Cookie Policy
Effective Date: November 1, 2026
1. What Are Cookies and Local Storage?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Similar technologies include **localStorage**, which stores simple key-value pairs directly in your browser.
WageTakeHome uses cookies and local storage to enable core site functionality, protect our infrastructure, remember your calculator preferences, and—where authorized—display relevant advertisements.
2. Categories of Cookies We Use
A. Strictly Necessary & Security Cookies
These cookies are essential for our website to operate securely. They cannot be turned off in our systems:
- Security & DDoS Protection: Cloudflare edge cookies (such as `__cf_bm`) to distinguish humans from automated bot networks.
- Consent State: Stored in `localStorage` (`wagetakehome_consent`) so we know whether you have already reviewed our privacy banner.
B. Functional Local Storage
These allow our interactive calculator to provide enhanced features:
- Calculator State: Remembers your preselected state (e.g., California or Texas) and preferred pay frequency so you do not have to re-enter your baseline preferences every time you navigate pages.
C. Third-Party Advertising Cookies
When authorized and enabled, Google AdSense uses cookies to serve ads, prevent the same ad from showing repeatedly, and detect invalid ad traffic:
- Google uses cookies such as `__gads` and `_gac_` to deliver and measure advertisements.
3. Cookie Inventory Table
| Cookie / Key Name | Provider | Category | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
__cf_bm | Cloudflare | Strictly Necessary | 30 minutes | Bot management and DDoS mitigation. |
wagetakehome_consent | WageTakeHome | Functional | 1 year (local) | Remembers your cookie banner consent choice. |
wagetakehome_calc_state | WageTakeHome | Functional | Persistent (local) | Remembers your chosen calculator state and frequency. |
__gads | Google AdSense | Advertising | 13 months | Measures ad interactions and prevents ad fraud. |
4. How to Manage and Block Cookies in Your Browser
You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings at any time:
- Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies.
- Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection.
- Apple Safari: Settings → Privacy → Prevent cross-site tracking.
- Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions.
To opt out of third-party advertising cookies across all participating networks, visit the Digital Advertising Alliance Consumer Choice Tool or the Network Advertising Initiative.
5. Contact Us
If you have questions about our cookie usage, please email us at info@wagetakehome.com.