tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3367402230264389682024-02-02T03:00:18.048-08:00ING Direct Orange Key: 40014077S1$25 ING Direct Orange KeyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-84875347292566382602014-01-01T12:46:00.001-08:002014-01-01T12:46:45.125-08:00Start 2014 with a bang with $25 from ING Direct!It's now January 2014, and I relect back on what was an exciting 2013. My life has changed beyond all recognition, and I've started planning for the future with greater vigor and intensity. This includes a greater focus on financial planning (including a desire to actually start a pension plan!)<br />
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I'm still investing in the ING Streetwise mutual funds. While they haven't been stellar performers, I've still made money. They're rock-solid performers, backed by a company that has (from my experience) great customer service.<br />
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You can start 2014 on a positive note with a free $25 from ING Direct Canada<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_27ATnZJe9krZYoZiVmAXlYPFB6bTFvCOr4WCPNIn9xcGSmPHFrUfIl9WoeBnCQDO4FTz48FMLpeRdH19baz3CBIzArRrUjfoKTONnnpmtaeA-VxrJ6k-jXqwx4ioLGQ1W2EhY-N8yo/s1600/ING+Direct+Orange+Key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_27ATnZJe9krZYoZiVmAXlYPFB6bTFvCOr4WCPNIn9xcGSmPHFrUfIl9WoeBnCQDO4FTz48FMLpeRdH19baz3CBIzArRrUjfoKTONnnpmtaeA-VxrJ6k-jXqwx4ioLGQ1W2EhY-N8yo/s1600/ING+Direct+Orange+Key.jpg" /></a></div>
Just use the referral code 40014077S1 when you open any ING Direct Canada account with a minimum starting balance of $100.<br />
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This key works!<br />
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You will get $25, and I will get $25. You'll also be given your own referral key - just give it out to friends and family; when they open an ING account, both parties will get $25 each!<br />
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The referrals will soon start rolling in. Start January 2014 on a high, and trust that it continues through the rest of the year!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-38501115220011163102013-10-13T17:30:00.001-07:002014-01-01T12:31:59.800-08:00Need $25 in October 2013? As Autumn 2013 embraces us with its cool breeze and Christmas starts beckoning, our thoughts often turn to matters financial. I've already started budgeting for the expenses of Christmas. I could certainly do with an extra $25 in my pocket, and so could most other people.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pOmmGIpis8WUuRPu7B6_VMnDDMP_MNxZl-B2joHzOI3TiFBavMkLC8P4iyKMc64qbnfnDsdJdBZ-fdx7zz3SIf5LEJ4BnxsYwHrqA3LJ-DSuBavXH7MoR9F6x1pEVKvUu6tuXmH-9f8/s1600/INGOrangeKey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ING Direct Orange Key" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pOmmGIpis8WUuRPu7B6_VMnDDMP_MNxZl-B2joHzOI3TiFBavMkLC8P4iyKMc64qbnfnDsdJdBZ-fdx7zz3SIf5LEJ4BnxsYwHrqA3LJ-DSuBavXH7MoR9F6x1pEVKvUu6tuXmH-9f8/s1600/INGOrangeKey.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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And here's an easy to get $25, simply by opening a bank account. ING Direct Canada will give you $25 if you open up any account with an initial deposit of $100. You can read about this promotion at <a href="http://www.ingdirect.ca/referafriend/">http://www.ingdirect.ca/referafriend/</a><br />
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You just need to enter this referral code (also known as an Orange Key) when you complete the online application: <u><b>40014077S1</b></u><br />
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<b>Both you and I will get $25, no questions asked</b><u><b> </b></u><br />
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The money train doesn't stop there. You'll also get your own Orange Key so you can refer your own friends. The money soon adds up - with 50 referrals you stand to earn <b>$2000</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-73883008619861249512013-06-17T19:21:00.001-07:002013-06-17T19:21:51.353-07:00Sizzling ING Orange Key!It's high Summer, and it's getting hotter and hotter. Celebrate the gorgeous weather with a referral bonus from ING Direct Canada.<br />
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Here's a sizzling ING Orange Key!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjhrqAsetd0CqLvY53gq3S7L8rzrUhhuNvDzpgp3WiloGMCd4x1vRs6nsDMGZcwqBcjzo54-c19_sZLyiGQ69Joa40h-Y85_d1gKKegl5TyxVlczLmfx7WcoSzo_BuZSKXrnk2tHO0H4/s1600/INg+direct+orange+key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjhrqAsetd0CqLvY53gq3S7L8rzrUhhuNvDzpgp3WiloGMCd4x1vRs6nsDMGZcwqBcjzo54-c19_sZLyiGQ69Joa40h-Y85_d1gKKegl5TyxVlczLmfx7WcoSzo_BuZSKXrnk2tHO0H4/s1600/INg+direct+orange+key.jpg" /></a></div>
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Simply enter the referral code 40014077S1 when you apply for any new account from your favorite Canadian bank - ING Direct.You'll cool down with a sizzling $25 bonus (and I get $25 as well because you used my referral code).<br />
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If that doesn't get you hot under the collar, then you're bound to blow a fuse when I tell you that you'll also get your own Orange Key, so you can get your own referrals.<br />
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I have many readers who have used my Orange Key to apply for accounts, and get their own Orange Keys! They now are rolling in referral bonuses.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-27938138188887826802013-02-25T18:22:00.001-08:002013-02-25T18:22:39.298-08:00ING Direct Bonus Still Going StrongEven after several years, the ING bonus scheme is still rolling ahead like a steam train!<br />
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When you open any account (with an initial deposit by cheque of $100), you get a bonus of $25. However, you only get this bonus if you enter an Orange Key code during the online sign-up.<br />
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These Orange Keys are available all over the web. However, <b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">40014077S1</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span> is a working Orange Key - please use it during the sign-up (both you and I get $25).<br />
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The money train doesn't end there. ING Canada will give you your very own Orange Key to love and treasure. If anyone else applies for an account using your Orange Key, both you and the applicant get $25 each.<br />
