ING and me

I have a confession to make… I looove ING Direct.

I’ve been using one of their savings accounts for my less-touchable money for a couple of years now and the return is still way better than what my bank has offered. Their website is super-secure and easy to navigate and they offer explanations for how all the different savings tools work (and the tools are flexible! - their short term GICs were my first foray into non-traditional saving and it was a great way to get my feet wet.)

Finally, even though I should know better than to be swayed by slick PR, their advertising just gets me every time. I’m in the process of researching the “Streetwise Fund” now (watch for a future post) because the guy with the accent has me intrigued. I guess I’m not the only one to find their marketing effective either, because their campaign to have people create their own Super Saver commercials has prompted a ton of YouTube submissions. I’ve been watching them off and on the last few days and some are really funny (some are really bad too, but that’s the nature of the Internet I guess.) This is one of my favourites though - decent production values and a theme I can identify with. (Look familiar? He’s snowflaking.)

I know dating can be expensive, but I have to agree - there are better ways to save money than eliminating your date. I’m partial to picnics myself, or to people-watching in new neighbourhoods as ways to spend time together on a budget, but those aren’t exactly cold-weather activities.

What do you think? With more snow on the way this weekend (side question: will it ever end!?!) what’s your favourite way to winter date without breaking the bank?