Your family history is sensitive. We treat it that way.

The free Check

Your answers to What's Different This Time? stay in your browser while you use the Check. They are not sent to Salvage Math.

If you choose Save on this device, the answers are stored in your browser on that device so you can return to them later. You can clear them by clearing this site's browser storage.

Emailing or printing your results

If you choose to email your comparison, your device opens your own email application with the text prepared for you. Salvage Math does not receive that email unless you choose to send it to a Salvage Math address yourself.

If you print or save a PDF, that file is handled by your device and browser.

Ask Stephen

If you submit an Ask Stephen request, Salvage Math receives the information you enter in the intake, including your contact information, the decision you are facing, relevant prior history, what happened after earlier rescues, what appears different now, and the question you want reviewed.

The public-use choice defaults to Private only. If you select the alternate option, Salvage Math may contact you separately about possible anonymized or composite educational use. That selection is not permission to publish your submitted case.

Family Reconstruction applications

If you apply for Family Reconstruction, Salvage Math receives the information you enter in the application, including your contact information, the current decision, a brief history, family impacts, relevant disagreements, and information needed to understand the amount of work.

The application asks you not to upload sensitive records. If records later become useful, we will agree on how and why to share them before you send anything.

Payment information

Payments are handled through a third-party payment provider. Enter card information only on that provider's checkout page. Salvage Math does not ask you to place a full payment-card number in its intake forms.

Email and form providers

When you choose to submit a paid-service form or join the email list, the information you submit may be processed by the third-party service used to receive that form or email signup. Those providers operate under their own privacy and security terms.

Site measurement

Salvage Math measures basic site activity such as page visits, button clicks, Check starts and completions, offer clicks, and form-submission events. The measurement code is not intended to include the narrative text you enter into the free Check or paid-service forms.

Use and retention

Information submitted for a paid service is used to evaluate, deliver, manage, and improve that service. Salvage Math may also keep administrative records needed for payment, service delivery, fraud prevention, legal obligations, and business records. Information is not treated as permission for public use unless separate permission is obtained.