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This is how your referral bonuses build up.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Refer 10 friends - get $25*10 + $50 bonus = $300</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Refer 20 friends - get $25*10 + $100 bonus = $350</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Refer 30 friends - get $25*10 + $150 bonus = $400</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Refer 40 friends - get $25*10 + $200 bonus = $450</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Refer 50 friends - get $25*10 + $250 bonus = $500</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">TOTAL = $2000</span><br />
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Many people have made the full $2000 in bonuses (well, $2025 if you include your initial $25 for simply signing up).<br />
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The sooner you open and account, the sooner you can reel in those bonuses.<br />
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Please consider using Orange Key <b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">40014077S1</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span> when you open your account.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-18120963469591037262013-02-10T05:09:00.002-08:002013-02-25T18:05:56.116-08:00Get $2000 in Referral Bonuses with ING DirectYou now get $25 when you open any ING Direct Canada bank account (with an initial deposit of $100 or more), and use <b>40014077S1</b> as your Orange Key referral code.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJrAUwiONOvf600N2X0YXxca5JgjX3sIKdznvQ_aSrBFmHl4vLN7Mb2jG-rNnUIkxYIXUDC0ofXoes_yb3h348me4IWX7OazMDr8dUEuJjcFRLXakh8SR_vTlnBVqQHo8Jy4KqOetv90/s1600/ING-Orange-Key.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ING Direct Canada Orange Key " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJrAUwiONOvf600N2X0YXxca5JgjX3sIKdznvQ_aSrBFmHl4vLN7Mb2jG-rNnUIkxYIXUDC0ofXoes_yb3h348me4IWX7OazMDr8dUEuJjcFRLXakh8SR_vTlnBVqQHo8Jy4KqOetv90/s1600/ING-Orange-Key.png" title="ING Orange Key" /></a></div>
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When you open your account, you'll also get your own Orange Key. Give this to your friends and family, and you each get $25 when then open an account!<br />
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You can get up to $2000 in referral bonuses (actually, $2025 when you include the $25 you get for opening your own account).<br />
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This is a great deal, and something you should consider carefully.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-15453955577823877412012-12-12T17:30:00.000-08:002012-12-12T17:30:00.158-08:00$50 ING Orange Key Just a quick reminder that if you open any ING Direct account before December 31st 2012 with the Orange Key promo <b>40014077S1</b>, you get $50.<br />
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From January 1st 2012 and going forward, the bonus reverts to the standard $25.<br />
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You get this bonus when you open any of these accounts:<br />
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<ul>
<li>THRiVE chequing</li>
<li>Investment Savings Account (this currently pays 1.35%, so it's a nice earner)</li>
<li>RSP Investment Savings Account (again paying 1.35%)</li>
<li>TFSA (currently paying 1.4%)</li>
<li>Any business accounts</li>
<li>Any Streetwise Mutual Fund (which I currently invest in)</li>
</ul>
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I've banked with ING Canada for some time now. Their telephone CSRs are always polite, helpful and cheery.<br />
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So go to <a href="http://www.ingdirect.ca/referafriend/">http://www.ingdirect.ca/referafriend/</a> to open your account, and enter the Orange Key <b>40014077S1</b> when required!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-13869005594951430292012-12-03T18:53:00.000-08:002012-12-03T18:56:08.120-08:00Streetwise Mutual Funds 2012 - Yearly ReviewIt's about time for my yearly review of ING Direct's Streetwise mutual funds. So after the stock market turbulence of 2007 to 2009, the last three years has seen fairly steady gains. The ING Streetwise funds suffered in 2008 with large falls, but their recent performance is a source of hope.<br />
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Here's the most recent 2012 performance figures for the Streetwise Balanced Income, Balanced Portfolio and Balanced Growth Portfolio (taken direct from ING Direct Canda's website).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JmypAZQZmMfNKGPS6tNtv1ibuiw8E7GovG6jZFw9rU2JzZi6N2CBJviPxXSnDOVEeDL3dlV5glpHT-SjvMu3gSgtnXAEPtrBxZ12ZGwY5pbRtxid_Zd1g7x0Dpl4T3fS2xuatm_BwzY/s1600/ING+Direct+Streetwise+Mutual+Funds.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Performance Information" border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JmypAZQZmMfNKGPS6tNtv1ibuiw8E7GovG6jZFw9rU2JzZi6N2CBJviPxXSnDOVEeDL3dlV5glpHT-SjvMu3gSgtnXAEPtrBxZ12ZGwY5pbRtxid_Zd1g7x0Dpl4T3fS2xuatm_BwzY/s400/ING+Direct+Streetwise+Mutual+Funds.png" title="ING Direct Streetwise Mutual Funds" width="400" /></a></div>
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All funds have seen healthy gains over the year to date, with the Balanced Growth Portfolio clocking in at just over 12%.<br />
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Of course, the Streetwise funds were launched during the market turbulence of 2008, so the growth since launch has been rather anemic, to say the least. However, since I dollar-cost average into the Balanced Growth fund every month since launch, I managed to buy some initial units at a cheap price, so I'm looking at a larger gain.<br />
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Here are one-year performance benchmarks for the Streetwise Funds.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7sWsgpvspA7xFz422ZIj57aDzp-Cr1ww7kKe7WskayhOAUimEO-TSMka0FyQeJMGuZcFSodAYz1cjmtZNHocSgS8iU_1UXgRruvksUAvx3YQSwyqWWCUEObJmR3BRRiIuYOyA2ri3AA/s1600/Streetwise+Mutual+Fund+Performance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Streetwise Funds Performance" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7sWsgpvspA7xFz422ZIj57aDzp-Cr1ww7kKe7WskayhOAUimEO-TSMka0FyQeJMGuZcFSodAYz1cjmtZNHocSgS8iU_1UXgRruvksUAvx3YQSwyqWWCUEObJmR3BRRiIuYOyA2ri3AA/s1600/Streetwise+Mutual+Fund+Performance.png" title="Streetwise Funds Performance" /></a></div>
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The Sharpe Ratio for the Streetwise Balanced Income fund over the last year is a healthy 2.33 (respectable in anyone's eyes). The Sharpe Ratios for the other two funds are lower at just over one (still not bad). However, the modestly good Sharpe Ratios masks rather poor mean annual returns for all three funds.<br />
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The <a href="http://investexcel.net/528/jensens-alpha-excel/" target="_blank">alpha</a> for all three funds are negative, indicating that they have under-performed their benchmark. The <a href="http://investexcel.net/367/calculate-stock-beta-with-excel/" target="_blank">beta</a> for the three funds are around 0.9 - 1. This indicates that their volatility matches that of their benchmark, or is slightly lower.<br />
