Privacy Policy

Updated 04.05.2024

Thank you for visiting BudgetBytes (or “we” or “our” or “us”).  This Privacy Policy describes the personal data handling policies of BudgetBytes, including the following:

• What personal data we collect, including from BudgetBytes’ online and mobile applications, services and our websites at www.budgetbytes.com (the “Website” and the Website together with the foregoing, collectively, the “Services”); 

• How we use the data;

• With whom we may share the personal data;

• Legal basis for processing the data;

• Storage and security of your data;

• Your Privacy Rights, Choices and Disclosures, including those for Europe and California;

• Users outside the United States; and

• Links to other sites; 

• Privacy Policy updates; and

• Contact Information.

1. Personal Data We Collect or Process

 The Services capture some information about you automatically utilizing background local storage and session storage technologies, such cookies, tags, pixels, beacons and other similar technologies (collectively, “Cookies”). Cookies are small files or other pieces of data which are downloaded or stored on your computer or other device, that can be tied to information about your use of the Services (including certain third party services and features offered as part of our Website). Examples of information of this type are your IP address, the browser you are using, the operating system you are using, the pages on the Website that you visit and details of your transaction activity, such as the amount, date and time for each transaction.  When we use Cookies, we may use “session” Cookies that last until you close your browser or “persistent” Cookies that last until you or your browser delete them. You may change your browser setting to decline the use of Cookies.

Mediavine Programmatic Advertising (Ver 1.1)

The Website works with Mediavine to manage third-party interest-based advertising appearing on the Website. Mediavine serves content and advertisements when you visit the Website, which may use first and third-party cookies. A cookie is a small text file which is sent to your computer or mobile device (referred to in this policy as a “device”) by the web server so that a website can remember some information about your browsing activity on the Website.

First party cookies are created by the website that you are visiting. A third-party cookie is frequently used in behavioral advertising and analytics and is created by a domain other than the website you are visiting. Third-party cookies, tags, pixels, beacons and other similar technologies (collectively, “Tags”) may be placed on the Website to monitor interaction with advertising content and to target and optimize advertising. Each internet browser has functionality so that you can block both first and third-party cookies and clear your browser’s cache. The “help” feature of the menu bar on most browsers will tell you how to stop accepting new cookies, how to receive notification of new cookies, how to disable existing cookies and how to clear your browser’s cache. For more information about cookies and how to disable them, you can consult the information at All About Cookies.

Without cookies you may not be able to take full advantage of the Website content and features. Please note that rejecting cookies does not mean that you will no longer see ads when you visit our Site. In the event you opt-out, you will still see non-personalized advertisements on the Website.

The Website collects the following data using a cookie when serving personalized ads:

• IP Address
• Operating System type
• Operating System version
• Device Type
• Language of the website
• Web browser type
• Email (in hashed form)

Mediavine Partners (companies listed below with whom Mediavine shares data) may also use this data to link to other end user information the partner has independently collected to deliver targeted advertisements. Mediavine Partners may also separately collect data about end users from other sources, such as advertising IDs or pixels, and link that data to data collected from Mediavine publishers in order to provide interest-based advertising across your online experience, including devices, browsers and apps. This data includes usage data, cookie information, device information, information about interactions between users and advertisements and websites, geolocation data, traffic data, and information about a visitor’s referral source to a particular website. Mediavine Partners may also create unique IDs to create audience segments, which are used to provide targeted advertising.

If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices to opt-in or opt-out of this data collection, please visit National Advertising Initiative opt out page. You may also visit Digital Advertising Alliance website and Network Advertising Initiative website to learn more information about interest-based advertising. You may download the AppChoices app at Digital Advertising Alliance’s AppChoices app to opt out in connection with mobile apps, or use the platform controls on your mobile device to opt out.

For specific information about Mediavine Partners, the data each collects and their data collection and privacy policies, please visit Mediavine Partners.

The Website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service of Google Inc. (“Google”) which uses Cookies to identify the frequency of use of certain areas of our website and to identify preferences. For more information regarding how Google collects, uses, and shares your information please visit http://www.google.com/policies/privacy/partners/. The information regarding your use of this Website that is generated by the Cookie (including your truncated IP address) is transferred to a Google server in the United States and stored there. Google will use this information to analyze your use of the Services, compile reports on activity for us, and perform further services associated with website use and Internet use. Google may also transmit this information to third parties where required by law or to the extent that third parties process these data on behalf of Google. You can deactivate Google Analytics using a browser add-on if you do not wish the analysis to take place. You can download the add-on here:  https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en.

