Effective Date: September 7, 2026

Last Updated: September 7, 2026

PRIVACY POLICY

Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “Sandra Bates Financial Counseling”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you visit sandrabates.com, contact us, download a resource, schedule a consultation, or use services linked through our website.

By using this website, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. INFORMATION WE MAY COLLECT

Information You Provide

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide, including:

• Your name
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Information submitted through our contact form
• Consultation or appointment information
• Information submitted when downloading a resource or joining an email list
• Information provided through HoneyBook or another client-management platform
• Communications you send to us
• Financial goals or general financial concerns you choose to share

Please do not submit Social Security numbers, account passwords, complete bank-account numbers, complete credit-card numbers, or other highly sensitive information through the general website contact form.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:

• Internet Protocol address
• Browser and device type
• Pages visited
• Date and time of access
• Referring website
• General geographic information
• Website usage and interaction information

This information may be collected through cookies, server logs, and similar technologies.

2. HOW WE USE INFORMATION

We may use collected information to:

• Respond to questions and consultation requests
• Schedule appointments
• Provide financial counseling and educational services
• Manage client relationships
• Deliver requested resources
• Send business or educational communications
• Process payments through authorized service providers
• Maintain, secure, and improve our website
• Understand how visitors use our website
• Comply with legal, regulatory, contractual, and professional obligations
• Protect our rights, clients, website, and business

We will not use information for purposes materially different from those described in this policy without providing appropriate notice.

3. HONEYBOOK

We use HoneyBook for functions that may include appointment scheduling, contact management, proposals, questionnaires, contracts, invoices, payments, and client communications.

When you use a HoneyBook form, portal, scheduling page, or payment link, information may be transmitted directly to and processed by HoneyBook. HoneyBook’s collection and use of information are also governed by its own privacy policy and terms.

We encourage you to review HoneyBook’s policies before submitting information through that service.

4. EMAIL SIGNUPS AND DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Our website may link to an email signup page hosted by Mailchimp or another email-service provider. If you request a downloadable resource or subscribe to emails, the provider may collect your name, email address, signup information, and engagement information.

You may unsubscribe from marketing emails by using the unsubscribe link included in those messages. Transactional or service-related communications may still be sent when necessary.

If Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC no longer uses an email signup or email-marketing provider, this section may be removed.

5. COOKIES AND SIMILAR TECHNOLOGIES

Our website and its service providers may use cookies or similar technologies to:

• Operate essential website features
• Remember preferences
• Maintain website security
• Understand website traffic and performance
• Improve visitor experience

You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect how some website features function.

6. HOW WE MAY SHARE INFORMATION

We may disclose information:

• To service providers that help us operate the website and business
• To HoneyBook for client-management, scheduling, contracting, invoicing, payment, and communication services
• To email-service providers when you request a resource or subscribe
• To website hosting, security, and technical-support providers
• When required by law, subpoena, court order, or lawful government request
• When reasonably necessary to protect our rights, safety, clients, property, or business
• In connection with a merger, sale, reorganization, or transfer of business assets
• With your direction or consent

We do not sell your personal information for money.

We do not share personally identifiable financial information with unaffiliated third parties for their independent marketing purposes.

7. PAYMENT INFORMATION

Payments may be processed through HoneyBook or another authorized payment processor. We generally do not directly receive or store complete payment-card or banking credentials submitted through those platforms.

Payment providers process that information according to their own privacy and security policies.

8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Financial counseling may require clients to provide financial information after establishing a professional relationship with us.

Client financial information should be submitted only through the secure method designated by Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC. Do not send sensitive financial documents through the public website contact form unless we specifically instruct you to do so.

9. DATA SECURITY

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect the information under our control.

However, no website, email system, electronic transmission, or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. You provide information electronically at your own risk.

10. DATA RETENTION

We retain information only for as long as reasonably necessary to:

• Fulfill the purposes described in this policy
• Provide requested services
• Maintain appropriate business and client records
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce agreements
• Meet legal, tax, accounting, insurance, professional, and regulatory obligations

Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information and the reason it was collected.

11. YOUR PRIVACY CHOICES

Depending on where you live and the laws that apply, you may have the right to request:

• Access to certain personal information
• Correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion of certain information
• A copy of certain information
• Information about how your data is used or shared
• Withdrawal of consent where processing is based on consent

These rights may be subject to legal exceptions and identity-verification requirements.

To submit a privacy request, use the contact form available on sandrabates.com and identify your message as a “Privacy Request.”

We will respond as required by applicable law.

12. THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES

Our website contains links to third-party websites and services. We do not control and are not responsible for the privacy, security, availability, or content practices of third parties.

Visiting or submitting information to a third-party website is subject to that third party’s policies.

13. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

This website and our financial counseling services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13.

If you believe a child under 13 has submitted personal information through our website, please contact us through the website contact form.

14. VISITORS FROM OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC is based in Virginia, United States. If you access the website from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States.

15. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy as our services, technology, or legal obligations change. The revised policy will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date.

Material changes may be communicated through an additional notice when appropriate.

16. CONTACT US

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to submit a privacy request, please use the contact form available on sandrabates.com.

TERMS OF USE

These Terms of Use govern your access to and use of sandrabates.com, which is owned and operated by Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “Sandra Bates Financial Counseling”).

By accessing or using this website, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please do not use the website.

1. WEBSITE PURPOSE

This website provides general information about Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC, financial counseling services, educational resources, blog content, and ways to contact or schedule services with us.

The website does not provide individualized financial, investment, legal, tax, accounting, credit-repair, or debt-settlement advice.

2. NO PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP

Visiting this website, reading its content, downloading a resource, submitting a contact form, or scheduling an initial consultation does not automatically create a counselor-client relationship.

A counselor-client relationship begins only after both parties complete any required intake process and execute an applicable service agreement.

Do not delay seeking professional assistance because of information presented on this website.

3. ELIGIBILITY

You must be at least 18 years old or have the involvement and consent of a parent or legal guardian to use paid services offered through this website.

By using the website, you represent that you have the legal capacity to agree to these terms.

4. ACCEPTABLE USE

You agree not to:

• Use the website for unlawful, fraudulent, abusive, or harmful purposes
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the website or associated systems
• Introduce viruses, malicious code, or disruptive technology
• Scrape, copy, reproduce, or republish website content without permission
• Interfere with the operation or security of the website
• Impersonate another person or misrepresent your identity
• Use website content to provide competing commercial services
• Submit another person’s confidential information without authorization

5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Unless otherwise stated, the website and its original content—including text, articles, worksheets, downloads, graphics, branding, logos, designs, videos, and educational materials—are owned by or licensed to Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC and are protected by applicable intellectual-property laws.

You may view the website and download resources offered for your personal, noncommercial use.

You may not reproduce, sell, license, distribute, modify, publish, display, teach from, or create commercial products from our materials without prior written permission.

6. DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Free and paid worksheets, templates, guides, and other resources are provided for the purchaser’s or recipient’s personal use unless a different license is stated.

You may not resell, redistribute, upload, share publicly, or remove ownership notices from these resources.

7. FINANCIAL COUNSELING SERVICES

Specific counseling services may be governed by a separate agreement addressing matters such as:

• Scope of services
• Fees and payment schedules
• Scheduling and cancellations
• Client responsibilities
• Confidentiality
• Technology platforms
• Termination
• Refunds
• Limitations of services

If these Terms of Use conflict with a signed client-service agreement, the signed client-service agreement controls with respect to those services.

8. PAYMENTS AND THIRD-PARTY PLATFORMS

Appointments, contracts, invoices, payments, and client communications may be handled through HoneyBook or another third-party provider.

Your use of a third-party platform may also be governed by that provider’s terms and privacy policy.

The availability of payment plans does not change the total amount due under the applicable service agreement.

9. NO GUARANTEES

Financial outcomes depend on numerous factors, including income, expenses, debt, market conditions, personal decisions, participation, and events outside our control.

We do not guarantee that you will eliminate debt, improve a credit score, reach a savings target, obtain financing, qualify for a financial product, or achieve any particular financial result.

Testimonials describe individual experiences and do not guarantee that another person will receive the same results.

10. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

The website may link to HoneyBook, Mailchimp, Monarch Money, social-media platforms, professional organizations, or other third-party resources.

A link does not necessarily represent an endorsement. We do not control and are not responsible for the content, services, accuracy, security, availability, or policies of third-party websites.

You use third-party websites and services at your own discretion.

11. WEBSITE ACCURACY AND AVAILABILITY

We make reasonable efforts to provide helpful and accurate information. However, financial practices, laws, technology, services, prices, and third-party information can change.

We do not warrant that every page will always be complete, current, uninterrupted, secure, or free of errors.

We may correct, update, remove, or modify website content at any time.

12. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the website and its content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

We disclaim warranties that are not expressly stated, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.

Nothing in these terms excludes a warranty or right that cannot legally be excluded.

