Last Updated: [18th June 2025]
PoundWiseJourney.com (“we”, “our”, or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your data when you visit and interact with our website, in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and other applicable laws.
By using our website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
1. Who We Are
PoundWiseJourney.com is a personal finance blog based in the United Kingdom. The website is operated by Jamie Harris. For data protection purposes, we are the “data controller” of your personal information.
Contact Email: admin@poundwisejourney.com
Website: https://www.poundwisejourney.com
2. What Personal Data We Collect
We collect different types of personal data depending on how you interact with the site.
a) Information You Provide Voluntarily
- Contact Form Data: When you use our contact form or send an email, we collect your name, email address and any message you include.
- Email communication: Any personal data you provide in correspondence (e.g., when asking a question or providing feedback).
b ) Automatically Collected Data
Via cookies and analytics tools, we may collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Device information
- Referring/exit pages
- Date and time of visits
- Pages viewed and interactions on the site
c) Affiliate Link Interactions
When you click on affiliate links, anonymised data may be collected by the affiliate partner to track referrals and commissions. This may include your IP address and information about the referring source.
3. How We Use Your Data
We use your data to:
- Respond to enquiries you submit via the contact form or email.
- Monitor and improve site performance and user experience.
- Analyse traffic and behaviour using Google Analytics.
- Track affiliate link interactions for commission reporting.
- Comply with legal obligations.
We do not sell your data to third parties.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
Under the UK GDPR, we rely on the following legal bases:
- Consent: For cookies, analytics, and data submitted through contact forms.
- Legitimate Interest: For website optimisation, analytics (when anonymised), and tracking affiliate link clicks.
- Legal Obligation: Where required by law or to comply with data protection requirements.
You may withdraw consent at any time by managing cookie preferences or contacting us directly.
5. Cookies & Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. Types of cookies used include:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality.
- Analytics Cookies: Used via Google Analytics to gather anonymous usage statistics.
- Affiliate Tracking Cookies: Used by third-party programs like Amazon Associates to track referrals.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Used by Google Analytics to distinguish users | Analytics | 2 years |
| _gid | Used by Google Analytics to distinguish sessions | Analytics | 24 hours |
| amazon-assoc-tracker* | Track clicks and referrals for the Amazon affiliate program | Affiliate | Varies (set by Amazon) |
* Amazon affiliate tracking may use additional cookies (e.g., ad-id, ad-privacy, or device identifiers) depending on your browser, location, and the type of affiliate link. These are governed by Amazon’s privacy and cookie policies.
Cookie Consent
When you first visit the site, a cookie banner will prompt you to consent to non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time via your browser or settings link.
For more information about cookies, please read our Cookie Policy.
6. Third-Party Services
We use the following external services:
a) Google Analytics
Used for site traffic analysis. Data collected is anonymised and does not include personally identifiable information.
We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise IP addresses before storage
Learn more about how Google uses your data.
b) Affiliate Networks (e.g., Amazon Associates)
Affiliate partners may use cookies or tracking technologies to record clicks and attribute purchases for commission purposes. This data is subject to their own privacy practices, which we do not control.
c) Email Providers
Emails submitted through our contact form are stored securely with our email provider and used only to respond to your message.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected or as required by law.
- Contact form submissions: Retained for up to 12 months.
- Analytics data: Retained for up to 26 months (as per Google Analytics default).
- Email communications: Retained for as long as necessary to resolve your enquiry.
8. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, or disclosure. However, no online transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Your Data Protection Rights (UK & EU)
As a UK/EU resident, you have the following rights:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data.
- Restriction: Request limitation of processing under certain conditions.
- Objection: Object to our processing of your data based on legitimate interests.
- Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider.
- Withdraw Consent: At any time where processing is based on consent.
To exercise any of these rights, email us at admin@poundwisejourney.com with:
- “A clear explanation of the request (e.g., data access or deletion)”
- “Proof of identity (if required for verification)”
We will respond within 30 days, in accordance with UK GDPR timelines.
10. Visitors from Outside the UK/EU
While this website is primarily intended for users in the United Kingdom, we recognise that individuals from other jurisdictions may access it.
If you are visiting from outside the UK or EU, please note:
- Your data will be processed and stored in accordance with UK data protection laws, which may differ from the laws in your jurisdiction.
- By using this website and submitting your personal data, you acknowledge and agree that your data may be transferred to and processed in the UK.
- We will take reasonable steps to ensure your data is treated securely, but please be aware that your jurisdiction may not offer the same legal protections.
Regardless of your location, we are committed to treating your personal data with care and respecting your privacy. If you have questions or concerns about your rights, please contact us at admin@poundwisejourney.com.
11. Data Transfers Outside the UK/EEA
We do not knowingly transfer your personal data outside the UK or EEA. However, some third-party services (like Google Analytics or affiliate programs) may process data outside these regions. When such transfers occur, they are subject to safeguards (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses).
Some of the third-party services we use (such as Google Analytics or affiliate programs like Amazon Associates) may process your personal data outside the UK or European Economic Area. Where such transfers occur, we ensure they are protected by appropriate legal safeguards, such as the use of Standard Contractual Clauses approved by UK Information Commissioners Office (ICO).
12. Children’s Privacy
This website is not intended for children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under 16. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected such data, we will delete it promptly.
13. Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including affiliate partners. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before submitting any personal data.
14. Automated Decision-Making / Profiling
We do not use your personal data to make automated decisions or conduct profiling that would significantly affect you.
15. How to Make a Complaint
If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us first so we can try to resolve the issue: admin@poundwisejourney.com.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK’s data protection authority:
Information Commissioners Office (ICO)
Website: https://www.ico.org.uk
16. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in legal, technical, or business developments. When we update the policy, we will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top.
You are encouraged to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we handle your personal data.
17. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact:
PoundWise Journey
Email: admin@poundwisejourney.com
Website: https://www.poundwisejourney.com