Privacy Policy

1. Overview

This Privacy Policy describes how RetireCalc ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and discloses information when you use our services, and the choices you have. By using RetireCalc, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

We operate in compliance with applicable privacy laws and the Google AdSense Program Policies, including proper disclosure of data collection and advertising practices.

2. Information We Collect

a) Information You Provide

RetireCalc is a client-side tool. All calculations happen entirely in your browser. Financial figures you enter (savings, withdrawal amounts, age, etc.) are never transmitted to our servers and are not stored, logged, or shared.

b) Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, certain data may be automatically collected, including:

• IP address (anonymized where required by law)
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent
• Referring website address
• Date and time of your visit
• Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)

This data is collected through log files and third-party analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) to help us improve our service.

3. Google AdSense & Advertising

How Google AdSense Works

Google and its advertising partners may:

• Use cookies and web beacons to collect information about your browsing activity across websites
• Use the DoubleClick DART cookie to serve ads based on your visits to this and other sites
• Use interest-based (personalized) advertising based on your browsing history and demographics
• Combine data from RetireCalc with data from other websites you have visited

Opting Out of Personalized Ads

You can opt out of Google's use of cookies for personalized advertising:

• Google Ads Settings
• Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-Out
• Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out

Learn more: How Google uses data from sites that use our services.

Ad Content

Ads on RetireCalc are served by Google and may be targeted based on your interests and browsing history. RetireCalc does not control ad content. If you see an inappropriate ad, report it using the AdChoices icon on the ad.

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We and our third-party partners use cookies and similar tracking technologies. A cookie is a small text file placed on your device to help provide and improve our services.

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies in your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality and ad relevance. Most browsers allow you to view, delete, and block cookies.

5. Third-Party Services

Our website uses the following third-party services, each governed by their own privacy policies:

• Google AdSense – Privacy Policy
• Google Analytics – Privacy Policy
• Bootstrap CDN (jsDelivr) – Privacy Policy
• jQuery CDN (code.jquery.com) – OpenJS Foundation CDN
• Chart.js (jsDelivr) – Data visualization library via CDN
• Cloudflare CDN – Privacy Policy

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party services.

6. How We Use Your Data

We use automatically collected data to:

• Operate, maintain, and improve our website
• Understand usage patterns and optimize user experience
• Display relevant advertisements via Google AdSense
• Monitor performance and detect technical issues
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Protect the security and integrity of our website

We do not use calculator inputs for any purpose — they remain entirely within your browser session.

7. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or transfer your personal information except in these circumstances:

• Third-party service providers: Google Analytics and Google AdSense as described in this policy.
• Legal requirements: If required by law or valid legal request (court order, government inquiry).
• Business transfers: In a merger, acquisition, or asset sale. We will notify you of any such change.
• Protection of rights: To protect our rights, our users, or public safety.

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

8. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• HTTPS encryption for all data transmitted to and from our website
• No storage of sensitive financial data (all calculations are local to your browser)
• Regular review of security practices

No internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security. In the event of a breach, we will notify you as required by law.

9. Children's Privacy

RetireCalc is not directed at children under 13 (or 16 in certain jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe your child has provided us personal information, contact us immediately and we will delete it promptly.

In compliance with COPPA and Google AdSense policies, we do not knowingly display personalized advertisements to children.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
• Right to Restriction: Request that we limit how we process your data.
• Right to Data Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format.
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data, including for profiling.
• Right to Opt Out of Sale: We do not sell personal data.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information in Section 14.

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA / CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the CCPA and CPRA:

• Right to Know: Request the categories and specific pieces of personal information collected about you in the past 12 months.
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information we have collected, subject to exceptions.
• Right to Opt Out of Sale/Sharing: We do not sell personal information. However, Google AdSense may constitute "sharing" for cross-context behavioral advertising. Opt out via Google Ads Settings or the Global Privacy Control (GPC).
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.
• Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information.
• Right to Limit Sensitive Data Use: We do not collect sensitive personal information as defined by CPRA.

To make a verifiable consumer request under CCPA/CPRA, contact us per Section 14. We will respond within 45 days.

12. EU & UK Users (GDPR)

If you are in the EEA, UK, or Switzerland, the GDPR or equivalent laws apply.

Legal Basis for Processing

• Legitimate Interests: Operating and improving our website.
• Consent: Where required, we obtain consent before placing non-essential cookies.
• Legal Obligation: Complying with applicable laws.

Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred outside the EEA, including to the United States. We ensure appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary. Google Analytics data is retained for 26 months by default.

Right to Lodge a Complaint

You may lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority (DPA). Find EEA DPAs at the European Data Protection Board.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we do, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Post the new policy on this page
• Where required by law, seek your consent or provide additional notice

Your continued use of RetireCalc after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy:

Disclaimer: RetireCalc is a free educational tool. Nothing on this website constitutes financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.