Data You Enter: Debt details (balances, interest rates, payments, budget, etc.) that you input into the calculator are saved only in your browser's local storage if you choose to use the "Save Plan" feature. We never store this specific financial data on our servers.
Automatically Collected Data:
Basic Usage Data (via Google Analytics): We collect anonymized information about how users interact with the site, such as browser type, pages visited, and general usage patterns. This helps us understand how the calculator is used and how to improve it.
Cookies for Ads/Affiliates: We may use cookies in connection with advertising or affiliate programs (e.g., Amazon Associates, LendingTree). These cookies help track referrals if you click on sponsored links.
2. How We Use Data
Local Storage: The "Save Plan" feature uses your browser's local storage to allow you to reload previously entered data without retyping. This data remains on your computer. You can clear this data by clearing your browser's cache/storage or potentially by using the "Recalculate / Reset" button within the app (depending on its specific implementation for clearing storage).
Analytics: Aggregated and anonymized usage data helps us improve the calculator's functionality and user experience (e.g., understanding common budget amounts or popular features).
Ads/Affiliates:
We may earn referral fees if you click on affiliate links (e.g., for debt consolidation offers or related financial products) and subsequently make a purchase or sign up for a service. These links will be clearly marked (e.g., as "Sponsored" or similar).
Cookies associated with these programs help track the source of the referral. You can often opt out of interest-based advertising cookies through resources like the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) opt-out page.
3. Third Parties
Affiliate Programs: We may participate in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may include links to third-party financial products or services. Clicking these links may result in us earning a commission. These links will be identified.
Analytics Providers: We use Google Analytics to understand website traffic and usage. Google has its own privacy policy regarding the data it collects.
4. Your Control
Clear Saved Plans: You can delete data saved in your browser's local storage by clearing your browser's site data/cache or using the "Recalculate / Reset" button if it's configured to clear local storage.