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Privacy Policy

Effective date: September 15, 2026 · Last updated: September 15, 2026

Pinch is a personal finance iOS app operated by Joshua Lipton as an individual (not a corporation). This policy explains how Pinch handles information in plain terms. Contact: josh@5ls.us. Website: https://pinch.5ls.us.

What Pinch does

Pinch helps you understand spending on your iPhone: flagging duplicate-type purchases, optionally analyzing Amazon order emails for purchase context, and supporting spending-reduction goals with suggestions that aim for small lifestyle changes.

On-device storage

Pinch is designed so your day-to-day money picture lives on your device. We emphasize local-on-device storage for transaction views, goals, and tips you see in the app. We do not operate Pinch as a cloud bank ledger that keeps your full spend history on our servers by default.

Bank connections (Plaid)

To show bank transactions, Pinch uses Plaid Inc. (“Plaid”) when you choose to connect an account. You authorize Plaid to retrieve account and transaction information so Pinch can provide spend analysis features (for example, spotting duplicate-type purchases and supporting goals). Plaid’s own practices are described in Plaid’s legal and privacy materials. Pinch does not use Plaid to move money or initiate payments.

Email receipts (optional)

If you enable it, Pinch may scan email receipts (such as Amazon order emails) to enrich purchase analysis and spending tips. This is optional. You can leave it off if you prefer not to share that mailbox access with the app.

Information we may collect

  • Account connection tokens and transaction data obtained through Plaid when you link an institution
  • Email/order details you allow the app to read when receipt scanning is enabled
  • In-app settings such as spending goals and preferences stored on your device
  • Basic contact messages you send us (for example email to josh@5ls.us)
  • Limited technical information needed to run this marketing website (typical web logs from hosting)

How we use information

We use information only to operate Pinch’s features you ask for: spend clarity, duplicate flags, optional receipt analysis, goals and tips, customer support, and to improve reliability and security.

Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share information with service providers only as needed to run the product—most notably Plaid for bank connections— and when required by law. We do not share your data with third parties for their advertising.

Retention

On-device data remains until you delete it or remove the app. Tokens and any limited server-side data needed for connections are kept only as long as needed to provide the service or meet legal obligations.

Security

We use reasonable safeguards appropriate for a small solo-operated app, including relying on Plaid’s security for bank linking. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure.

Children

Pinch is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Your choices

  • Disconnect linked institutions in the app / through Plaid Portal where available
  • Disable optional email receipt scanning
  • Delete the app to remove on-device data
  • Email josh@5ls.us with privacy questions or requests

Changes

We may update this policy as Pinch evolves. The effective date above will change when we do. Continued use after an update means you accept the revised policy.

Related

Information Security Policy · Access Control · Security Procedures

Contact

Joshua Lipton · Pinch
Email: josh@5ls.us
Web: https://pinch.5ls.us

Pinch

Spend calmly. Keep it private.

Privacy Policy · Security · pinch.5ls.us