Start 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!)

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.

You can start 2014 on a positive note with a free $25 from ING Direct Canada

Just use the referral code 40014077S1 when you open any ING Direct Canada account with a minimum starting balance of $100.

This key works!

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!

The referrals will soon start rolling in. Start January 2014 on a high, and trust that it continues through the rest of the year!

Need $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.

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 http://www.ingdirect.ca/referafriend/

 You just need to enter this referral code (also known as an Orange Key) when you complete the online application: 40014077S1

Both you and I will get $25, no questions asked

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 $2000

Sizzling 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.

Here's a sizzling ING Orange Key!

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).

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.

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.

ING Direct Bonus Still Going Strong

Even after several years, the ING bonus scheme is still rolling ahead like a steam train!

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.

These Orange Keys are available all over the web. However, 40014077S1 is a working Orange Key - please use it during the sign-up (both you and I get $25).

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.

This is how your referral bonuses build up.

Refer 10 friends - get $25*10 + $50 bonus = $300
Refer 20 friends - get $25*10 + $100 bonus = $350
Refer 30 friends - get $25*10 + $150 bonus = $400
Refer 40 friends - get $25*10 + $200 bonus = $450
Refer 50 friends - get $25*10 + $250 bonus = $500
TOTAL = $2000

Many people have made the full $2000 in bonuses (well, $2025 if you include your initial $25 for simply signing up).

The sooner you open and account, the sooner you can reel in those bonuses.

Please consider using Orange Key 40014077S1 when you open your account.

Get $2000 in Referral Bonuses with ING Direct

You now get $25 when you open any ING Direct Canada bank account (with an initial deposit of $100 or more), and use 40014077S1 as your Orange Key referral code.

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!

You can get up to $2000 in referral bonuses (actually, $2025 when you include the $25 you get for opening your own account).

This is a great deal, and something you should consider carefully.

$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 40014077S1, you get $50.

From January 1st 2012 and going forward, the bonus reverts to the standard $25.

You get this bonus when you open any of these accounts:

• THRiVE chequing
• Investment Savings Account (this currently pays 1.35%, so it's a nice earner)
• RSP Investment Savings Account (again paying 1.35%)
• TFSA (currently paying 1.4%)
• Any business accounts
• Any Streetwise Mutual Fund (which I currently invest in)

I've banked with ING Canada for some time now. Their telephone CSRs are always polite, helpful and cheery.

So go to http://www.ingdirect.ca/referafriend/ to open your account, and enter the Orange Key 40014077S1 when required!

Streetwise Mutual Funds 2012 - Yearly Review

It'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.

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).

All funds have seen healthy gains over the year to date, with the Balanced Growth Portfolio clocking in at just over 12%.

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.

Here are one-year performance benchmarks for the Streetwise Funds.

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.

The alpha for all three funds are negative, indicating that they have under-performed their benchmark. The beta for the three funds are around 0.9 - 1. This indicates that their volatility matches that of their benchmark, or is slightly lower.

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.

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).

You'll also get your own Orange Key so you can get your own referrals! Magic!

ING Orange Key: 40014077S1

Here's a fresh ING Orange Key, hot off the presses: 40014077S1

From now until the 31st December 2012, any savvy savers who open any ING Direct Canada account with this code (with an initial deposit of $100) will be rewarded with a $50 bonus.

The bonus falls to $25 in January 2013, so you'd better open your account now.

Musings on the Streetwise Mutual Funds

Well, 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.

The ING Orange Key program is still going strong, with many new savers earning their two thousand dollars in referral fees.

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

Since launch, the Balanced Income fund has gained around seven percent in value.  The Balanced and Balanced Growth funds, however, have lost value

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.

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.

Remember to post your Orange Key in the comments!

ING Direct Canada Orange Key 2011

Here's some brand Orange Keys:

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33866519S1
32981155S1
32754139S1
17465528S1
35638912S1
15846511S1
35812506S1
35853623S1
35821095S1
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As ever, post your Orange Keys in a comment, and I'll feature them in the next blog post.

By the way, check out ING Direct's new Cafe in Toronto.  I wanna go!

ING Direct Streetwise Mutual Fund Holdings

These are the top 10 holdings of the Streetwise Mutual funds.

Top Ten Holdings of the Streetwise Income Fund

Government of Canada 2.50%			2.10%
Government of Canada 1.50%			1.90%
Government of Canada 3.75%			1.80%
Government of Canada 5.75%			1.70%
Government of Canada 2.00%			1.40%
Government of Canada 3.25%			1.30%
Canada Housing Trust 4.60%			1.30%
Government of Canada 5.75%			1.20%
Government of Canada 3.00%			1.10%
Canada Housing Trust 4.55%			1.10%
			TOTAL 14.9%

Top Ten Holdings of the Streetwise Balanced Fund

Government of Canada 3.75%			1.90%
iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund 1.9%			1.90%
Canada Housing Trust 4.60%			1.50%
Royal Bank of Canada			1.40%
Government of Canada 3.50%			1.30%
The Toronto-Dominion Bank			1.20%
Government of Canada 1.50%			1.20%
iShares S&P 500 Index Fund			1.10%
Suncor Energy, Inc.			1.10%
The Bank of Nova Scotia			1.10%
			TOTAL 13.7%

Top Ten Holdings of the Streetwise Growth Fund

Royal Bank of Canada			1.70%
iShares S&P 500 Index Fund			1.60%
The Toronto-Dominion Bank			1.50%
Suncor Energy, Inc.			1.30%
The Bank of Nova Scotia			1.30%
Barrick Gold Corporation			1.20%
Government of Canada 3.75%			1.20%
Canadian Natural Resources Limited			1.10%
Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.			1.00%
Canada Housing Trust 4.60%			0.90%
			TOTAL 12.8%

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.

