What Information We Collect

We collect different types of information depending on how you interact with us. Some you give us directly, and some we gather automatically through your use of our services.

Personal Information You Provide

• Contact details like your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address
• Financial information relevant to seasonal planning, including income patterns and expenditure cycles
• Employment details and business information if you're self-employed or run a seasonal business
• Payment information when you purchase our services
• Communication preferences and feedback you share with us
• Any other information you choose to provide in forms, surveys, or correspondence

Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our website or use our online tools, we automatically collect certain technical information:

• Device information including IP address, browser type, and operating system
• Usage data such as pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns
• Location data based on your IP address
• Cookie data and similar tracking technologies

How We Use Your Information

We're transparent about why we need your data. Here's what we do with it:

Who We Share Your Data With

We don't sell your personal information to anyone. That's not how we operate. But we do share data with specific third parties when necessary:

• Service providers: Companies that help us run our business, like payment processors, cloud storage providers, and email service platforms. They only access what they need to perform their specific tasks.
• Professional advisors: Accountants, lawyers, and auditors who need access to information to provide their services to us.
• Government authorities: When required by Australian law or to comply with legal processes.
• Business transfers: If we merge with or are acquired by another company, your information may transfer as part of that transaction.

All third parties we work with are required to keep your information secure and use it only for the purposes we specify.

Data Storage and Security

Your information is primarily stored in Australia using secure cloud services. We've implemented several layers of protection:

1. Encryption: All data transmitted to and from our systems uses industry-standard SSL/TLS encryption. Sensitive data is also encrypted when stored.
2. Access controls: Only authorized staff can access personal information, and access is limited based on job requirements.
3. Regular security assessments: We conduct routine reviews of our security practices and update them as needed.
4. Staff training: Our team receives ongoing training about data protection and privacy obligations.
5. Secure disposal: When data is no longer needed, we securely delete or destroy it.

How Long We Keep Your Data

We don't keep your information forever. Here's our general approach:

• Active client data: Retained for the duration of our relationship plus seven years, as required by Australian taxation and financial services regulations.
• Enquiry data: If you contact us but don't become a client, we keep your details for two years in case you return.
• Marketing data: Kept until you unsubscribe or for three years of inactivity, whichever comes first.
• Website usage data: Analytics data is typically aggregated and anonymized within 26 months.

These periods may be extended if we have a legal obligation to retain information longer, or if it's needed for legal proceedings.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Australian privacy law, you have several rights regarding your personal information. Here's what you can do and how to do it:

Access Your Information

You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. We'll provide this within 30 days of your request, subject to some exceptions allowed by law. There's usually no charge for this, but we may apply a reasonable fee if your request is particularly complex or repetitive.

Correct Your Information

If you believe information we hold about you is inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete, let us know. We'll correct it within a reasonable timeframe. If we disagree about whether correction is needed, we'll attach a statement to your record noting your view.

Request Deletion

You can ask us to delete your personal information in certain circumstances. We'll comply unless we have a legal reason to retain it, such as taxation record-keeping requirements or ongoing legal matters.

Opt Out of Marketing

Unsubscribe from marketing communications anytime by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or contacting us directly. This won't affect essential service-related communications.

Lodge a Complaint

If you're concerned about how we've handled your personal information, contact us first. We'll investigate and respond within 30 days. If you're not satisfied with our response, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at oaic.gov.au.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies. These are small files stored on your device that help us understand how people use our site and improve your experience.

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies: Required for basic site functionality, like maintaining your session as you navigate between pages.
• Performance cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our site by collecting anonymous usage data.
• Functionality cookies: Remember your preferences and settings to personalize your experience.

Most browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline them if you prefer. Keep in mind this may affect how our website functions for you.

International Data Transfers

While we primarily store data in Australia, some of our service providers operate internationally. When your information is transferred overseas, we ensure adequate protections are in place through:

• Contractual clauses requiring overseas recipients to protect your data
• Using providers in countries with privacy laws substantially similar to Australia's
• Obtaining your consent where required by law

Countries where data may be transferred include the United States (cloud storage providers) and the United Kingdom (email service providers).

Children's Privacy

Our services are designed for adults. We don't knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18 without parental or guardian consent. If you believe we've inadvertently collected such information, contact us immediately and we'll delete it.

Changes to This Policy

We review and update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we'll notify you by email or through a prominent notice on our website.

The date at the top of this policy shows when it was last updated. We encourage you to review it occasionally to stay informed about how we protect your information.