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I'm not overly impressed by the performance figures. But I'm a buy-and-hold kind of guy. I'll maintain my monthly investment plan inside a TFSA in the Streetwise Balanced Growth fund.<br />
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ING Direct Canada still have a referral reward system. If you use the Orange Key 40014077S1 when you open any account (with an initial $100 deposit by cheque), you'll get a $25 bonus (or $50 before the end of 2012).<br />
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You'll also get your own Orange Key so you can get your own referrals! Magic!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-40029811304996927572012-12-01T16:51:00.003-08:002012-12-01T16:51:56.843-08:00ING Orange Key: 40014077S1Here's a fresh ING Orange Key, hot off the presses: <b>40014077S1</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
From now <b>until the 31st December 2012</b>, any savvy savers who open any ING Direct Canada account with this code (with an initial deposit of $100) will be rewarded with a <b>$50 bonus</b>.<br />
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The bonus falls to $25 in January 2013, so you'd better open your account now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-11031619373835077712012-01-23T12:00:00.000-08:002012-01-23T12:00:19.573-08:00Musings on the Streetwise Mutual FundsWell, I haven't updated this blog in a long time, so I thought it was time I made an effort. Many, many people have submitted their ING Orange Keys so they can get referrals; I encourage all new ING Savers to do the same.<br />
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The ING Orange Key program is still going strong, with many new savers earning their two thousand dollars in referral fees.<br />
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I've previously given my thumbs up to the Streetwise mutual funds. I think, now, I have to adjust my previous enthusiasm. The Streetwise funds have really not performed well since their inception. Consider this performance chart for the Streetwise Mutual Funds, complete to December 2011<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mRT8Lf5yOJhUmBclyOf2lCXIHMY0Epqpe6JNTMllAL_5VQqIqEvskzkNgHfkY8vSvKFOChWYy6PM-QS4Fl7Y1rYObY1DjyklT52spPVoh8Igj0KYTOWo-Kc1zLOMn5RPpLkA7OMKqZQ/s1600/Streetwise+Mutual+Funds+Performance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mRT8Lf5yOJhUmBclyOf2lCXIHMY0Epqpe6JNTMllAL_5VQqIqEvskzkNgHfkY8vSvKFOChWYy6PM-QS4Fl7Y1rYObY1DjyklT52spPVoh8Igj0KYTOWo-Kc1zLOMn5RPpLkA7OMKqZQ/s400/Streetwise+Mutual+Funds+Performance.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since launch, the Balanced Income fund has gained around seven percent in value. The Balanced and Balanced Growth funds, however, have lost value<br />
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Of course, we've had a great deal of financial turmoil in the world's stock markets so I'm sure ING aren't totally to blame.<br />
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I've invested in the Balanced fund. I would have got a better return had I invested in the TFSA Savings Account instead. These are, of course, still eligible for the ING Orange Key referral scheme.<br />
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Remember to post your Orange Key in the comments!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-44082505723841163512011-05-16T19:37:00.000-07:002011-05-16T19:37:16.169-07:00ING Direct Canada Orange Key 2011Here's some brand Orange Keys:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>33866519S1<br />
33866519S1<br />
32981155S1<br />
32754139S1<br />
17465528S1<br />
35638912S1<br />
15846511S1<br />
35812506S1<br />
35853623S1<br />
35821095S1<br />
35669143S1</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As ever, post your Orange Keys in a comment, and I'll feature them in the next blog post. <b></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">By the way, check out ING Direct's <a href="http://thefinancialbrand.com/18370/ing-direct-cafe-toronto-downtown/">new Cafe in Toronto</a>. I wanna go!<b><br />
</b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com174tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-16052283808044695482011-04-03T18:14:00.000-07:002011-04-03T18:14:00.119-07:00ING Direct Streetwise Mutual Fund HoldingsThese are the top 10 holdings of the Streetwise Mutual funds.<br />
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<b>Top Ten Holdings of the Streetwise Income Fund</b><br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 256px;"><colgroup><col span="4" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col> </colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt; width: 144pt;" width="192"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 2.50%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2.10%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 1.50%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.90%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 3.75%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.80%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 5.75%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.70%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 2.00%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.40%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 3.25%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.30%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canada Housing Trust 4.60%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.30%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 5.75%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.20%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 3.00%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.10%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canada Housing Trust 4.55%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.10%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></td> <td><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></td> <td><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></td> <td><span style="font-size: x-small;">TOTAL 14.9%</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Top Ten Holdings of the Streetwise Balanced Fund</b><br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 256px;"><colgroup><col span="4" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col> </colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt; width: 144pt;" width="192"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 3.75%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.90%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund 1.9%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.90%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canada Housing Trust 4.60%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.50%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Royal Bank of Canada</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.40%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 3.50%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.30%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Toronto-Dominion Bank</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.20%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 1.50%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.20%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">iShares S&P 500 Index Fund</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.10%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="2" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Suncor Energy, Inc.