Cookie Policy
Last updated: July 23, 2026
This document explains which local storage technologies and cookies CostMirror uses, what they are for, and how you can manage your consent.
1. What are cookies and similar technologies
Cookies are small text files saved in your browser by the site you visit. localStorage serves a similar purpose - a technology for storing data directly in the browser, without automatically sending it with every request to the server the way cookies do.
2. localStorage in CostMirror
CostMirror uses localStorage to remember your analytics decision (key costmirror_analytics_consent_v1) and your chosen light/dark theme (key cm-theme). Neither value is sent to any external server - it stays only in your browser.
3. Technology categories
- Essential - needed for the site to work at all (e.g. remembering your cookie decision). These cannot be turned off.
- Analytics - help us understand how CostMirror is used. Fully optional, and only activate after your consent.
4. Analytics cookies are optional
You do not need to agree to analytics cookies to use CostMirror. All calculators (Real Cost, Time Cost, Mirror Past) work identically regardless of your decision.
5. Google Analytics only starts after consent
The Google Analytics script is not loaded until you click "Accept analytics" in the banner or in the cookie settings. Before your consent, the browser does not send any requests to Google Analytics domains.
6. Refusing does not limit functionality
If you click "Essential only", CostMirror will keep working exactly the same way - refusing does not disable or limit any calculator.
7. Withdrawing consent
You can withdraw your consent at any time in the "Cookie settings" available in the site footer. After withdrawal we remove the Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _ga_*), and the page reloads so the previously loaded script stops running in the current tab.
8. How to change your cookie settings
Click "Cookie settings" in the site footer. In the panel you can turn analytics cookies on or off at any time and save the change.
9. Deleting cookies in your browser
Regardless of the settings on this site, you can also delete or block cookies in your browser settings. The exact steps differ by browser - check your browser's documentation.
10. Google Analytics provider
Google Analytics 4 is a service provided by Google. For users in the European Economic Area, the entity responsible for this service is Google Ireland Limited (Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland).
11. Purpose of analytics
Google Analytics data helps us understand how CostMirror is used (e.g. which pages and languages are visited, how long visits last), so we can develop and improve the service. We do not send Google the amounts entered in the calculators, salary, portfolio value, or any other financial data.
12. Technology table
| Name | Type | Category | Purpose | Retention period | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| costmirror_analytics_consent_v1 | localStorage | Essential | Remembering your analytics decision | Until you change your decision or clear your browser data | CostMirror |
| cm-theme | localStorage | Essential | Remembering your chosen theme (light/dark) | Until you change it or clear your browser data | CostMirror |
| _ga | Cookie (first-party) | Analytics | Distinguishing users in Google Analytics 4 | Up to 2 years by default | Google Analytics |
| _ga_* | Cookie (first-party) | Analytics | Maintaining Google Analytics 4 session state | Up to 2 years by default | Google Analytics |