We operate social media pages on third party networks and have social media icons on our Website. When you visit or link to our social media pages, data is processed both by us and the applicable social media provider. Social media providers are unaffiliated with us, and we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of social media providers.  Social media providers have their own terms of use and privacy policies, and we encourage you to review those policies whenever you visit their websites or interact with their platforms.

We also collect information that you provide to us voluntarily.  We collect the information that you provide to us when you sign up to receive newsletters, register to become a user, purchase our goods and services, and contact us by email or via the Website. To register as a user, we will ask for your email address and a username and password. If you purchase our goods and services, we will ask for your payment card information and billing address. You have the option to leave comments on our Website, in which case your username and comments will be shared publicly. 

We utilize third party service providers to deliver our advertising, host our mobile content, process payments and host the shop for the sale of our goods. To the extent you are re-directed to those providers’ user interfaces, information may be provided directly to such providers, and accordingly we may receive information about you from those providers in connection with your transactions.

BudgetBytes offers some of its content via a mobile application operated by a third party, SideChef.   When you click on “Get the App!”, you will be directed to the Apple or the Google Play store. SideChef, Apple and Google are independent third parties unaffiliated with us, and we are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Please review all third party privacy policies and terms and conditions.  

We do not knowingly collect information from users of our website under the age of 18 and/or their internet usage, and such persons are not authorized to use the Services. If we obtain actual knowledge that a user is under 18, we will take steps to remove that user’s personal information from our databases. By using the Services, you represent that you are at least 18 years old. You also represent, by accessing or using the Services, that you are of legal age to enter into legal agreements, or if you are not, that you have obtained your parent’s or legal guardian’s consent to accept the terms in this Privacy Policy.

1. How We Use the Data

We use the personal data we collect to respond to your inquiries and comments, complete transactions you initiate, deliver advertising, provide or enhance the services you request, provide updates and other important information related to your activity on and with the Services, inform you of new services or changes in Services, administer the Services, enter into contracts for services, fulfill legal obligations we have to governmental authorities or other third parties, and for other legitimate business purposes.

We may use your email address to send to you marketing communications. You will have the opportunity to opt out of any electronic marketing communications you may receive from us.

1. With Whom We Share Personal Data

We utilize third party service providers (within or outside your country of residence) to perform services on our behalf, including without limitation, our Website host (Shopify), advertising service (Mediavine), payment processors (Paypal), provider of our mobile app content (SideChef), online shopping sites for the sale of our goods (Amazon and Walmart), anti-spam provider (Automatic/Akismet), and professional advisors. To the extent you are re-directed to those providers’ user interfaces, information may be provided directly to such providers via our Website, and accordingly we may receive information about you from those providers in connection with your transactions. 

The Website is operated in the United States, and as such may need to share information with internal personnel and our affiliates located in different geographic locations in order to perform our Services.  

We may disclose information (within or outside your country of residence) if we have a good faith belief that disclosure is necessary by law or the legal process, to protect and defend our or others’ interests or property, or to enforce agreements you enter into with us.  

Your information may be transferred to another company (within or outside your country of residence) in connection with a reorganization, merger, sale, joint venture, assignment, transfer, liquidation or other disposition of all or any portion of our business, assets or stock with such third party. 

We may share aggregated and de-identified information with third parties (within or outside your country of residence) for analytical, research or other similar purposes. 

BudgetBytes may obtain your written consent from time to time in electronic form by using online agreements or other acknowledgements on the Services, including for any other contemplated uses of your personal data not addressed in this Privacy Policy. Please read all online agreements carefully before accepting them.

1. Grounds for Using Your Personal Data

We rely on the following legal grounds to process your personal information:

Consent. Some uses of your personal data as described in this Privacy Policy are subject to your consent, such as marketing email communications.  To withdraw your consent, please contact us at support@budgetbytes.com.  You may also refrain from providing, or withdraw, your consent for Cookies via your browser and mobile settings.

Performance of a contract. We may need to collect and use your personal information to enter into a contract with you and to perform Services that you request. 

Legitimate Interests. We may use your personal information for our legitimate interests to provide our Services and to improve our Services and the content contained thereon.  We may use technical information as described in this Privacy Policy and use personal information for our marketing purposes consistent with our legitimate interests and any choices that we offer or consents that may be required under applicable law.  

Compliance with Legal Obligations. We may use your personal information as necessary to comply with our legal obligations.

1. Storage and Protection of Your Personal Data

We retain the personal data we collect for so long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes for which the data was collected and to perform our contractual and legal obligations. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, we store account credentials, profile data and email addresses until the user requests to be unsubscribed or removes themselves through any self-service tools offered to the user.