</span></td> <td><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.10%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Bank of Nova Scotia</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.10%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></td> <td><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></td> <td><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></td> <td><span style="font-size: x-small;">TOTAL 13.7%</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Top Ten Holdings of the Streetwise Growth Fund</b><br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 256px;"><colgroup><col span="4" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col> </colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt; width: 144pt;" width="192"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Royal Bank of Canada</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.70%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">iShares S&P 500 Index Fund</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.60%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Toronto-Dominion Bank</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.50%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="2" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Suncor Energy, Inc.</span></td> <td><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.30%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Bank of Nova Scotia</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.30%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Barrick Gold Corporation</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.20%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Government of Canada 3.75%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.20%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canadian Natural Resources Limited</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.10%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1.00%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"> <td colspan="3" height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canada Housing Trust 4.60%</span></td> <td align="right" class="xl65"><span style="font-size: x-small;">0.90%</span></td> </tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"> <td height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></td> <td><br />
</td> <td><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></td> <td><span style="font-size: x-small;">TOTAL 12.8%</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The Growth fund has a strong Banking and Natural Resources theme, while the Balanced Fund revolves around Banking and Government Bonds. The Income fund, not surprisingly, focuses on Government bonds.<br />
<br />
I wouldn't necessarily recommened the Income fund, unless you're concentrating on capital protection. The Balanced and Growth funds show greater growth potential.<br />
<br />
Remember to post your Orange Key in a comment, and I'll feature it in a blog post!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-42959307152938721362011-03-31T17:54:00.000-07:002011-04-01T04:57:08.921-07:00Streetwise Fund PerformanceHere's the latest performance chart for ING Direct Streetwise mutual funds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M6W5COZe2PzvqxsmJmi7hYEUh2XgYpdGHjfn5m-I6qILlAKbn2lmrjLtCdqYdOBiWrYAvW9rUy3tjbxvKXSxzF0Bbh9FdWqcB7IEX8ptgv9MlDbzA28hPZPnJ3yGt3JXcdtTJEHsO60/s1600/INGStreetwisePerformance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M6W5COZe2PzvqxsmJmi7hYEUh2XgYpdGHjfn5m-I6qILlAKbn2lmrjLtCdqYdOBiWrYAvW9rUy3tjbxvKXSxzF0Bbh9FdWqcB7IEX8ptgv9MlDbzA28hPZPnJ3yGt3JXcdtTJEHsO60/s1600/INGStreetwisePerformance.png" /></a></div><br />
Since the low point in Febuary 2009 (in tandem with almost all stock market indices), all three Streetwise funds have demonstrated steady growth. From August 2009 to August 2010 the funds meandered, but that's been followed by a sustained period of better growth. Let's hope it continues!<br />
<br />
I buy into the Streetwise Balanced fund every single month in my TFSA - it's far less stressful than putting your whole $5000 TFSA balance in at once. <br />
<br />
By the way, you're welcome to post your ING Direct Orange Key in comment, and I'll feature it in a blog post.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-76028262707406114962011-03-29T17:42:00.000-07:002011-03-29T17:42:22.133-07:00ING Direct Orange Key 2011These are the twelve latest new ING Direct Orange Keys submitted by the readers of this blog.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>17453092S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>34880608S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>22420388S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>34600281S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>14221340S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>14460703S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>35537435S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>35665122S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>33808427S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>35736756S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>35746720S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>35561445S1</b></div><br />
Open any ING account with an initial deposit of $100, and specify any of these working Orange Keys during the online application. You (and the owner of the Orange Key) will get $25 <b><u>each</u></b>. It doesn't get much more difficult than this.<br />
<br />
You'll also get your own Orange Key so you can make your own referrals, and get $25 each time, up to a maximum of $2000. Here's the referral scheme<br />
<br />
Refer 10 friends - get $25*10 + $50 bonus = $300<br />
Refer 20 friends - get $25*10 + $100 bonus = $350<br />
Refer 30 friends - get $25*10 + $150 bonus = $400<br />
Refer 40 friends - get $25*10 + $200 bonus = $450<br />
Refer 50 friends - get $25*10 + $250 bonus = $500<br />
TOTAL = $2000 plus your original $25 bonus = $2025<br />
<br />
