Personal Finance Essentials
Privacy Policy
Effective: April 4, 2025
The Personal Finance Institute (“PFI,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, accessible personal finance education to the public. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and share information in connection with your access to and use of www.personalfinanceinstitute.org and any content, features, or services offered through the site (collectively, the “Site”). It also describes your choices and rights regarding that information. By using the Site, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
Summary
To support, enhance, and personalize your experience on the Site, we collect, use, and share certain information about you. As described below, this information may be used to improve the Site’s content and user experience, analyze traffic patterns, and support the educational mission of PFI. We are committed to your privacy and will not share your information with any third party without your consent, except as outlined in this Privacy Policy or as permitted by law.
If you have any questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this document.
What This Privacy Policy Covers
This Privacy Policy covers the Site. You may encounter links to third-party websites while using the Site. Those websites are not covered by this Privacy Policy, and PFI is not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
Please think carefully before submitting any personal information in public areas of the Site (such as comment sections or forums, if any). Information you voluntarily share publicly may be visible to others. PFI is not responsible for personal information you choose to disclose in public forums. To request removal of personal information from such forums, please contact us as described below. In some cases, removal may not be technically feasible or may be limited by legal retention requirements.
Information We Collect
Section Overview: We collect information when you use the Site. Some information you provide directly; other information is collected automatically.
Information You Provide Voluntarily
PFI may collect information that you voluntarily provide through your use of the Site. This may include, for example:
- Your name and email address when you sign up for newsletters, updates, or other communications from PFI
- Contact information or other details you provide when reaching out to PFI through a contact form
- Any other information you choose to submit when interacting with the Site
You always have the option not to provide the information we request. If you choose not to do so, you may still access most of the Site, though certain features or communications may not be available to you.
Information Collected Automatically
When you access the Site, certain information may be collected automatically through standard web technologies, including:
- IP address, browser type, and operating system
- Pages visited, time spent on the Site, and navigation patterns
- Referring URLs and search terms used to find the Site
This information is collected in aggregate and is used to understand how visitors use the Site so that we can improve its content and functionality.
Cookies
A cookie is a small data file stored on your device by your web browser. PFI and its service providers may use cookies and similar technologies on the Site to:
- Personalize and optimize your browsing experience
- Analyze Site traffic and user behavior
- Safeguard the Site against spam or malicious activity
- Support administrative functions of the Site
Most web browsers automatically accept cookies but allow users to modify their settings to decline cookies or receive a warning before one is stored. Please note that disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of the Site.
Cookies used on the Site may fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Essential Cookies: Required for the basic operation and security of the Site. These cannot be disabled without impairing core Site functionality.
- Preference Cookies: Used to remember your settings and preferences to improve your browsing experience.
- Analytics Cookies: Used to collect aggregate data about Site usage to help us understand how visitors interact with our content.
Web Beacons and Log Files
The Site may use web beacons (also known as pixel tags or clear GIFs) to recognize users, assess traffic patterns, and measure engagement. The Site’s servers also automatically log certain technical information, including IP addresses, browser types, and requested URLs. This information is stored securely and used solely for internal analysis.
How We Use Your Information
Section Overview: We use your information primarily to support PFI’s educational mission and improve the Site.
PFI uses the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To deliver, maintain, and improve the Site and its educational content
- To respond to inquiries and communicate with users who have requested information from PFI
- To send newsletters, updates, and other communications to users who have opted in to receive them
- To analyze Site traffic and user behavior in order to improve the user experience
- To protect the security and integrity of the Site
Because PFI is a nonprofit organization focused on public education, we do not use your information for commercial advertising purposes and do not sell your personal information.
How We Share Your Information
Section Overview: We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in limited circumstances.
PFI does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:
Service Providers
PFI may engage third-party service providers to perform functions on our behalf, such as web hosting, email delivery, or analytics services. These providers are given access to the information they need to perform their services and are prohibited from using it for any other purpose.
Legal Requirements
PFI may disclose your personal information if required to do so by law, or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect the safety of any person, investigate fraud, or protect the rights or property of PFI.
Organizational Change
In the event of a merger, reorganization, or similar transaction involving PFI, your information may be transferred to a successor organization. Any such transfer would be subject to the terms of this Privacy Policy, and you would be notified of any material changes as described below.
Security
Section Overview: We use reasonable safeguards to protect your information, though no system is completely secure.
PFI uses industry-standard physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. If you believe your privacy may have been compromised, please contact us as provided below.
Your Choices and Rights
You have the following rights with respect to your personal information:
- Access and Correction: You may request access to the personal information we hold about you and ask that we correct any inaccuracies.
- Opt-Out of Communications: If you have signed up to receive emails or newsletters from PFI, you may opt out at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in those communications or by contacting us directly.
- Deletion: You may request that we delete your personal information, subject to any legal retention obligations.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.
California Residents: Your California Privacy Rights
Under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), California residents have certain rights regarding the collection, use, and sharing of their personal information. PFI does not sell your personal information and will not do so without providing you notice and the opportunity to opt out as required by law.
California residents have the right to request: (1) disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information collected about them; (2) deletion of personal information, subject to applicable exceptions; and (3) equal service and price, even if you exercise your privacy rights. To submit a request, please contact us at the address below. An authorized agent may submit a request on your behalf with your written permission.
California’s Shine the Light law also gives California residents the right to ask companies whether they share personal information with third parties for direct marketing purposes. PFI does not share personal information with third parties for their direct marketing purposes.
Privacy of Children
Section Overview: The Site is intended for users who are at least 13 years of age.
The Site is not directed to children under the age of 13, and PFI does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, we will delete that information promptly. If you believe we may have collected such information, please contact us immediately.
How to Contact Us
Section Overview: Please contact us with any questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy.
If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy or your personal information, you may contact PFI at:
Website: www.personalfinanceinstitute.org
Email: [email protected]
Changes to This Privacy Policy
PFI reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. If we make material changes, we will notify you by posting a notice on the Site or by sending an email to the address associated with your account (if applicable) prior to the change taking effect. We encourage you to review this page periodically for the most current information on our privacy practices. Your continued use of the Site following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
Personal Finance Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.