The Budgetcouch (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

By using our website, purchasing our products, or subscribing to our content, you agree to the terms of this policy.

​

1. What Information We Collect

We collect only what is necessary for running The Budgetcouch and providing you with value.

​

1.1 Information You Provide to Us

​

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

Through cookies and analytics tools, we may collect:

• IP address

• Device type

• Browser type

• Pages visited

• Time spent on the site

• Referral sources

We use this only to improve user experience.

​

1.3 Payment Information

We use your personal information for:

• Delivering digital products you purchase

• Processing payments

• Sending emails, newsletters, or educational content (only if you opt in)

• Providing customer support

• Improving website functionality & performance

• Keeping accurate financial and business records

• Complying with legal obligations

We do not sell your information. Ever.

​

3. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA Requirements)

We process your information based on:

• Your consent (e.g., subscribing to emails)

• Contractual necessity (e.g., delivering a paid product)

• Legitimate interest (e.g., improving user experience)

• Legal obligations (e.g., tax record-keeping)

​

4. Cookies & Tracking

The Budgetcouch website may use cookies or similar technologies to:

• Analyse visitor behaviour

• Improve site navigation

• Personalise content

• Track marketing performance

You may disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.

A cookie notice will appear on your first visit.

​

5. Sharing of Information

We may share your information with trusted service providers who help us operate, such as:

• Payment gateways (Payhip, PayPal, IKhoka)

• Email platforms (Mailchimp)

• Analytics tools (Google Analytics, Meta Pixel)

• Customer support or automation tools

These providers process your data only as needed and may store information outside South Africa.
We ensure that any cross-border transfer is done with adequate protection in line with POPIA.

​

6. How We Protect Your Information

We use reasonable organisational and technical safeguards to protect your data, including:

• Secure cloud storage

• Password-protected accounts

• Two-factor authentication where available

• Encrypted third-party platforms

• Restricted access to personal information

If we ever become aware of a data breach, you will be informed as required by POPIA.

​

7. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information

• Correct or update your information

• Request deletion of your information where legally appropriate

• Withdraw consent for marketing

• Object to certain processing activities

• Request information about how your data is used

To exercise these rights, email us at:
info@houseofminkandmanure.com

​

8. Data Retention

We keep your information only for as long as necessary to:

• Deliver products

• Provide support

• Maintain financial records for tax purposes

• Comply with legal obligations

Once the retention period ends, your information is securely deleted or anonymised.

​

9. Marketing & Communication

If you join our mailing list, you agree to receive:

• Budgeting tips

• Educational content

• Product updates

• Exclusive offers or promotions

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of every email.

​

10. Links to Other Websites

Our website may include links to third-party sites.
We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

​

11. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18.
If such data is identified, it will be deleted immediately.

​

12. Information Officer (Required by POPIA)

The Responsible Party for The Budgetcouch is:

Information Officer: M Dale
info@houseofminkandmanure.com
South Africa

You may also lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:
📧 complaints.IR@justice.gov.za
🌐 https://inforegulator.org.za/

​

13. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on our website with the updated date.