Once you've got your own Orange Key, visit this site and post it in a comment. I'll then feature it in a new blog post! I made my $2025 in seven months. How long will it take you? Get started!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-50706668664277279642010-11-14T16:02:00.000-08:002010-11-14T16:02:04.311-08:00ING THRiVE Chequing vs BMOI've been an ING Direct saver since early 2010, having made a cool $2000 with the their Orange Key referral program. I also invest monthly into a TFSA (the streetwise mutual fund, to be exact). Earlier this year, ING Direct opened what they call THRiVE Chequing.<br />
<br />
Given that I've had a BMO Chequing account for over two years, switching to THRiVE wouldn't be something I do without due diligence. ING Direct list their primary selling points for their new chequing account on their <a href="http://www.ingdirect.ca/en/chequing/what-is-thrive-chequing/index.html">website</a>. I decided to dig a little deeper and discover how BMO compares before making my decision.<br />
<br />
<b>No-fee daily chequing</b><br />
I pay for the BMO Plus plan a a cost of $8.50 a month. This fee is waived if I don't let the balance dip below $2000.<br />
<br />
THRiVE, however, is free – you don't pay a monthly fee. But there are fees associated with other services.<br />
<br />
For example, replacement debit cards with THRiVE are $15 but you get one free a year. BMO provide free replacement cards no matter how many you lose (I wasn't charged either time when I lost my debit card twice in one year).<br />
<br />
ING charge $10 for Canadian drafts, but BMO charge $6.50 (in any currency).<br />
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A book of twenty cheques will cost THRiVE customers $10 (but the first twenty are free). This could add up considerably if you write a lot of cheques. BMO, however, don't charge at all for cheques.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In summary, given that I'm careless with debit cards, BMO are the winners. Maintaining my chequing balance above $2000 to avoid the $8.50 fee isn't a problem. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Pays Interest</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">THRiVE pays 0.25% on balances below $50000. Perhaps it's just me, but I don't think people who could afford to keep $50000 in their chequing account would be swayed by the paltry interest rate on offer. Most people would be better served by keeping amounts this large in high interest savings accounts. ING's high interest savings account currently pays 1.5%</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">BMO pay no interest on their chequing accounts, but you can connect chequing accounts to the Smart Saver account paying 1.35% and switch money in and out online (you're allowed unlimited deposits, but only one free withdrawal from the Smart Saver account each month)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Given the small difference in rates on the high interest savings accounts, we're tied on this point</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Free email alerting</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">THRiVE customers get email alerts for specific account transactions (like payments, balances etc). That's a pretty neat service – BMO do not offer anything similar.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Free ABM Access</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ABM access is pretty important if you're an online bank, and THRiVE customers can use the</span><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">THE EXCHANGE® Network to withdraw cash. I searched <a href="http://www.the-exchange.ca/">http://www.the-exchange.ca</a> for ABMs in my home town of Waterloo and found eight. BMO just edge them out with ten.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Free Whoops! Protection</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">ING offer free overdraft protection up to $250 (but you have to pay this back in 30 days, otherwise you'll be charged $2.50 a month). This is amusingly called the Whoops! service.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">BMO offer overdraft protection of up to $2500 (upon application) but charge you interest on the total.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">I'm pretty savvy with money and I've never been in the red, so this isn't a factor for me.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Mobile Banking</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">If you're a proud owner of an iPad, iPhone or Blackberry, you can bank while mobile with the THRiVE account. BMO are technological Luddites and don't offer this service. </div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Summary</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">ING primarily advertise THRiVE as a no-fee chequing account. Since I effectively don't get charged for my BMO chequing account (as long as maintain a balance of $2000), this isn't a factor. So ING's offering has to stand on its other merits.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">I currently hold a BMO credit card, and their online services allow me to see my balances across all my accounts. This unified website is a very big plus for me. ING Direct don't (yet) offer a credit card, so I'd have to constantly switch between two websites to keep track of my day-to-day finances.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">THRiVE's other benefits, however, aren't enough for me to shift my banking to ING. I still value the presence of a physical BMO branch barely a mile from me more than I do THRiVE's other selling points like free overdrafts and email alerts. </div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">In short, I'll keep my chequing account with BMO until ING decide to raise their game.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>ING Direct Canada Orange Key Promotion</b></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">If you open any ING account with an initial deposit of $100, and specify any of these working Orange Keys during the online application, you (and the owner of the Orange Key) will get $25 each.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">17066306S1 </div><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">30684987S1 </div><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">17465528S1 </div><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">19328535S1 </div><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">You'll also get your own Orange Key so you can make your own referrals, and get $25 each time, up to a maximum of $2000. Here's a rundown of the referral scheme</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Refer 10 friends - get $25*10 + $50 bonus = $300<br />
Refer 20 friends - get $25*10 + $100 bonus = $350<br />
Refer 30 friends - get $25*10 + $150 bonus = $400<br />
Refer 40 friends - get $25*10 + $200 bonus = $450<br />
