Your privacy matters to Next Steps Funding. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using our website or services, you agree to the practices described here. Please read this policy carefully.
Overview
Next Steps Funding ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") operates as a loan brokerage and consulting service based in Mesa, Arizona. This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through our website at nextstepsfunding.net, our intake forms, our consultation scheduling system, and any other interactions you have with us.
We are committed to handling your information responsibly, transparently, and in compliance with applicable federal and state privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) where applicable.
Information We Collect
Personal Identification Information
- Full name (first and last)
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address (street, city, state, postal code, country)
Financial Information
- Annual personal income
- Annual household income
- Estimated credit score
- Whether you own an existing business
Technical & Usage Information
- IP address and general geographic location
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring URLs (how you arrived at our site)
- Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
Communications
- Content of emails, messages, or inquiries you send us
- Records of consultations and appointments
- Consent records for communications
How We Collect Information
We collect information through the following means:
- Pre-Qualification Forms — When you submit our online intake form to request loan matching services
- Consultation Scheduling — When you book an appointment through our calendar system
- Direct Communications — When you email, call, or message us directly
- Website Analytics — Automatically through cookies and analytics tools when you visit our website
- Third-Party Referrals — If you were referred to us by a partner or affiliate
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
Service Delivery
- Assessing your funding needs and matching you with appropriate loan products
- Facilitating introductions to third-party lenders on your behalf
- Scheduling and conducting consultations
- Providing credit repair guidance and educational resources
Communications
- Sending appointment confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups
- Responding to your inquiries and support requests
- Sending marketing and promotional content where you have consented
- Delivering SMS messages where you have opted in
Operations & Improvement
- Analyzing website usage to improve our content and user experience
- Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
- Detecting and preventing fraud or unauthorized activity
- Maintaining business records as required by law
Sharing Your Information
We may share your information with the following categories of third parties:
Lenders & Financial Institutions
When you request loan matching services, we share relevant personal and financial information with lenders or financial institutions who may be able to offer you loan products. We share only what is necessary for them to evaluate your eligibility.
Credit Repair & Service Providers
Where you have requested credit repair services or referrals, we may share your information with qualified credit repair organizations or consulting partners.
Technology & Platform Vendors
We use third-party services to operate our business, including calendar/scheduling software, CRM systems, email platforms, and website analytics tools. These vendors process your data only on our behalf and are contractually bound to maintain confidentiality.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required to do so by law, court order, or government authority, or when necessary to protect our legal rights, prevent fraud, or ensure the safety of our clients and team.
We Do Not Sell Your Data
Next Steps Funding does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to advertisers, data brokers, or any third party for their own commercial use. Your information is used solely to provide the services you request and to support our business operations in connection with those services.
We may receive compensation from lenders when you obtain a loan through our referral. This is a standard industry practice and is disclosed in our Terms & Conditions. This compensation does not constitute a "sale" of your personal information.
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience. These may include:
Essential Cookies
Necessary for the website to function properly. These cannot be disabled without affecting site functionality.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors interact with our site (e.g., Google Analytics). This data is aggregated and does not personally identify you.
Your Cookie Choices
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect your ability to use some features of our site.
SMS & Email Communications
By providing your phone number and email and checking the applicable consent boxes on our forms, you consent to receive communications from us as described below.
Transactional Messages
Service-related messages including appointment confirmations, reminders, application status updates, and account notices. These are sent regardless of marketing preferences.
Marketing Messages
Promotional content, special offers, and educational resources, sent only where you have separately consented.
Opt-Out
You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP. You may opt out of marketing emails by using the unsubscribe link in any email or by contacting us directly. Message and data rates may apply to SMS. Reply HELP for assistance.
Data Security
We implement reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:
- Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/SSL) for all web-based interactions
- Access controls limiting who within our organization can view your information
- Secure storage practices for records containing personal data
- Vendor due diligence to ensure third-party providers maintain appropriate security standards
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Specifically:
- Active client records are retained for the duration of our business relationship plus 7 years
- Communication records (emails, consent logs) are retained for a minimum of 3 years
- Analytics and website usage data is retained in aggregate form indefinitely
- Financial records may be retained longer if required by applicable law
When personal information is no longer needed and no legal retention obligation applies, we securely delete or anonymize it.
Your Rights & Choices
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
Access
You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Correction
You may request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
Deletion
You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to our legal retention obligations and any ongoing business necessity.
Opt-Out of Communications
You may opt out of marketing communications at any time (see Section 8). Note that opting out of marketing does not affect transactional messages related to active services.
Withdraw Consent
Where processing is based on your consent, you may withdraw that consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@nextstepsfunding.net or (602) 638-0519. We will respond to verifiable requests within 30 days.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete it promptly.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including lender websites, scheduling platforms, and educational resources. This Privacy Policy applies only to Next Steps Funding's own website and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
Right to Know
You have the right to request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, the sources of that information, the purposes for which it is used, and the categories of third parties with whom it is shared.
Right to Delete
You have the right to request deletion of personal information we have collected about you, subject to certain exceptions.
Right to Non-Discrimination
We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights. We will not deny services, charge different prices, or provide a different level of service because you exercised your privacy rights.
Right to Opt Out of Sale
As stated in Section 6, we do not sell personal information. Therefore, no opt-out for sale is required. However, you may still contact us to confirm this practice.
To exercise your California rights, submit a verifiable consumer request to info@nextstepsfunding.net. We will respond within 45 days as required by law.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or business operations. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy. If you disagree with any changes, please discontinue use of our services and contact us to request deletion of your data.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- Next Steps Funding
- Mesa, Arizona
- Email: info@nextstepsfunding.net
- Phone: (602) 638-0519
- For Immediate Attention: (480) 579-1800
We take all privacy inquiries seriously and will respond promptly and in good faith.