Cookie Policy

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small data files stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They contain information that enables the website to recognize your device and remember your preferences or actions across multiple visits.

Cookies serve several important functions:

• Remembering your login information and preferences
• Improving website functionality and user experience
• Analyzing how visitors use the website
• Delivering personalized content and advertising
• Preventing fraud and ensuring security

Types of Cookies I Use

Specific Cookies I Use

Google Analytics

I use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with my website. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymized data about page views, user behavior, and traffic sources. This helps me improve my website and services.

• Cookie Names: _ga, _gid, _gat
• Retention Period: 2 years
• Provider: Google Inc.
• Learn More: Google Privacy Policy

Email Marketing Cookies

If you subscribe to my newsletter or marketing communications, I use cookies to track email campaign performance and your engagement with my content.

• Purpose: Monitor open rates, click-through rates, and user preferences
• Retention Period: 1 year
• Provider: Email marketing platform

Session Cookies

Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. They help maintain your session and ensure website security.

• Purpose: Maintain secure user sessions and prevent unauthorized access
• Retention Period: Duration of session only

Third-Party Cookies

Our website may contain content from third-party providers that use their own cookies:

• Google Analytics: For website traffic analysis
• Social Media Platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social networks may set cookies for integration and sharing functionality
• Payment Processors: PayPal, Stripe, or other payment providers may use cookies for transaction processing
• Content Delivery Networks: May use cookies to optimize content delivery and performance

We do not control third-party cookies. Please review the respective privacy policies of these providers for information about their cookie use.

Your Cookie Choices

Browser Controls

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through browser settings. You can:

• Accept all cookies - Default setting on most browsers
• Block all cookies - Restrict all cookie placement
• Block third-party cookies - Restrict only third-party cookies
• Delete existing cookies - Remove previously stored cookies
• Set privacy preferences - Configure cookie acceptance rules

Instructions for managing cookies in popular browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge

Opt-Out Options

You can opt out of specific cookies:

• Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Interest-Based Advertising: Visit the Digital Advertising Alliance to manage ad preferences
• Do Not Track (DNT): Enable DNT in your browser settings (limited support from websites)

Cookie Retention and Deletion

Cookie retention periods vary based on type and purpose:

• Session Cookies: Automatically deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a specified period (typically 1-2 years)
• Manual Deletion: You can manually delete cookies through your browser settings at any time

When you delete a cookie, the website will no longer have access to the stored preference or data on your device, though the cookie may be re-created on your next visit.

Changes to This Policy

I may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in my cookie practices, technology improvements, or legal requirements. I will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date and providing prominent notice on my website.

Your continued use of our website constitutes acceptance of any updated Cookie Policy.

Legal Basis for Cookie Use

Our use of cookies is based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: We obtain your consent to use non-essential cookies through cookie banners and preferences
• Legitimate Interest: I use cookies for website optimization, security, and understanding user behavior
• Legal Obligation: I use cookies to comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Contract Performance: Essential cookies are necessary to provide our services