Have you heard of only the best bank EVER?

When I was 16, my mom insisted that I open a savings account. Being 16, I thought this was the stupidest idea ever! She also insisted that it be with this new bank called ING Direct. Again, because I was 16, this sounded like the worst idea. The part I found most disheartening was the fact that it would take at least 24 business hours to get my money out when I wanted it. I was an impulsive teenager when it came to money (that really hasn’t changed all that much) and the fact that my hard earned money would be in some virtual bank a million imaginary miles away was downright depressing. That being said, I still listened to my mom and opened up an ING savings account.

Now, 10 years later, I still have that account. I stopped using it when my banking needs changed but it was never closed. It laid dormant for years, collecting interest and awaiting inevitable return. That time has arrived! ING Direct has made a number of amazing changes. The biggest one being they now have chequing accounts!! This was always my issue with ING. I loved their no fee/high interest accounts but couldn’t stand the wait times. Well NO MORE! With ING, you have access to your account at any Credit Union with NO FEES! (ING is pretty big on “No Fees“)

Honestly, just take a look and you’ll agree that this bank rocks. I’m in the process of opening up a THRiVE chequing account with them and think you should too! Worst case, you have an extra chequing account that doesn’t cost you anything.

Another amazing thing ING does is they reward their customers. Right now, if you open an ING account with $100 or more, you get $25! Click here and start saving!! (and don’t forget to use the code 24064715S1 to get your $25 bonus!)

Oh, and did I mention that they offer other amazing personal finance products?? Mortgages, TFSAs, RSPs…. The list goes on!! Check out the link above. You won’t be disappointed! They also have one of the best customer service departments I have ever dealt with, so feel free to give them a call or chat with them online. Their telephone support is 24/7 and gives you the option right away to talk to a real person!

Staff Conferences Cure Winter Blahs

Because of where I work, I am afforded a number of opportunities not readily available to most in the corporate world. One of these opportunities is the annual Staff Conference. This conference takes place every year during reading week, is completely optional and a number of different sessions. There is something for everyone and anyone who work here is able to go. This year, I decided on three (well, technically two and a half) sessions.

The first was with David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber. Although I have never read his book, I have spent my life hearing about it. My mom read his book when I was very little and told me from a young age that I needed to read this book when I get older (and I plan to, once I finish the other 50 billion books that are already in my house that I have yet to read). He talks in general terms about money, and simply enough that anyone can understand. He lives comfortably, but within his means and practices what he preaches. He was also pretty funny. He tells little anecdotal stories to keep everyones interest during his 45 minute speech. He gave away a number of his books and stayed to sign and discuss with the audience afterwards. He also took the time to answer questions. It was nice to see.

Now for the big event! Last Friday, I met someone amazing. Her multifaceted career is enough to make anyone’s head spin, and she’s done it all on her own. That’s right, Debbie Travis! I ADORE this woman! She’s down to earth, honest and inspiring. She doesn’t have a big head and definitely hasn’t let fame get to her. She gave an amazing keynote speech and talked about her keys to success. She also talked a bit about who she is and how she got to where she is. She talked about her family (mostly her boys) and how she coped. She also talked about her new book, Not Guilty. After her speech, I left the room and bought a copy of her book at the stand just outside the door. Debbie then walked out of the lecture hall and SIGNED MY BOOK!!! I was floored! I now have a signed copy of Debbie’s book in my bookcase and I couldn’t be more excited about it.

My Staff Conference experience didn’t end there. We then headed over to the Great Hall in a different building on campus and Debbie then participated in a book discussion. She talked more in depth about her book, about herself and her family, about her Girl’s Getaway that she does in Italy (which I’m SO going on! Once I can get some details from Debbie’s new website), and just life in general. She told cute stories about her sons as they grew up and gave the 30 or so of us a candid view into her life. Debbie then stayed afterwards to sign books, take pictures with her adoring fans (including yours truly!!) and talk more. She signed a stack of books for our Bookstore here on campus as well. If only all celebrities were as amazing as Debbie Travis, there would be no need for gossip mags or trashy news papers. She tells everything and has no regrets!

Debbie Travis and I at the Staff Conference