Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how BudgetFlow (BudgetFlow Canada Limited) collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our website and services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data responsibly. This policy explains what information we gather, how we use it, your rights regarding your data, and how to contact us with any questions.

Who We Are

We operate a digital budgeting platform designed specifically for Calgary students seeking to master personal finance through technology-driven expense tracking and spreadsheet tools. Our services help students understand their spending patterns, create budgets, and develop healthy financial habits. We collect and process your information as the data controller responsible for your data under Canadian privacy laws.

Information We Collect

We collect several types of information to provide and improve our services:

• Account Information: When you register, we collect your name, email address, educational institution, and password.
• Financial Data: You voluntarily provide expense information, income details, budget targets, and transaction history when using our budgeting tools.
• Usage Data: We automatically collect information about how you interact with our platform, including pages visited, features used, time spent, and device information.
• Communication Data: If you contact us via email or our contact form, we retain your messages and our responses.
• Cookies and Tracking: We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze site performance.

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your information based on several legal grounds. We process data with your consent when you agree to our terms and privacy policy. We rely on legitimate business interests to improve our services, prevent fraud, and ensure platform security. We may also process data to comply with legal obligations under Canadian federal and provincial privacy laws. For any processing that requires explicit consent, we obtain it before collecting or using your information.

How We Use Your Information

Your information helps us provide, maintain, and improve our services. We use your data to create and manage your account, process your budgeting requests, personalize your experience, send you service updates and announcements, respond to your inquiries and support requests, analyze usage patterns to enhance our platform, and detect and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized activities. We never sell your personal information to third parties. We only share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our platform, and only when necessary to provide our services.

Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. Here are our specific retention periods:

• Account Data: Retained for the duration of your active account. After account deletion, we retain it for up to 12 months for legal and compliance purposes.
• Financial/Budget Information: Retained while your account is active. Deleted within 90 days after account closure.
• Contact Form Messages: Retained for up to 24 months after your last interaction with us.
• Analytics and Usage Data: Retained for up to 14 months for platform improvement and analysis.
• Server Logs: Retained for up to 12 months for security and troubleshooting purposes.
• Email Communications: Retained for up to 12 months unless required longer for legal reasons.

Your Privacy Rights

You have important rights regarding your personal information. You have the right to access your data and request a copy of what we hold about you. You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information. You have the right to request deletion of your personal data, subject to certain legal obligations we must maintain. You can restrict how we process your information in certain circumstances. You have the right to data portability, meaning you can request your data in a structured, machine-readable format. You can withdraw consent at any time if you previously agreed to processing. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe we have violated your privacy rights. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and gather analytics about how our platform is used. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and track your activity. Essential cookies are necessary for our platform to function properly. Analytics cookies help us understand how you use our services so we can improve them. Preference cookies remember your settings and choices. You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling cookies may affect platform functionality. For detailed information about our cookie practices, please refer to our Cookie Policy.

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. We use encryption for data in transit, secure password storage, regular security audits, and restricted access controls. While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for any activities that occur under your account.

Third-Party Services

Our platform may integrate with third-party services to enhance functionality. We only share necessary information with these providers, and they are bound by confidentiality agreements. These services may include payment processors, analytics providers, and hosting services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, and we recommend reviewing their privacy policies. We do not authorize these providers to use your information for any purpose other than providing services to us.

Children's Privacy

Our platform is designed for students and young adults aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from someone under 13, we will take immediate steps to delete such information. For users between 13 and 18, we may collect information with parental consent where required by law. If you are under 18, please have a parent or guardian review this policy and our terms of service.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "last updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.