Refer 50 friends - get $25*10 + $250 bonus = $500<br />
TOTAL = $2000 </div><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Once you have your own Orange Key, visit this site and post it in a comment. I'll then feature it in a new blog post! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-86140803874738986822010-10-26T16:50:00.000-07:002010-10-26T17:01:32.771-07:00ING Direct Streetwise Balanced Income FundI thought I'd blog about the Balanced Income Mutual Fund today. I've always veered away from bond-based funds myself, possibly for no good reason. I've always thought that you could get the same risk diversification simply by investing in savings accounts and lower-risk mutual funds. However, given recent financial events, I've been looking at them in a more favorible light. Given that I'm a satisfed ING Direct customer, I took a closer look at their bond-based mutual fund.<br />
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The Balanced Income Fund has grown by 4.75% in the 12 months ending September 30th 2010. Not a bad return given the 1.5% I'm getting in my BMO savings account. It's a fine fund if you're risk averse, but want greater growth than the dismal returns from bank savings accounts<br />
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These are the top 25 holdings of the Streetwise Balance Income Fund. It's largley invested in Canadian Bonds (70%) but the rest is largely equities.<br />
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<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="2" frame="VOID" rules="NONE"><colgroup><col width="214"></col><col width="94"></col></colgroup> <tbody>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17" width="214"><b>Holding</b></td> <td align="LEFT" width="94"><b>Percent of Portfolio</b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3.70%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3.00%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Canada Housing Trust</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.70%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.60%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.40%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Canada Housing Trust</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.30%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2.10%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Province of Ontario</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.50%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Province of Ontario</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.40%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Province of Ontario</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.30%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Cash and Cash Equivalents</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.30%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.30%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.20%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.00%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.00%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Canadian Credit Card Trust</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.00%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1.00%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Canada Housing Trust </span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">0.90%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Canada Housing Trust</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">0.90%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Province of Quebec</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">0.80%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="21"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">iShares S&P 500 Index Fund</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">0.80%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">0.80%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Government of Canada</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">0.80%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Canada Housing Trust</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">0.80%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Province of Newfoundland</span></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">0.80%</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="LEFT" height="20"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">TOTAL</span></b></td> <td align="LEFT"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">37.40%</span></td> </tr>
</tbody> </table><br />
Geographically, the fund is invested 80% in Canada. Accordingly, you're not in danger of considerable currency fluctuation.<br />
<br />
If you're new to ING Direct, use any of these reader-submitted Orange Keys to open an account (just enter the key at the appropriate point on the online application form). You'll get $25 (so will the owner of the Orange Key).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>35372105S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>32994525S1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>35386449S1</b></div><br />
You'll also get your own Orange Key so you can get your own referalls (simply visit this site again, post it in a comment, and I'll feature it in a blog post)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-17703501226861446322010-10-21T19:06:00.000-07:002010-10-21T19:06:40.296-07:00ING Direct Streetwise Fund Performance 2010It's rapidly approaching the end of 2010, so I thought I'd update my previous post on the performance of the ING Direct Streetwise mutual funds.<br />
<br />
This chart shows the price performance of the Income, Balanced and Growth funds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGVfB05doOh5k2qmuFxYqe8KoAg966HaN1p2hnQiZmyOIlVfG-06kmxWp1A1iVaP6hB7Op9CjxPRhNWqeAyqdxiQ79jvt7Gbnc9wxM49Y9muX_oawVQe91Q8GjhkWd-b06cV8rnh-cHU/s1600/StreetiseFundPricePerformance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGVfB05doOh5k2qmuFxYqe8KoAg966HaN1p2hnQiZmyOIlVfG-06kmxWp1A1iVaP6hB7Op9CjxPRhNWqeAyqdxiQ79jvt7Gbnc9wxM49Y9muX_oawVQe91Q8GjhkWd-b06cV8rnh-cHU/s400/StreetiseFundPricePerformance.png" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Along with the rest of the stock market, the funds have risen gradually during the latter part of the year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This chart shows the fractional month-on-month change of each of the funds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3Jl02NoJIhcbz1TTE8PuScJm4nEPeKVgpdXmf5eHfuS1itjdwfm8od8QRk9-VKpXtCLKoubnrF9Oqh2nweP_zTmbREz7ybkhBffPY0iE7vYd6BOSo6YWkQsfl93pKPWSwWoTAgH9f5U/s1600/StreetiseFundPriceFractionalChange.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3Jl02NoJIhcbz1TTE8PuScJm4nEPeKVgpdXmf5eHfuS1itjdwfm8od8QRk9-VKpXtCLKoubnrF9Oqh2nweP_zTmbREz7ybkhBffPY0iE7vYd6BOSo6YWkQsfl93pKPWSwWoTAgH9f5U/s400/StreetiseFundPriceFractionalChange.png" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The performance isn't stellar, but I haven't lost money. I've been buying units every month this year, and the price has gradually since July. