Privacy Policy

BudgetBuddy (省钱搭子) is developed and operated by the individual developer Chen Mingming (陈明明), referred to in this Policy as the “Developer,” “we,” or “us.” We respect and protect your privacy. This Policy explains what information we collect, how we use and protect it, and the rights available to you. Please read it carefully before using BudgetBuddy.

1. Information We Collect

To provide the service, we collect: (1) registration information—the mobile phone number or email address you provide as your account identifier, your nickname, and the age range you select; (2) content you choose to enter—expense records, reflections on spending (such as need/want and planned/unplanned), and your progress in stories, lessons, and challenges; and (3) messages you enter when using AI Buddy. We do not collect your contacts, location, photos, or other information unrelated to the app’s features in the background.

2. How We Use Information

We use your information only to provide expense tracking, learning, and AI review features; sync your data across devices when you sign in; and protect account security and prevent abuse.

3. About the AI Feature

When you use AI Buddy, the messages you send — together with a short summary of your recently tracked spending, so the reply can actually be about your situation — are forwarded through our servers to a third-party artificial intelligence provider, which generates the response on our behalf. That provider may process this data on servers located outside your own country or region. We do not send your email address or password to it. Please do not enter sensitive personal information, such as national identification numbers, bank card numbers, or passwords, in the chat.

4. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored in a server database associated with your account. Passwords are stored in hashed form, and we cannot view your password in plain text. Data is encrypted in transit using HTTPS.

5. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information or use it for purposes unrelated to this service. Other than sharing necessary to provide the AI feature through third-party AI services, we do not otherwise provide your personal information to third parties, except where required by applicable laws or regulations.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You may at any time change your nickname under “My → Edit Nickname”; export all your data using “Export Data”; clear your records using “Restore Default Data”; or permanently delete your account and all associated data using “Delete Account.” Account deletion cannot be undone.

7. Protection of Minors

BudgetBuddy is intended for students aged 13 and older; in mainland China it is intended for students aged 14 and older, in line with local law. If you are under the applicable age, please use the app only after obtaining consent from your parent or guardian. We collect only the information necessary to provide the service.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time and notify you in the app. Continued use of BudgetBuddy indicates that you accept the updated Policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Policy, please email us at support@budgetbuddy.cn.