Cookie Policy
What we store on your device, and how to change it
Last updated: 6 August 2026
What cookies are
A cookie is a small text file a website stores on your device so it can recognise you or remember a setting on your next visit. This policy also covers similar technologies such as browser local storage and tracking pixels, which do much the same job.
How consent works on this site
On your first visit you will see a banner offering three choices: accept all, reject all, or choose which categories you allow. Until you make a choice, every non essential cookie stays switched off.
We implement this using Google Consent Mode v2. Google's tags load in a denied state, meaning they do not read or write advertising or analytics cookies. They only start doing so once you grant permission. If you reject, they stay denied for as long as your choice is stored.
Strictly necessary
These are required for the site to function and cannot be switched off. Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations they do not require consent.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
cm_cookie_consent | Remembers your cookie choices so we do not ask again on every page. Stored in local storage, not sent to our servers. | Until you clear it |
sb-*-auth-token | Keeps you signed in to the community forum. Only set if you create a forum account and log in. | Session, refreshed on use |
Analytics
These help us understand which guides people actually find useful, which searches bring them here, and where pages are confusing enough that people give up. We look at this in aggregate. Set only with your consent.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes one visitor from another | 2 years |
_ga_* | Google Analytics | Maintains session state for a property | 2 years |
_gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes visitors over a short window | 24 hours |
Advertising
Advertising is what keeps this site free and keeps our tools free. With your consent, these cookies allow ads to be tailored to you and let advertisers see whether their ad led to anything. Without consent you will still see ads, but they will be generic rather than personalised.
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
IDE | Google DoubleClick | Measures and personalises ads | 13 months |
test_cookie | Google DoubleClick | Checks whether your browser supports cookies | 15 minutes |
_gcl_au | Google AdSense | Attributes a conversion to an ad click | 3 months |
NID | Stores ad preferences | 6 months |
What we do not do
Our calculators and tools do not write your figures to a cookie, to local storage, or to our servers. Everything you type into them stays in memory in your browser tab and disappears when you close it. Nothing you enter about your income, your children or your case is used for advertising.
Changing your mind
You can reopen the consent panel and change any category at any time using the button below. Your new choice takes effect immediately.
You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings. Every major browser lets you do this, and most have a private browsing mode that discards cookies when you close the window. Blocking strictly necessary cookies will stop the forum from working, but the rest of the site will be fine.
To opt out of personalised Google advertising across all sites, visit Google Ads Settings. For a broader industry opt out, see Your Online Choices.