Cookie Usage Policy

Last updated: February 2025

We use tracking technology on quinalorave.com to improve your browsing experience and understand how visitors interact with our budgeting resources. This page explains what these technologies are, why we use them, and how you can control your preferences.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device when you visit them. They help sites remember your preferences and recognize you when you return. Most websites use them — they've become a standard part of how the internet works.

Think of them as bookmarks that the website leaves on your computer. Some disappear when you close your browser (session cookies), while others stick around for longer periods (persistent cookies). We use both types depending on what we need them to do.

How We Use Tracking Technology

Essential Functionality

These cookies keep the site working properly. They remember your login status, form entries, and settings as you move between pages. Without them, you'd have to re-enter information constantly, which would make using our budgeting tools quite frustrating.

Performance Tracking

We track which pages people visit most, how long they stay, and where they click. This helps us figure out what's working and what isn't. If everyone leaves a particular page immediately, that tells us something needs fixing.

Preference Storage

When you customize your experience — choosing display options, adjusting budget categories, or setting financial goals — we store those choices so you don't have to redo them every visit. These make the site feel more personal and save you time.

Analytics Collection

We use analytics to understand visitor patterns and improve our educational content. This includes things like which budgeting tutorials are most helpful, what questions people search for, and which features get used regularly versus those that sit ignored.

Specific Cookies We Set

Technical Cookies

  • session_id: Keeps you logged in as you navigate between pages (expires when you close browser)
  • user_preferences: Stores your display settings and chosen options (lasts 12 months)
  • form_data: Temporarily saves form progress so you don't lose work if you navigate away (24 hours)

Analytics Cookies

  • _ga: Google Analytics main identifier that tracks visitor sessions (2 years)
  • _gid: Distinguishes individual users for traffic analysis (24 hours)
  • visitor_source: Records how you found our site — search engine, direct link, etc. (30 days)

Functional Cookies

  • budget_template: Remembers your chosen budgeting framework (annual, monthly, etc.) (6 months)
  • notification_status: Tracks whether you've dismissed certain messages (90 days)
  • return_visitor: Identifies repeat visitors to show relevant content (1 year)

How Long We Keep This Information

Different cookies have different lifespans. Session cookies vanish when you close your browser. Others stick around for days, months, or up to two years depending on their purpose. You can see the duration for each type listed above. We review our cookie usage annually and remove anything we're no longer using.

Managing Your Cookie Settings

Browser Controls

Every browser lets you control cookies through its settings. You can block all cookies, accept only certain types, or delete existing ones. Keep in mind that blocking essential cookies might break some site features — you might not be able to save preferences or stay logged in.

  • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
  • Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
  • Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies

Each browser handles this differently, and the exact steps change with software updates. If you can't find the cookie settings, search your browser's help documentation for "managing cookies" or "cookie settings."

Decline Non-Essential Tracking

If you'd rather we didn't use analytics and preference cookies, you can opt out right now. This will remove all non-essential cookies and prevent new ones from being set. The site will still work, but you'll lose personalization features and we won't collect any usage data from your visits.

Note about essential cookies: Some cookies are necessary for basic site operation — things like security tokens and session management. These can't be disabled without breaking core functionality. They don't track you across sites or store personal information beyond what's needed to keep the site working during your visit.

Third-Party Cookies

We use Google Analytics to understand visitor behavior, which means Google sets its own cookies on our site. These operate under Google's privacy policy, not just ours. We've configured Analytics to anonymize IP addresses and we don't share your data with other Google services.

We don't currently use advertising cookies or social media tracking. If that changes in the future, we'll update this policy and let you know. Any new third-party cookies would be added to the list above with clear explanations of what they do.

Changes to This Policy

We update this policy when we change how we use cookies or when new regulations require it. The "last updated" date at the top tells you when we last made changes. Significant updates will be announced through a notice on the site, though we won't necessarily notify you about minor wording adjustments.

It's worth checking back occasionally if you're concerned about privacy. We try to keep this information current and accurate, but cookie practices evolve with technology and regulations. If something seems outdated or unclear, let us know so we can fix it.

Questions About Cookies?

If you have questions about how we use cookies or want more details about specific tracking technologies, get in touch with us at info@quinalorave.com or call +44 7947 186532. Our office is located at 59 Ryde Street, Beverley Road, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire HU5 1PB, United Kingdom.