Last updated: November, 2025
At HowToDoRetirement.com, your privacy matters. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we keep it safe. It also includes our Affiliate Disclosure, as required by US FTC rules and UK CAP/ASA guidelines.
This policy applies to all visitors, subscribers, and customers of HowToDoRetirement.com and any digital products sold through the site.
1. Who We Are (Data Controller)
HowToDoRetirement.com is operated by Kathryn K.
If you have any questions, you can reach us at:
For UK and EU visitors, HowToDoRetirement.com is the data controller for your personal information.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information in two main ways:
A. Information you choose to share
This includes:
- Name
- Email address
- Story submissions
- Contact form messages
- Purchase details (for digital downloads only)
This information is collected when you:
- Sign up for emails
- Download free resources
- Purchase digital products
- Submit a story
- Contact us
B. Automatic information
Like most websites, we use common tools to improve your experience and understand how our site is used. These tools may collect:
- Browser type
- Pages visited
- Time spent on site
- General location (city/country)
- Device type
This data is generally anonymized and cannot identify you personally.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Send newsletters or updates you signed up for
- Deliver digital products you purchased
- Respond to your questions
- Improve the website and user experience
- Maintain accurate purchase records
- Share aggregated, anonymous insights (never personal data)
We will never sell or rent your email or personal information.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
(for UK/EU GDPR)
We process your information under these lawful bases:
- Consent – When you sign up for emails, submit a story, or voluntarily share information.
- Contract – When you purchase a digital product and we need your information to deliver it.
- Legitimate Interest – To maintain website security, prevent fraud, understand site performance, and improve our services.
5. Cookies
Cookies are small text files used to improve your browsing experience.
Types of cookies we may use:
- Essential cookies (site functionality)
- Performance cookies (anonymous analytics)
- Preference cookies (remembering your settings)
You can disable cookies at any time through your browser settings. Some features of the site may not work as intended if cookies are disabled.
6. Analytics
We may use anonymized analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand:
- How many people visit the site
- Which pages are most helpful
- General patterns and trends
Analytics data does not identify you personally.
7. Third-Party Services
We only share your information with trusted service providers who help us operate the website and deliver digital products. These may include:
- Website hosting and security services
- Stripe, our payment processor
- Email marketing provider
- Analytics tools
These providers only receive the minimum information needed to perform their services and must keep your information secure.
We do not share your information for advertising purposes.
8. Digital Products & Purchases
If you purchase a digital download:
- Your name and email are required to deliver your files
- Payment is processed securely by Stripe
- We do not store or see your credit card number
- Order history is kept for tax and accounting compliance
9. Story Submissions
When you share a story:
- You may choose to remain anonymous
- Otherwise, only your first name will be published (if provided)
- Submissions may be lightly edited for clarity
10. Email Communication
You will only receive newsletters or emails if:
- You opted in
- You purchased a product and need delivery updates
You may unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of any email.
11. Data Retention
We keep your information only as long as necessary:
- Email list data: until you unsubscribe
- Purchase records: retained for tax and accounting purposes
- Story submissions: retained indefinitely unless you request removal
- Contact messages: retained for customer service only
12. Your Rights (UK/EU GDPR)
You may request at any time:
- Access to the personal data we hold about you
- Correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion of your personal data
- To withdraw consent (for email lists)
- To ask us to stop using your data
To exercise any of these rights, email:
13. Children’s Privacy
This website is not intended for children under 16.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
14. Affiliate Links & Disclosure
Some posts on HowToDoRetirement.com contain affiliate links.
This means:
- If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission
- There is no extra cost to you
- We only recommend products we truly believe are helpful
This disclosure is required by the US FTC and UK ASA/CAP guidelines.
15. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy occasionally. The date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent version.
16. Contact
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or Affiliate Disclosure, please contact us: