick around for different periods. Session cookies vanish when you close your browser – they're temporary by design. Persistent cookies hang around longer, anywhere from 30 days to two years depending on their purpose.

We review stored data every quarter and clear out anything we don't actively need. Analytics data gets anonymized after six months. Marketing cookies typically expire after 90 days unless you interact with our ads again.

You can always clear your browser cache to wipe everything at once. Just know that you'll lose saved preferences and might need to log in again to various sites.

Other Tracking Technologies

Web Beacons

These are tiny transparent images embedded in pages and emails. They tell us if content got loaded and viewed. We use them to track email open rates and see which budget guides get the most attention. They work alongside cookies but can function independently.

Local Storage

This browser feature lets us store larger amounts of data on your device compared to traditional cookies. We use it for things like saving your budget calculator inputs between sessions. It doesn't expire automatically like cookies do, so you'll need to clear it manually through browser settings.

JavaScript Tags

Small code snippets that run when pages load. They handle everything from analytics tracking to chat widget functionality. Most of our site features rely on JavaScript, so blocking it will break core functionality. You can disable it, but the experience gets pretty limited.

Fingerprinting Techniques

We don't actively use browser fingerprinting, but our analytics provider might collect basic device information like screen resolution and installed fonts. This creates a rough profile that's less invasive than traditional tracking. It's mostly used to detect unusual patterns that might indicate bots.

Your Control Options

Opt-Out Tools

Industry groups offer opt-out mechanisms for interest-based advertising. Check out the Digital Advertising Alliance or Network Advertising Initiative websites. These tools work across multiple sites but need to be set up on each browser you use.

Do Not Track Signals

Your browser can send DNT signals to websites, though there's no legal requirement for sites to honor them. We respect these signals for marketing cookies but still use essential and functional ones to keep the site working.

Account Settings

If you've created an account with us, you can adjust tracking preferences in your dashboard. This gives you more control than browser settings alone and applies across devices when you're logged in.