We do not store payment card information; rather we utilize the Shopify platform and payment processors and store only an electronic receipt that sets forth confirming payment details, such as purchase date, the expiration date of the payment card and the payment ID, but not complete payment card information.

We take reasonable administrative, physical and technical precautions to protect your personal data and communications between us.  This includes, when required or as we deem appropriate and feasible under the circumstances, encryption and written commitments from third parties that may have access to your data that they will protect the data with reasonable safeguards.  

No Internet or e-mail transmission is ever fully secure or error free, however.  We therefore cannot guarantee absolute security of your data, and we are not responsible for processes and networks that we do not control.  Users assume the risk of security breaches and the consequences resulting from them.  Please be careful in deciding what information you send to us via email or over the Internet.

1. Your Rights, Choices and Disclosures

General. This section is subject to specific disclosures on privacy rights set forth below. We are committed to facilitating the exercise of your rights granted by the laws of your jurisdiction, which may include, without limitation, the right to request the correction, modification or deletion of your personal information, data portability, and the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information (as applicable). We will do our best to honor your requests subject to any legal and contractual obligations.  If you would like to make a request, cancel your account or request we delete or no longer use your account information to provide you Services, contact us at support@budgetbytes.com or make changes to any user profile information connected to your account.

You may opt out of receiving electronic marketing communications from us by clicking on the “unsubscribe” link on the communication or contacting us at support@budgetbytes.com. Some non-marketing communications may not be subject to a general opt-out, such as communications about transactions, disclosures to comply with legal requirements, software updates and other support-related information.  If you do not wish to receive any service-related emails from us, you have the option to deactivate your account.

Subject to local law, you may have additional rights under the laws of your jurisdiction regarding your personal data, such as the right to complain to your local data protection authority. 

You may be able to disable Cookies through your browser settings, but if you delete or disable Cookies, you may experience interruptions or limited functionality in certain areas of the Services.  

Your European Privacy Rights and Choices.  If you are located in the European Union, the United Kingdom or another jurisdiction that has adopted laws substantially similar to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), your privacy rights include the following:

• Transparency and the right to information. Through this policy we explain how we use and share your information. However, if you have questions or need additional information you can contact us any time.
• Right of access, correction, restriction of processing, erasure. You may contact us to request information about the personal data we have collected from you and to request the correction, modification or deletion of such personal information, which requests we will do our best to honor subject to any legal and contractual obligations.  To make a request or to ask us a question about our data practices, please contact us via email at support@budgetbytes.com.  
• Right to withdraw your consent at any time. When we process your personal data based on your consent, you have the right to withdraw it at any time. 
• Right to object at any time. You have the right to object at any time to receiving marketing or promotional materials from us by either following the opt-out instructions in commercial e-mails or by contacting us, as well as the right to object to any processing of your personal data based on your specific situation. In the latter case, we will assess your request and provide a reply in a timely manner, according to our legal and contractual obligations.  Some non-marketing communications are not subject to a general opt-out, such as communications about transactions and disclosures to comply with legal requirements.  
• Right to data portability. You have the right to data portability of your own personal data by contacting us.
• Right not to be subject to an automated decision, including profiling. We do not make automated decisions using your personal data that may negatively impact you.

Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. If you consider that the processing of your personal data infringes your privacy rights according to GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in the member state of your habitual residence, place of work, or place of the alleged infringement.

California Disclosures

California “Shine the Light” Information-Sharing Disclosure: California residents may request a list of all third parties with respect to which we have disclosed any information about you for direct marketing purposes and the categories of information disclosed.  If you are a California resident and want such a list, please send us a written request by email to support@budgetbytes.com with “California Shine The Light Rights” in the subject line.  

California Do Not Track Disclosure: We utilize an automated tool designed to recognize Do Not Track settings and Global Privacy Controls in end-user browsers.

California Consumer Privacy Act Disclosures. If you are a resident of California (or another state that has adopted laws substantially similar to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (“CCPA”)), you have the right to request:

• The categories of personal information (including sensitive personal information if applicable) we have collected about you;
• The categories of sources from which the personal information is collected;
• The business or commercial purpose of collecting, selling or sharing personal information;
• The categories of third parties with whom we share or sell personal information;
• The categories of personal information about you that we have disclosed; and
• The specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you.

Additionally, you have the right:

• to know the length of time we retain your personal information
• to request deletion of your personal information, 
• to request the correction of any inaccurate data, 
• to opt out of the sale or sharing of your information (if applicable); 
• to limit the use of sensitive personal information (if applicable); and 
• to not be discriminated against for exercising any of your CCPA/CPRA rights.