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I started investing in the Streetwise Balanced fund in February, my total investment of $4183.3 ($100 in February plus $408.33 every month after that) is now worth $4390.22. That's an increase of 4.9% - a bit better than a savings account.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>By the way, if you're considering opening your first account with ING Direct, then use this reader-posted Orange Key<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>3068497S1</b><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You'll get a $25 bonus when you make an initial deposit of $100. You'll also get your own Orange Key, so you can make your own referrals. Every time someone opens an account with your Orange Key, both you and the account opener get $25. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are bonuses for every 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 people you register, and you could make as much as $2000. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When you get your Orange Key, post it in a blog comment and I'll feature it in a new post.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-17870412470068403472010-10-17T18:30:00.000-07:002010-10-17T18:30:04.008-07:00Working ING Direct Orange Keys for October 2010More ING Direct Orange Keys for Canadians who want to make money!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>17465528S1<br />
22443372S1<br />
17289125S1 </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you want your Orange Key posted, simply enter it into comments box and I'll feature it in a blog post!<b> </b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-91884091984970989762010-10-10T18:53:00.000-07:002010-10-10T18:53:30.633-07:00More ING Direct Orange Keys for October 2010 Use any of these Orange Keys to get your free $25 from ING Direct Canada. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>35292765S1</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>35305534S1</b></span></div><br />
You'll also get your own Orange Key so you can get your own referrals. When you do, come back here and post it in a comments box - I'll feature it in a new blog post. <br />
<br />
If you've just browsed here, looking for a place to post your Orange Key, leave it in a comment, and I'll publish it. Happy Thanksgiving!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-86238916009251515372010-10-05T16:47:00.000-07:002010-10-05T16:47:17.809-07:00Fresh ING Direct Orange Keys for 2010Two readers have given me their Orange Keys<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>35328883S1</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>17355816S1</b></span></div><br />
Use either to get your $25 bonus, and your own Orange Key! Once you have your own Orange Key, leave it in a comment, and I will put them in a new blog post. <br />
<br />
Go ahead and make $2000!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-53713009932637930072010-10-04T17:17:00.000-07:002010-10-04T17:17:14.955-07:00Post your ING Direct Orange Key here and gain referrals!I started this blog earlier this year hoping to gain referalls for my ING Direct Canada Orange Key. Well, I succesfully gained my 50 referrals, and made $2000 in the processes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3ODCPf0EQqxph5yFN5O0Pk8w4vRQ9USVINGqhKWfheCqBI2leO8o7iAyW2u8dM-bA8DvFcbUZ6ayjDf5zEwfIb9Tz5-9ARrbbd8KhBFDWqyX6XY5ahZimhSqh-cIoPsPWNGP-j0P4sk/s1600/INGDirectOrangeKey.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3ODCPf0EQqxph5yFN5O0Pk8w4vRQ9USVINGqhKWfheCqBI2leO8o7iAyW2u8dM-bA8DvFcbUZ6ayjDf5zEwfIb9Tz5-9ARrbbd8KhBFDWqyX6XY5ahZimhSqh-cIoPsPWNGP-j0P4sk/s320/INGDirectOrangeKey.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>I still have people using my Orange Key to open their ING TFSA's, savings accounts, RSPs and mutual fund accounts and get their $25 bonus. As of today, over 160 people have used my Orange Key to gain their $25 bonus, but because of the limits ING have placed, I personally don't get any more bonuses.<br />
<br />
This site gets over 40 hits a day from people looking for a Orange Key. That's over forty people keen to find a working ING Direct Orange Key, so they can open accounts and get their bonus of $25 (and in turn get their own ING Direct Orange Key). <br />
<br />
I now want to hand this site over to the community. Post your ING DIRECT ORANGE KEY in the comments box in this post. Every couple of days, I will create a new post featuring the Orange Keys posted most recently. Those Orange Keys will get the referral bonuses that I am no longer eligible for.<br />
<br />
So post your ING Direct Orange Key in the comments box, and start getting those referrals! If you do get a bonus from an Orange Key you've found on this website, then encourage your friends to visit, and perhaps even post a link on your blog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-41501168941310081592010-07-05T19:27:00.000-07:002010-07-05T19:27:51.313-07:00ING Direct Orange Key for July 2010: 34431191S1Want to make $25 in July 2010? What about $500? Want even more?<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Open any account (TFSA, RSP, GIC, or ISA) with ING Direct at http://www.ingdirect.ca</li>
<li>Specify the Orange Key 34431191S1 when requested in the application</li>
<li>Make an initial deposit by check of $100</li>
</ul><br />
You'll get $25 free credited to your account. You'll also get your own Orange key so you can make your own referrals - you could even create a blog like this to get referrals. Every time you refer someone you and the account opener get $25.<br />
<br />
Refer 10 friends - get $25*10 + $50 bonus = $300<br />
Refer 20 friends - get $25*10 + $100 bonus = $350<br />
Refer 30 friends - get $25*10 + $150 bonus = $400<br />
Refer 40 friends - get $25*10 + $200 bonus = $450<br />
Refer 50 friends - get $25*10 + $250 bonus = $500<br />
TOTAL = $2000<br />
<br />
Remember to specify Orange Key 34431191S1 to get your $25 and your own Orange Key code.<br />
<br />
Orange Key Code 34431191S1 is valid and working! You will not lose out, but if you have any questions let me know via the chat box on the left.<br />
<div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-47498659550609348352010-06-27T09:07:00.000-07:002010-06-27T09:16:32.431-07:00ING Orange Key Canada - make up to $2000 freeAll Canadians can get $25 free (and up to $2000 more with the Refer-A-Friend program) by opening any ING Direct account.<br />
<ul><li>Open any account (TFSA, ISA, RSP or GIC) with ING Direct at http://www.ingdirect .ca</li>
<li>Specify the Orange Key 34431191S during the online application</li>
<li>Make an initial deposit by check of $100</li>
