Cookie Policy
Understanding how consolefile.com uses cookies and tracking technologies to provide you with better financial planning tools
We believe in being upfront about how we collect and use data on consolefile.com. This policy explains what cookies are, which ones we use, and how you can control them. Think of this as your guide to understanding our tracking practices—no legal jargon, just straightforward information.
Last thing anyone needs when trying to manage their budget is confusion about website tracking. So we've broken everything down into plain language.
Current Cookie Status
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What Are Cookies Anyway?
Cookies are tiny text files that get stored on your device when you visit websites. They help sites remember things about you—like your login status or preferences. Nothing mysterious, really. Just small data packets that make websites work better.
Some cookies disappear when you close your browser (session cookies), while others stick around for months or years (persistent cookies). We use both types, depending on what we need them for.
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These keep the site functioning. Without them, you couldn't log into your account or save your budget plans. They're non-negotiable because they're required for basic operations. Think of them as the foundation—everything else builds on top.
Functional Cookies
These remember your choices—like currency preferences or dashboard layout. They make your experience smoother by reducing repetitive tasks. You've set things up the way you like them once, and these cookies keep it that way.
Analytics Cookies
We track how people use our budgeting tools to understand what's working and what needs improvement. These cookies tell us which features get used most and where people run into trouble. Helps us make better decisions about future updates.
Marketing Cookies
These track your activity to show relevant content and measure campaign effectiveness. If you've visited our retirement planning section, you might see related tips later. We're trying to be helpful, not invasive, but you can definitely opt out.
About Essential Cookies
Essential cookies can't be disabled because they're critical for site functionality. This includes authentication tokens, session identifiers, and security features. Without these, you simply wouldn't be able to use consolefile.com properly.
How We Use Cookie Data
The data we collect through cookies serves specific purposes. We're not gathering information just to have it—everything has a reason.
- Keeping you logged into your account as you navigate between budget spreadsheets and reports
- Remembering your Malaysian Ringgit currency preference so every calculation displays correctly
- Tracking which budget templates get downloaded most frequently to improve our offerings
- Understanding how users flow through the annual planning process to reduce friction points
- Measuring whether our educational content about budgeting actually helps people make better financial decisions
- Protecting your account from unauthorized access by monitoring unusual login patterns
We review this data regularly—usually monthly—to spot trends and make improvements. Sometimes we find that a feature everyone thought would be popular sits unused, or that people struggle with something we thought was straightforward.
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our site come from external services we use. For instance, if we embed a budgeting calculator from a partner service, that might set its own cookies. Or analytics tools from companies like Google help us understand traffic patterns.
We're selective about third parties. Each one gets vetted to confirm they follow reasonable privacy practices. But their cookies operate under their own policies, not ours, so you should review those separately if you're concerned.
Current Third-Party Services
- Google Analytics for traffic analysis and user behavior tracking
- Cloudflare for security and performance optimization
- Payment processors that handle subscription transactions securely
Taking Control of Your Cookies
You've got options. Lots of them, actually. You can accept everything, reject everything except essentials, or pick and choose. Whatever makes you comfortable.
Browser-Level Controls
Every browser lets you manage cookies through settings. The exact steps vary, but here's the general approach for common browsers:
Browser Instructions
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage cookies
Keep in mind that blocking all cookies can break website functionality. You might find yourself repeatedly logged out or unable to save preferences. It's your choice, but there are trade-offs.
Data Retention Periods
Different cookies stick around for different lengths of time. Session cookies vanish when you close your browser—usually within minutes. Others persist much longer.
- Essential session cookies: Until you close your browser
- Authentication cookies: Up to 30 days unless you log out manually
- Preference cookies: Up to 12 months so your settings persist
- Analytics cookies: Typically 24 months for trend analysis
- Marketing cookies: Usually 90 days for campaign tracking
We periodically clean up old cookie data that's no longer useful. No point in hoarding information we don't need.
Updates to This Policy
Technology changes. So do privacy regulations. We update this policy when necessary to reflect new practices or legal requirements. Significant changes get announced through email notifications or prominent site notices.
Minor clarifications might happen without announcement—we're talking about things like fixing typos or rephrasing confusing sections. But if we start using cookies in fundamentally different ways, you'll definitely hear about it.
Questions About Our Cookie Practices?
If something in this policy doesn't make sense or you want more details about how we handle your data, just reach out. We're based in Kuching, Sarawak, and actually respond to these inquiries.
Email us at support@consolefile.com
Or write to: 182, Lorong Jelutong 3, Kenny Hill, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Phone: +60 10 558 5461
Policy last updated: March 2025