Keys & Cents

Terms of Use

Last updated 2026-10-24.

These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your use of keysandcents.com, our newsletter, social channels, videos and digital products (together, the “Service”), operated by Keys & Cents (“Keys & Cents,” “we,” “us”). By using the Service you agree to these Terms. If you don’t agree, please don’t use the Service.

1. Educational information only

Everything on the Service, including calculators, city guides, articles, videos, social posts, the newsletter and paid products, is general educational information and estimates. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, accounting, insurance, lending or real estate advice, and it is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, digital asset, loan or other product. It does not take your personal situation into account. Consult a qualified, licensed professional before making any financial decision.

2. No professional relationship

Using the Service does not create a fiduciary, advisory, client, broker, dealer, lender, mortgage broker, real estate agent or brokerage, attorney, accountant or other professional relationship between you and Keys & Cents. We are not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, lender, mortgage broker, insurance producer or real estate licensee, and we do not act as one.

3. Estimates, data sources and assumptions; no guarantees

Our tools use public data (for example the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey and the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey) plus assumptions that we label on the page and in our methodology. Public data can be dated, revised or wrong, and assumptions may not fit you. Your actual costs, rates, taxes, insurance premiums, returns and results will vary. We work hard on accuracy, but we make no guarantee that any figure, estimate or outcome is accurate, complete, current or achievable.

4. Crypto content

Any crypto or digital-asset content we publish (including a future “Crypto Keys” section) is education only, not investment advice. We do not recommend buying, selling or holding any specific coin, token or platform. Crypto assets are highly volatile, are largely unregulated in many places, can be lost through scams, hacks or lost keys, and can lose some or all of their value. Never invest money you can’t afford to lose, and do your own research with a licensed professional.

5. No earnings claims

Any content about starting or growing a business, side income, online marketing, AI tools or similar topics (including a future “Business Keys” section) is educational. We make no promises or guarantees of income, earnings or business results. Any examples, including our own, are illustrative and not typical; most people who try to start a business earn little or nothing, and results depend on your effort, skills, market and circumstances.

6. AI-assisted content and our mascot

Some of our content, images, video and voice are created or edited with the help of artificial-intelligence tools and reviewed before publishing. Sterling the owl is a fictional mascot, not a real person or a licensed professional; Sterling’s tips are general education, not personal advice.

Some links are affiliate links, and some content may be sponsored; see our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure. Third-party sites, products and services are governed by their own terms and privacy policies. We don’t control them and aren’t responsible for their content, products or practices.

8. Digital products and refunds

Buying a digital product, such as the True Cost Home-Buying Planner, gives you a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license for your own use. Please don’t resell, share or redistribute the files. If you’re not satisfied, email [email protected] within 30 days of purchase for a refund. Payments are processed by Stripe.

9. Our content and acceptable use

Site content, the Keys & Cents name and logo, and Sterling the owl are our property. You may share links and short quotes with attribution. Don’t copy the site wholesale, scrape it in bulk for resale, interfere with its operation, or use it for anything unlawful.

10. Disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability

The Service is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy and non-infringement. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Keys & Cents and its owners, contributors and partners will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for any loss of money, profits, data, property or opportunity, arising from your use of (or inability to use) the Service or any decision you make based on it. Our total liability for any claim relating to the Service is limited to the greater of the amount you paid us in the 12 months before the claim or US $50. Some jurisdictions don’t allow certain limitations, so some of these may not apply to you.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Keys & Cents and its owners, contributors and partners from any claims, losses, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your misuse of the Service or your violation of these Terms or any law.

12. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, USA, without regard to its conflict-of-law rules. Any dispute will be brought in the state or federal courts located in North Carolina, and you consent to their jurisdiction, except where the law of your place of residence requires otherwise.

13. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The “Last updated” date above shows the latest version, and continued use of the Service after a change means you accept the updated Terms. If any part of these Terms is found unenforceable, the rest stays in effect.

14. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Email [email protected].