Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 19, 2024

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address
• Display name
• Authentication credentials (managed securely by Firebase Authentication)

1.2 Expense Data

To provide our core functionality, we collect and store:

• Expense amounts and categories
• Custom category names, icons, and colors
• Monthly spending goals
• Expense history and timestamps
• Notes and descriptions attached to expenses

1.3 Family Circle Information

When you create or join a family circle:

• Circle membership information
• Nicknames you assign to family members
• Shared expense data within your circle
• Circle invitation codes and permissions

1.4 Device Information

• Device tokens for push notifications (FCM)
• Device type and operating system version
• App version information

1.5 Analytics Data (Optional)

Only if you opt-in, we collect anonymous analytics data including:

• App usage patterns and screen views
• Feature usage statistics
• Performance metrics and crash reports
• No personally identifiable information is included in analytics

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide Core Functionality: Track your expenses, manage categories, and calculate spending totals
• Enable Collaboration: Share expenses with family circle members
• Sync Your Data: Keep your expense data synchronized across all your devices
• Send Notifications: Alert you about family member expenses (if enabled)
• Improve the App: Analyze usage patterns to enhance features (if you opt-in to analytics)
• Process Subscriptions: Manage your subscription status and payments through Apple's in-app purchase system

3. Data Storage and Security

3.1 Cloud Storage

Your data is securely stored using:

• Firebase Firestore: For expense data and family circles
• Firebase Authentication: For secure user authentication
• Local Device Storage: For offline access and faster performance

3.2 Security Measures

• All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
• Firebase security rules ensure users can only access their own data and authorized family circle data
• Passwords are never stored by us - Firebase Authentication handles all credential management
• Device notifications use secure FCM tokens

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do NOT sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

Data is Only Shared:

• Within Your Family Circle: Expense data you choose to add is visible to other members of your family circle
• Service Providers: We use Firebase (Google Cloud Platform) for backend infrastructure
• Legal Requirements: If required by law or to protect our rights and safety

5. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access Your Data: View all your stored expense data within the app
• Delete Your Data: Delete individual expenses, categories, or your entire account
• Export Your Data: Request a copy of your data (contact us)
• Opt-Out of Analytics: Disable analytics tracking in app settings at any time
• Disable Notifications: Turn off push notifications in app settings or device settings
• Leave Family Circles: Exit any family circle at any time

6. Third-Party Services

Our app uses the following third-party services:

• Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, and cloud storage
• Firebase Analytics (Optional): Anonymous usage analytics (only if you opt-in)
• Firebase Cloud Messaging: Push notifications
• Apple StoreKit: Subscription management and in-app purchases

These services have their own privacy policies:

• Firebase Privacy Policy
• Apple Privacy Policy

7. Children's Privacy

Family Expenses is not intended for use by children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

8. Data Retention

• Active Accounts: Your data is retained as long as your account is active
• Deleted Accounts: When you delete your account, all personal data is permanently deleted within 30 days
• Inactive Accounts: Accounts inactive for 2 years may be deleted with prior notification

9. International Data Transfers

Your data may be stored and processed in countries where Firebase/Google Cloud Platform operates. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this privacy policy.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending you a notification through the app (for significant changes)

Your continued use of the app after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us