We share (as defined under CCPA) consumers’ personal information (namely online identifiers) in the context of cross-context behavioral advertising. Please see Section 1(a) above for more information. You may also opt out of the sharing of your personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising via  https://shop.budgetbytes.com/pages/ccpa-opt-out# (accessible by the “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link on our homepage). 

Please see the chart below regarding the categories of data we collect or receive from Consumers in connection with providing our Website and to whom we may have disclosed the information for business purposes. 

Personal Information Category	Source of Personal Information	Purpose for Collecting the Personal Information	To whom we disclose the Personal Information
Identifiers such as a name, address, unique personal identifier, email, phone number	Information you provide to us; Information we collect automatically; Information collected from third party providers.	See Sections 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) above	See Section 3 above
Information described in 1798.80(e) (and not otherwise addressed in this table), including bank account number, credit card number, debit card number, or any other financial information, medical information, or health insurance information	Information you provide to us; Information collected from third party providers.	See Sections 1(b) and 1(c) above	See Section 3 above
Protected Classifications under California and federal law, including gender, age and citizenship.	Information you provide to us (although we do not request this information)	If you apply for employment, or if you volunteer this information in a comment on the Website	See Section 3 above
Commercial information such as records of products or services purchased, obtained, or considered, purchase histories and tendencies	Information you provide to us; Information we collect automatically; Information collected from third party providers.	See Sections 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) above	See Section 3 above
Biometric information	We do not collect this information
Internet or other electronic network activity information, including browsing history and search history and interactions with an advertisement.	Information you provide to us; Information we collect automatically, information collected from third party providers	See Sections 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) above	See Section 3 above
Geolocation data that is sufficient to identify a precise physical location.	We do not collect this information.
Sensory data, such as audio, electronic, visual, or other similar information.	We do not collect this information
Professional or employment-related information	Information you provide to us (although we do not collect this information)	If you apply for employment, or if you volunteer this information in a comment on the Website	See Section 3 above
Education Information	We do not collect this information
Inferences about preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes.	Information you provide to us; Information we collect automatically; Information collected from third party providers.	See Sections 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) above	See Section 3 above

We do not collect any “sensitive information” for the purposes of inferring characteristics of a consumer. Accordingly, all information collected is “personal information” (and not “sensitive information”) pursuant to CCPA/CPRA, and accordingly it is not necessary for us to display a “Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information” link on our Website.

Personal data may be provided to our service providers, contractors and, pursuant to Sections 1798.140(ad)(2)(A) and 1798.140(ah)(2)(A) of the CCPA/CPRA, to third parties. 

Our contact information is listed at the bottom of this policy.  You may also submit a request on our website form located at https://www.budgetbytes.com/contact/ and enter your request in the message blank. If you submit a data subject request, we will ask for your name and email address, and we will endeavor to authenticate your account by using the IP address associated with your submission email. We may also require that you submit your request via the Services’ standard authentication procedures (i.e., log on with username and password to submit a request) and/or provide information about any historical transactions with the Services to ensure you are the person you say you are. If this information or these processes are insufficient to verify your identity and assess your privacy request, we may need to ask for additional information.  You may also designate an authorized agent to make a CCPA privacy request.

1. Users Outside the United States

The Services are controlled and operated from the United States. If you are an individual from the European Union, Canada or any other jurisdiction with laws or regulations governing personal data collection, use, and disclosure that differ from United States laws, please be advised that we may store the information we collect in the United States which is not deemed an “adequate jurisdiction” by the European regulatory authorities.  Personal data may also be transferred from the country of your residence to other countries, including the United States.

1. Links to Other Sites

Our Services may contain links to other websites for your convenience or information.  These websites may be operated by companies unaffiliated with us, and we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those websites.  Linked websites may have their own terms of use and privacy policies, and we encourage you to review those policies whenever you visit the websites. 

1. Privacy Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time and without prior notice to you to reflect changes in our information practices, and any such amendments shall apply to information already collected and to be collected. Your continued use of the Services after any changes to our Privacy Policy indicates your agreement with the terms of the revised Privacy Policy.  Please review this Privacy Policy periodically and especially before you provide personal data to us.  The date of the last update of the Privacy Policy is indicated at the top of this Privacy Policy. 

1. Questions and Contact Information

Please contact us if you have any questions about our Privacy Policy. You may contact us by sending correspondence to 4117 Gallatin Pike Suite 105, Nashville, TN 37216 or by emailing us at support@budgetbytes.com.