Browser-based calculations
GuideStead is designed to work without an account. GuideStead calculators run in your browser, and the financial numbers entered into the calculators are not uploaded by the calculators.
Gross pay, pay frequency, filing status, state tax rate, 401(k) percentage, annual health premium, job-comparison entries, raise-comparison entries, car-purchase entries, college-offer entries, first-home entries, employer-match entries, and commute-cost entries are saved automatically in this browser on this device so matching information can be reused by other GuideStead calculators. Saved inputs may be removed if you use Start fresh, clear browser data, use private browsing, switch devices, or reset your browser.
What we ask for
GuideStead calculators may ask for pay, tax, commute, benefit, and inflation-related numbers to produce an estimate.
GuideStead does not require a name, email address, password, or login to use the calculators. GuideStead does not receive or maintain an account-based finance profile about you.
Website services, ads, and cookies
The financial numbers entered into the calculators are not sent to an advertising or analytics service.
When GuideStead pages load, the hosting provider and Google Fonts may receive basic technical information, such as your IP address, browser type, requested page, and request time. The technical request information does not include calculator inputs.
If Google ads are enabled, Google and other advertising partners may use cookies, IP addresses, web beacons, or similar technologies to serve, measure, and protect ads. Google and other advertising partners do not receive the financial numbers entered into the calculators.
Google may use advertising cookies to personalize and measure ads. You can manage personalized ads through Google Ads Settings.
If GuideStead adds analytics later, the Privacy Policy will be updated to explain what information the analytics service processes. Where required, GuideStead will show a consent or privacy message before advertising or analytics cookies are used.
Your choices
You can remove saved inputs with Start fresh in each calculator or by clearing your browser data. Private browsing can also prevent inputs from remaining after the session, depending on your browser settings.
Important note
Do not enter information you are not comfortable keeping in your browser. GuideStead calculators are designed for practical estimates, not for storing sensitive records.