Saturday, February 27, 2010

ING Orange Key. Get $25 dollars and your own refer code

You will get a $25 bonus by simply opening an ING account with the Orange Key - 34431191S1 and depositing $100. 

1) Visit http://www.ingdirect.ca/en/signmeup/index.html and pick an account

2) Enter this Orange Key code at the end of the application form:34431191S1.

3) Write yourself a cheque for $100 or more and send it to them.

4) In 2-3 business days, the money will be deposited into your account (your $100 deposit + $25 bonus from Orange Key)

You will get your own Orange Key, so you can start refer people as well (if they use your key, you both get $25 when your referrals open an account).  You can make up to $2025

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

A week without spending?

Here's a game I sometimes play.  I buy $35 of food on a Saturday, fill my car up, and then see if I can go for the rest of the week without ANY spending money (not counting, for example, direct debits that go straight out of my bank account).  

This can sometimes be frustrating when my colleagues go out for lunch at work, and I have to politely decline.  Or when I'm in need of a sugar fix, given that Tim Horton's is only a three minute drive away, and the candy machine is 50ft from me. 

It helps that I carry no cash on me at all.  For some reason, I find it easier to spend the cash that's in my pocket rather charge the credit card in my wallet.

We get free coffee at work, so I'm never low on caffeine, otherwise I'd be crankier than a rabid dog on a bad hair day.

I look forward to the big sense of satisfaction I feel on the following Saturday.  That in itself is worth it.  I feel healthier because I haven't eaten any refined products for a week - just pasta, vegetables, fruit, fish, lentils and other basic food.  

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Where can I find a working ING Direct Orange Key

If you're looking for a working ING Direct Canada Orange Key, then use 34431191S1

Perhaps it's a part of my detailed-minded nature...

...but I always read the nutritional information on food in shops - even food I'm not even intending on buying.  I take a prurient interest in examining the nutrients in unhealthy foods, like frozen pizzas and corn dogs, if only to congratulate myself on my healthy purchases.

I have to stop doing this though.  It's not a frugal use of my time.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Loyalty? I've got some...

One aspect of frugality (especially if you've got a few a hours a week to spare) is the make the most of loyalty and rewards programs - but making absolutely sure that you don't buy something you wouldn't otherwise just for the points

I'm a member of the following reward programs
  • Aeroplan. I'm a semi-frequent flyer for work, and I end up buying Esso gas cards with my points.
  • Asiamiles. I only fly an Asiamiles airline once a year, so these build up slowly.
  • Sobeys. My regular supermarket for fruit and vegetables (I could travel further for somewhere cheaper, but the gas costs would outweigh the benefits)

Food Coupon Clipping?

Coupon clipping is not for me. Food coupons are by and large for unhealthy processes foods, full of fat, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and other substances.

The healthiest foods are those that are processed the least.
  • fruit and vegetables
  • nuts and berries
  • milk and cheese
  • water
  • wholewheat pasta
  • wholegrain bread
It's important not to ignore meat in your diet, but most people eat far too much (it sits in your gut, slowly putrefying.... yuck!). Lean chicken or beef once a week is about right.

I've done the math and found that eating far down the processing chain is cheaper than buying (coupon-reduced or otherwise) food.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Frugality

I've never been a big spender, but that doesn't mean I'm cheap. To me, frugality is knowing the difference between shiny (but ultimately worthless) trinkets that may occupy your attention for a week, and true value.

True value for me are things like
  • Shoes that last a long time and quality clothes that you'll wear for many years
  • Healthy, nourishing food
  • Spending time and enhancing your relationship with friends and family
Now, if I had more money that I know what to do with, then I may just splurge on a brand new car, or an expensive holiday. But until then, I'll be a happy, contented Frugan.

ING Orange Key. Get $25 dollars and your own refer code

You will get a $25 bonus by simply opening an ING account with the orange key code - 34431191S1 and depositing $100.

1) Visit http://www.ingdirect.ca/en/signmeup/index.html

2) Enter this Orange Key code at the end of the application form:
34431191S1.

3) Write yourself a cheque for $100 or more and send it to them.

4) In 2-3 business days, the money will be deposited into your account (your $100 deposit + $25 bonus from Orange Key)

You will get your own Orange Key - so you can start referring people (if they use your key, you both get $25 when your referrals open an account)

Happy saving!

Sam