Monday, December 1st, 2008
Here’s another decent deal with hopefully minimal drama. Online bank WTDirect is offering up to a $250 cash bonus for opening a new account and keeping a certain minimum average balance for January and February. WT stands for Wilmington Trust FSB, which is FDIC-insured and all that good stuff. Your bonus depends on your average balance:
$10,000 = $50 bonus
$20,000 = $100 bonus
$30,000 = $150 bonus
$40,000 = $200 bonus
$50,000 = $250 bonus
Must be funded by ACH transfer initiated by 12/22. You must type in the promotion code WTG3DNC, or simply apply through this link.
This offer is available to new WTDirect clients only. To receive the bonus, clients must enter the promotion code “WTG3DNC” at the time of account opening. There is no minimum balance required to open the account. WTDirect account must be funded via electronic (ACH) transfer which must be initiated by 12/22/08. Clients may transfer funds in and out of the WTDirect account during the promotion period (1/1/09 - 2/28/09) and the bonus will be based on the average balance level during that time. Account must remain open and in good standing through the end of the promotion period. Bonus will be credited to client’s WTDirect account on or about the second week of March. WTDirect reserves the right to cancel or modify this promotion at any time without notice.
How good is this bonus? To start, you are already guaranteed 3.06% APY for the first 60 days, which using my APY to APR calculator gives you roughly 3% APR. On $10,000 for two months, that’s 10000 x 0.03/12 x 2 = $50 in interest. Since the bonus is also $50 for a $10,000 balance, you’re basically getting double the interest, or roughly 6% APR during these two months.
Alternatively, if you’re trying to see how much more interest you’re earning as opposed to DollarSavingsDirect or FNBO Direct, even compared to 4% APY you’re looking at least $30 extra interest for every $10k invested ($150 on $50k).
So if you’ve got the cash, I’d put in $50k to max out what is basically a 6% APR 2-month CD. There is supposed to be no hard pull. I’d also do it sooner rather than later, as you still have to verify some trial deposits to set up the ACH by the 12/22 deadline.
Posted in Deals & Offers | 15 Comments »
Monday, December 1st, 2008
If you missed it last month, MyCorporation is offering their incorporation filing services for free again for the entire month of December for a “limited time” with the coupon code MYGIFT. Usually this costs $149. Tip: You can also check out now but delay the official filing of your corporation or LLC until 2009 if you want.
Must use coupon MYGIFT to obtain discount. Document shipping, state fees, publication fees, and additional product fees are additional. Discount valid for orders placed for a new corporation or limited liability company only.
More info in this previous post.
Posted in Deals & Offers | 12 Comments »
Monday, December 1st, 2008
My friends and I were talking about CyberMonday and we started trying to come up with some gift ideas that might pay for themselves, beyond the usual rechargeable batteries or fluorescent light bulbs. Things we’d actually want to receive as gifts, or may end up buying ourselves with the inevitable gift cards. Here’s a few of them:
Emergency Hand-Crank Flashlight and Cell Phone Recharger - Keep one of these in the car, and your cell phone will never die. Just crank and recharge! This one is even solar-powered. Add in the fact that many old cellphones with no monthly plan still have 911 service, and you have another nice emergency back-up. I actually bought one of these - one tip is to make sure you have the right power adapter tips for your phone and keep it handy.
Ooma VoIP Phone System - This VoIP phone system that costs $210 upfront, but you don’t have any ongoing monthly fees for unlimited local and long distance calling in the US. I still haven’t seen one in action, but I keep hearing good reviews though this blog.
Wii Game Console - We were divided on this one (mainly between those who have one and those who don’t…). It can certainly produce less going-out and save money on movies/food/drinks that way, but all the little accessories really add up. Controllers, $50-$80 a pop since they have two parts. Guitar Hero will make you want two guitars. And now comes the Wii Fit! Still, I must admit I love those Raving Rabbids…
Crock Pot / Slow Cooker - Cold weather + recession = Increased slow cooker sales. At least that’s my theory. I saw this at Costco and they were selling fast. The actual crock pot is removable for serving and easy clean-up.
Some previous mentions:
Chest Freezers - Not really much of a gift idea, but still something to consider as food prices are still going up.
Kill-a-Watt Energy Meter - For some reason I bought one of these a year ago, took a bunch of data, and then promptly lost it when we moved. Arrgh. Need to dig this up again.
The Simple Dollar also has some other items in his list of gadgets that actually save money.
Any other ideas?
Posted in Frugal Living | 16 Comments »