13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC and its owners, employees, contractors, and representatives will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from your use of—or inability to use—the website or reliance on its general educational content.

Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot legally be limited or excluded.

14. INDEMNIFICATION

To the extent permitted by law, you agree to be responsible for claims, losses, or expenses arising from your unlawful misuse of the website, your violation of these terms, or your infringement of another party’s rights.

15. PRIVACY

Your use of the website is also subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect information.

16. ACCESSIBILITY

Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC is committed to providing access to its website and services. If you experience difficulty accessing website content, please use the website contact form to notify us.

17. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Any legal rights or remedies that cannot be waived under applicable law remain unaffected.

18. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these terms is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the extent permitted by law.

19. CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

We may update these Terms of Use periodically. Revised terms will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date.

Your continued use of the website after revised terms are posted constitutes acceptance of those terms to the extent permitted by law.

20. CONTACT US

For questions about these Terms of Use, please use the contact form available on sandrabates.com.

FINANCIAL COUNSELING AND EDUCATIONAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided on sandrabates.com, including blog posts, downloadable resources, videos, emails, social-media content, workshops, and other educational materials, is provided by Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC for general informational and educational purposes.

1. NOT INDIVIDUALIZED FINANCIAL ADVICE

Website content is general in nature and is not a substitute for financial counseling or advice based on your individual circumstances.

You should not make a significant financial decision solely because of information found on this website.

2. NO INVESTMENT, LEGAL, TAX, OR ACCOUNTING ADVICE

Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC provides financial counseling and financial education. Unless expressly stated in a separate written agreement, we do not provide:

• Investment advice or investment management
• Securities recommendations
• Legal advice
• Tax advice or tax-return preparation
• Accounting or audit services
• Estate-planning services
• Insurance advice
• Debt-settlement or debt-relief services

Consult an appropriately licensed or qualified professional when you need advice in one of these areas.

3. NO COUNSELOR-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Accessing this website, reading its content, downloading a resource, subscribing to emails, submitting a contact form, or participating in a complimentary consultation does not by itself create a counselor-client relationship.

A professional relationship begins only after the required onboarding steps are completed and an applicable written service agreement is accepted.

4. SCOPE OF DEBT SERVICES

Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC may provide education and counseling regarding budgeting, cash flow, credit, debt repayment strategies, savings, financial habits, and financial decision-making.

Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC does not:

• Administer debt-management plans
• Negotiate debt settlements
• Promise to reduce or eliminate debt
• Collect payments on behalf of creditors
• Repair credit by removing accurate information
• Guarantee changes to a credit score
• Guarantee creditor approval or acceptance

Clients remain responsible for their financial accounts, payments, decisions, and communications with creditors unless a written agreement specifically states otherwise.

5. NO GUARANTEE OF RESULTS

Financial outcomes vary from person to person. Results depend on factors including:

• Income and employment
• Expenses
• Debt balances and interest rates
• Creditor policies
• Credit history
• Savings behavior
• Personal participation
• Economic conditions
• Unexpected life events

We do not promise or guarantee any particular financial result.

Examples, illustrations, success stories, and testimonials are not promises that you will achieve the same outcome.

6. ACCURACY AND TIMELINESS

We make reasonable efforts to provide accurate and useful information. However, laws, financial products, creditor practices, interest rates, technology, and economic conditions can change.

Website content may not reflect the most recent developments or apply to your circumstances. We do not guarantee that all information will always be complete, current, or free of errors.

7. THIRD-PARTY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

The website may mention or link to third-party tools and services, including HoneyBook, Mailchimp, Monarch Money, financial institutions, budgeting tools, and other resources.

A reference or link does not guarantee or warrant a third party’s services, security, accuracy, performance, or suitability for you.

Unless expressly disclosed, Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC does not receive commissions for recommending financial or investment products.

You are responsible for reviewing a third party’s terms, fees, features, privacy practices, and security before using its services.

8. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

You remain responsible for evaluating your options and making your own financial decisions.

Before acting, consider obtaining individualized guidance from appropriately qualified financial, legal, tax, accounting, investment, insurance, or other professionals.

9. EMERGENCIES AND CRISIS SUPPORT

The website and financial counseling services are not emergency, mental-health, legal-crisis, or crisis-intervention services.

If you are experiencing an emergency or believe you may harm yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis resource immediately.

10. CONTACT US

If you have questions about this disclaimer or the scope of our services, please use the contact form available on sandrabates.com.

Sandra Bates Financial Counseling LLC
Virginia, United States
Website: https://sandrabates.com