Privacy Policy

Published by: Solution Shortcut
Website: https://solutionshortcut.com
Effective date: September 7, 2025
Last updated: September 7, 2025
Contact (privacy):admin@solutionshortcut.com

Quick summary: We collect limited personal information to run our blog (e.g., site analytics, contact replies, optional newsletter). We use cookies and may work with advertising and affiliate partners. You can manage cookies, opt out of certain sharing, and exercise privacy rights under applicable laws.

1) Who we are

“Solution Shortcut,” operating at solutionshortcut.com, is an informational blog. For GDPR/UK GDPR, we are the data controller for personal data we process. If you contact us by email or form, we’ll use that information to respond.

  • Contact: admin@solutionshortcut.com
  • EU/UK: We have not appointed an EU/UK representative or Data Protection Officer. EU/UK users can reach us at the email above.

2) What data we collect

a) Data you provide directly

  • Contact forms / email: Name, email, message content, and any attachments.
  • Newsletter sign-ups (optional): Name and email.
  • Comments (if enabled): Comment text, display name, email, IP (for spam prevention), and optional profile fields.
  • Giveaways/surveys (if used): Info you submit (we’ll disclose details at collection).

b) Data collected automatically

  • Usage & device data: IP address, approximate location (from IP), browser, device type, referring URLs, pages viewed, time on page, clicks, error logs.
  • Cookies & similar tech: Pixels, local storage, and tags for site functionality, analytics, performance, and (if enabled) ads/affiliates. See Cookies below.

c) Data from partners (if enabled)

  • Analytics (e.g., GA4): Aggregated page metrics and event data.
  • Ad networks / affiliates (e.g., Google AdSense, Amazon Associates): May receive pseudonymous identifiers, ad impressions, clicks, and conversion events.
  • Email provider: Subscription status, opens/clicks.

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information (e.g., health, SSN, precise geolocation). Please don’t send sensitive info via forms or comments.

3) Why we collect it (purposes & legal bases)

Purposes (all users):

  • Provide, secure, and improve our site and content.
  • Respond to messages and support requests.
  • Measure performance and understand what content is helpful (analytics).
  • Run optional emails/newsletters you subscribe to.
  • Monetize via ads/affiliates (if enabled) in a privacy-respectful way.
  • Prevent fraud/abuse, fix bugs, and comply with laws.

GDPR/UK GDPR legal bases (where applicable):

  • Consent (Art. 6(1)(a)) for non-essential cookies/marketing emails.
  • Contract (Art. 6(1)(b)) to deliver content you request (e.g., newsletter).
  • Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f)) to run and secure our site, basic analytics, and anti-abuse—balanced against your rights.
  • Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c)) for recordkeeping or compliance.

You can withdraw consent at any time (e.g., cookie banner, unsubscribe link).

4) Cookies, pixels & tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • keep you signed in (if accounts are enabled),
  • remember preferences,
  • measure traffic/engagement (analytics), and
  • support ads/affiliate attribution (if enabled).

Types:

  • Strictly necessary (always on),
  • Functional & performance,
  • Analytics,
  • Advertising/targeting (only with consent where required).

Your choices:

  • Use our cookie banner/settings to accept/reject non-essential cookies.
  • Adjust browser settings to block or delete cookies.
  • We honor Global Privacy Control (GPC) and similar signals where required by law.

5) Analytics, ads & affiliate links (disclosure)

  • Analytics (e.g., GA4): Helps us understand content performance. GA4 uses IP at collection but reports to us in aggregated form.
  • Ads (if enabled): We may display contextual or personalized ads through ad partners. Personalized ads rely on cookies/IDs—we request consent where required.
  • Affiliate links (if used): We may earn a commission if you purchase through links. Affiliate partners use cookies/IDs for attribution; see their policies.

Your options: Manage cookies in our banner, use the “Do Not Sell or Share/Opt-Out” link for California and similar U.S. state rights (see Section 9), and adjust ad personalization settings with the ad partner (where available).