</ul>Your account will be credited with $25 free. You'll get your own Orange Key. If your friends and family open an ING Direct account and specify your Orange Key, you and they will get $25 free.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">34431191S is a working ING Direct Orange Key - you will not lose out :)</div><br />
When I opened an ING Direct Orange I found a working Orange Key just by googling "ING Direct Orange Key" - I got $25 free, and so did the anonymous person who posted the Orange Key I found. I realized this was a great money making scheme, so I created this website to promote my Orange Key (optimized for the right search terms, and with other valuable information like Streetwise mutual fund reviews and investment advice).<br />
<br />
You could also consider posting your Orange Key on<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.craiglist.ca/">http://www.craiglist.ca</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.redleafads.com/">http://www.redleafads.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.eclassifieds4u.com/">http://www.eclassifieds4u.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.sellitbuyit.ca/">http://www.sellitbuyit.ca</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.usedcanada.com/">http://www.usedcanada.com</a></li>
</ul>There are many ways you can promote your Orange Key and make those referral bonuses - it just takes a small investment of your time. The money is out there waiting to be made - go get yourself $2000.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's the rundown on the bonus scheme.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Refer 10 friends - get $25*10 + $50 bonus = $300</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Refer 20 friends - get $25*10 + $100 bonus = $350</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Refer 30 friends - get $25*10 + $150 bonus = $400</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Refer 40 friends - get $25*10 + $200 bonus = $450</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Refer 50 friends - get $25*10 + $250 bonus = $500</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">TOTAL = $2000</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-60850380951030387282010-06-08T19:11:00.000-07:002010-06-08T19:12:02.368-07:00Streetwise Balanced Income Fund - A ReviewThe Streetwise Balanced Income Fund is primarily intended for investors with a low tolerance for risk who intend to keep invested for the medium-term (five years or so). It is invested in<br />
<ul><li>70% Canadian bonds via the DEX Universe Bond Index: The Index is designed as a measure of Canadian investment-grade fixed income market and consists of bonds which mature in more than one year.</li>
<li>10% Canadian equity via the S&P/TSX 60 Index: This is a capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of 60 large, liquid Canadian common stock listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.</li>
<li>10% US equity via the S&P 500 Index: This is a capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of 500 widely-held U.S. common stocks representing all major industries in the United States.</li>
<li>10% International equity via the MSCI EAFE Index: This Index is a broad measure of performance of equity securities of companies domiciled in developed markets covering countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East.</li>
</ul><div>The Streetwise Balanced Income Fund returned 7.67% in 2009 (after an expense ratio of 1%). Given the turmoil in the world stock markets in 2009, this is a satisfactory result.</div><br />
These are the top 25 holdings of the Streetwise Income Fund. <br />
<br />
1. Canada Housing Trust 4.60% Sep 15/11 6.4%<br />
2. Government of Canada 3.75% Jun 01/12 4.4%<br />
3. Canada Housing Trust 2.70% Dec 15/13 2.5%<br />
4. Canada Housing Trust 4.55% Dec 15/12 2.5%<br />
5. Province of Ontario 5.00% Mar 08/14 1.9%<br />
6. Cash and Cash Equivalents 1.7%<br />
7. Province of Ontario 4.40% Mar 08/16 1.6%<br />
8. Government of Canada 8.00% Jun 01/27 1.5%<br />
9. Canada Housing Trust 2.75% Dec 15/14 1.4%<br />
10. Government of Canada 5.75% Jun 01/33 1.2%<br />
11. Government of Canada 5.75% Jun 01/29 1.2%<br />
12. Government of Canada 3.50% Jun 01/ 13 1.2%<br />
13. Province of Quebec 5.25% Oct 01/13 1.1%<br />
14. Canadian Credit Card Trust 4.51% Apr 24 /12 1.1%<br />
15. Province of Newfoundland 6.40% Jul 25/1 1 1.0%<br />
16. Government of Canada 8.00% Jun 01/23 0.9%<br />
17. Canada Housing Trust 3.15% Jul 15/14 0.9%<br />
18. The Toronto-Dominion Bank 5.14% N o v 19/1 2 0.9%<br />
19. Canada Housing Trust 4.10% Dec 15/18 0.9%<br />
20. Government of Canada 3.00% Jun 01/14 0.9%<br />
21. Province of Ontario 5.60% Jun 02/35 0.9%<br />
22. Province of British Columbia 4.70% Dec 0 1/1 7 0.9%<br />
23. Royal Bank of Canada 0.8%<br />
24. Province of Quebec 6.25% Jun 01/32 0.8%<br />
25. Canada Housing Trust 2.95% Mar 15/15 0.8%<br />
<br />
<div>I invest in another ING Fund (the Streetwise Balanced Fund), but if you want a safe haven then the Balanced Income portfolio is a fine pick.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-47856647601384311392010-06-06T21:01:00.000-07:002010-06-06T21:03:57.966-07:00ING Direct Refer A FriendING Direct Refer-a-Friend promotion gives new customers $25 when you use an Orange Key to open any account and make an initial deposit of $100.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><div>I'd appreciate it if you enter my Orange Key 34431191S1 when you complete the online application at http://www.INGDirect.ca. Both you and I will get $25, and you'll also get your own Orange Key so you can make your own referrals. </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-336740223026438968.post-69467372490391671262010-06-01T07:46:00.000-07:002010-06-06T09:10:52.068-07:00ING Direct Orange Key for June 2010: 34431191S1Want to make $25 in June 2010? What about $500? Want even more?<br />
<ul><li>Open any account (TFSA, RSP, GIC, or ISA) with ING Direct at http://www.ingdirect.ca</li>
<li>Specify the Orange Key 34431191S1 when requested in the application</li>
<li>Make an initial deposit by check of $100</li>
</ul>You'll get $25 free credited to your account. You'll also get your own Orange key so you can make your own referrals. Every time you refer someone you and the account opener get $25.<br />
<br />
Refer 10 friends - get $25*10 + $50 bonus = $300<br />
Refer 20 friends - get $25*10 + $100 bonus = $350<br />
Refer 30 friends - get $25*10 + $150 bonus = $400<br />
Refer 40 friends - get $25*10 + $200 bonus = $450<br />
Refer 50 friends - get $25*10 + $250 bonus = $500<br />
TOTAL = $2000<br />
<br />
Remember to specify Orange Key 34431191S1 to get your $25 and your own Orange Key code.<br />
<br />
Orange Key Code 34431191S1 is valid and working! You will not lose out, but if you have any questions email me at simulationconsultant@gmail.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0