Cookie Policy
This Cookie Policy explains how Debt Free Advice ("we", "us", or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies to recognize you when you visit our website. It explains what these technologies are and why we use them, as well as your rights to control our use of them.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small data files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used by website owners to make their websites work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide reporting information.
Why do we use cookies?
We use cookies for several reasons. Some cookies are required for technical reasons in order for our website to operate, and we refer to these as "essential" or "strictly necessary" cookies. Other cookies enable us to track and target the interests of our users to enhance the experience on our website.
Types of cookies we use
Essential Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms.
- Authentication cookies (auth_token) - Used to maintain your login session
- Security cookies - Used to protect against cross-site request forgery
Performance and Functionality Cookies
These cookies are used to enhance the performance and functionality of our website but are non-essential to their use. However, without these cookies, certain functionality may become unavailable.
- Questionnaire progress - Saves your progress in the debt questionnaire
- User preferences - Stores your selected preferences and settings
- Activity tracking - Helps maintain your session and prevent timeout
Data Storage and Security
Local Storage
We use browser local storage to store certain information that helps improve your experience:
- Authentication tokens
- User preferences
- Questionnaire progress
- Open banking references (expires after 24 hours)
Secure Storage
Sensitive data is encrypted using AES-GCM encryption before storage. This includes:
- User information
- Client data
- Banking information
- Questionnaire answers
Data Retention
- Session cookies expire after 30 minutes of inactivity
- Banking references expire after 24 hours
- Encrypted data has a 24-hour expiration period
- Credit report data is not stored
- Banking data is not stored permanently
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Request deletion of your data
- Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies
- Request information about how your data is processed
How to Control Cookies
You can control and/or delete cookies as you wish. You can delete all cookies that are already on your computer and you can set most browsers to prevent them from being placed. If you do this, however, you may have to manually adjust some preferences every time you visit our website and some services and functionalities may not work.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or other technologies, please contact us at support@debtfreeadvice.com