6) How we share information

We do not sell personal information in the conventional sense. We may share limited data with:

  • Service providers/processors: hosting, security, analytics, email, ad/affiliate platforms, and spam prevention—bound by contracts.
  • Legal & safety: to comply with law, court orders, or to protect rights, safety, and security.
  • Business transfers: in a merger, sale, or restructuring (we’ll notify you where required).
  • With your consent: if you ask us to or opt in.

7) Data retention

We keep personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes above, then delete or anonymize it. Typical ranges:

  • Contact emails/forms: 12–24 months after ticket closure.
  • Analytics: per provider defaults (often 14–26 months; adjust in your tools).
  • Newsletter data: until you unsubscribe or we prune inactive lists.
  • Comments & logs: as needed for moderation/security.

8) Security

We use HTTPS, access controls, spam/malware protection, and routine updates. No method is 100% secure; please use strong passwords and avoid sending sensitive data via forms.

9) Your privacy rights

a) U.S. state laws (including California CPRA, Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, etc.)

Depending on your state, you may have rights to:

  • Know/access the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect.
  • Delete personal information (subject to exceptions).
  • Correct inaccurate information.
  • Opt out of “sale” or sharing (cross-context behavioral advertising).
  • Limit the use/disclosure of sensitive personal information (we generally don’t process SPI).
  • Non-discrimination for exercising rights.

How to exercise: Email admin@solutionshortcut.com with “Privacy Request” and tell us what right you want to exercise. We’ll verify your request and respond within applicable timelines (typically 45 days, extendable once). You may use an authorized agent with proper authorization.

Opt-out of sale/share: Use our link “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information / Your Privacy Choices” (add link to your preference center) or email us. We honor GPC where required.

b) GDPR/UK GDPR (EEA/UK residents)

You may request access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection to processing (including for direct marketing). Where we rely on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.

International transfers: We process data in the United States and may use providers in other countries. For EEA/UK transfers, we rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or other lawful mechanisms with supplementary measures where appropriate.

To exercise rights or raise concerns, email admin@solutionshortcut.com. You can also complain to your local data protection authority.

c) Canada (PIPEDA)

You may request access/correction and contact us with questions or complaints at admin@solutionshortcut.com.

10) Children’s privacy

Our content is for adults and teens interested in benefits/finance topics. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (U.S. COPPA). If you believe a child provided personal data, please contact us and we’ll delete it.

11) Do Not Track (DNT) & Global Privacy Control (GPC)

Browsers may send DNT or GPC signals. There’s no universal DNT standard; however, we honor GPC/recognized signals where required by law to process opt-out requests.

12) Third-party links & social embeds

Our articles may link to other sites or embed social/third-party content. Those sites/embeds are governed by their own privacy policies. Review their policies before interacting.

13) International users

By using our site, you understand your information may be processed in the United States, which may have different data-protection rules than your country.

14) Changes to this policy

We update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We’ll revise the “Last updated” date above, and for material changes we may provide an on-site notice or email (if you’re subscribed).

16) State-specific disclosures (California notice at collection)

Categories collected: Identifiers (e.g., IP, email), internet activity (site usage), and in limited cases geolocation (coarse, from IP).
Sources: You, your device/browser, and service providers (analytics/ads/affiliates).
Purposes: As listed in Section 3.
Sharing/“Sale”: We don’t sell personal information for money; some ad/affiliate cookies could be considered a “sale” or “sharing” under CPRA. You can opt out via our Your Privacy Choices link or by email.
Retention: As outlined in Section 7.
Sensitive data: Not intentionally collected; we do not use it to infer characteristics.

17) Your controls & how to opt out—summary

  • Cookie settings: Use our banner/preferences to disable non-essential cookies.
  • Ads/affiliates: Use Your Privacy Choices link to opt out of sale/share (where applicable).
  • Email: Click unsubscribe in any newsletter or contact us.
  • Access/delete/correct: Email admin@solutionshortcut.com with your request.