I wouldn't necessarily recommened the Income fund, unless you're concentrating on capital protection.  The Balanced and Growth funds show greater growth potential.

Remember to post your Orange Key in a comment, and I'll feature it in a blog post!

Streetwise Fund Performance

Here's the latest performance chart for ING Direct Streetwise mutual funds.

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!

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. 

By the way, you're welcome to post your ING Direct Orange Key in comment, and I'll feature it in a blog post.

ING Direct Orange Key 2011

These are the twelve latest new ING Direct Orange Keys submitted by the readers of this blog.

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22420388S1

34600281S1

14221340S1

14460703S1

35537435S1

35665122S1

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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. It doesn't get much more difficult than this.

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

Refer 10 friends - get $25*10 + $50 bonus = $300
Refer 20 friends - get $25*10 + $100 bonus = $350
Refer 30 friends - get $25*10 + $150 bonus = $400
Refer 40 friends - get $25*10 + $200 bonus = $450
Refer 50 friends - get $25*10 + $250 bonus = $500
TOTAL = $2000 plus your original $25 bonus = $2025

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!

ING THRiVE Chequing vs BMO

I'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.

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 website. I decided to dig a little deeper and discover how BMO compares before making my decision.

No-fee daily chequing
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.

THRiVE, however, is free – you don't pay a monthly fee. But there are fees associated with other services.

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).

ING charge $10 for Canadian drafts, but BMO charge $6.50 (in any currency).

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.

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.

Pays Interest

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%

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)

Given the small difference in rates on the high interest savings accounts, we're tied on this point

Free email alerting

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.

Free ABM Access

ABM access is pretty important if you're an online bank, and THRiVE customers can use the THE EXCHANGE® Network to withdraw cash. I searched http://www.the-exchange.ca for ABMs in my home town of Waterloo and found eight. BMO just edge them out with ten.

Free Whoops! Protection

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.

BMO offer overdraft protection of up to $2500 (upon application) but charge you interest on the total.

I'm pretty savvy with money and I've never been in the red, so this isn't a factor for me.

Mobile Banking

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.

Summary

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.

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.

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.

In short, I'll keep my chequing account with BMO until ING decide to raise their game.

ING Direct Canada Orange Key Promotion

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.

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30684987S1

17465528S1

19328535S1

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

Refer 10 friends - get $25*10 + $50 bonus = $300
Refer 20 friends - get $25*10 + $100 bonus = $350
Refer 30 friends - get $25*10 + $150 bonus = $400
Refer 40 friends - get $25*10 + $200 bonus = $450
Refer 50 friends - get $25*10 + $250 bonus = $500
TOTAL = $2000

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!

ING Direct Streetwise Balanced Income Fund

I 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.

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

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.

Holding	Percent of Portfolio
Government of Canada	3.70%
Government of Canada	3.00%
Canada Housing Trust	2.70%
Government of Canada	2.60%
Government of Canada	2.40%
Canada Housing Trust	2.30%
Government of Canada	2.10%
Province of Ontario	1.50%
Province of Ontario	1.40%
Province of Ontario	1.30%
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1.30%
Government of Canada	1.30%
Government of Canada	1.20%
Government of Canada	1.00%
Government of Canada	1.00%
Canadian Credit Card Trust	1.00%
Government of Canada	1.00%
Canada Housing Trust	0.90%
Canada Housing Trust	0.90%
Province of Quebec	0.80%
iShares S&P 500 Index Fund	0.80%
Government of Canada	0.80%
Government of Canada	0.80%
Canada Housing Trust	0.80%
Province of Newfoundland	0.80%
TOTAL	37.40%

Geographically, the fund is invested 80% in Canada. Accordingly, you're not in danger of considerable currency fluctuation.

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).

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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)

ING Direct Streetwise Fund Performance 2010

It'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.

This chart shows the price performance of the Income, Balanced and Growth funds.

 

Along with the rest of the stock market, the funds have risen gradually during the latter part of the year.

This chart shows the fractional month-on-month change of each of the funds.

 

 

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.

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.

By the way, if you're considering opening your first account with ING Direct, then use this reader-posted Orange Key

3068497S1 

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.  

There are bonuses for every 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 people you register, and you could make as much as $2000.  

When you get your Orange Key, post it in a blog comment and I'll feature it in a new post.

Working ING Direct Orange Keys for October 2010

More ING Direct Orange Keys for Canadians who want to make money!

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22443372S1
17289125S1 

If you want your Orange Key posted, simply enter it into comments box and I'll feature it in a blog post!

More ING Direct Orange Keys for October 2010

 Use any of these Orange Keys to get your free $25 from ING Direct Canada.

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35305534S1

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. 

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!

Fresh ING Direct Orange Keys for 2010

Two readers have given me their Orange Keys

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17355816S1

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.

Go ahead and make $2000!

Post 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.