rocket finance » sharebuilder

Saturday’s are for coffee: free cup from ING

rocketc — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 09:00:30 +0000

I am a big fan of ING Direct. They have a great interface – all of my kids have Orange Savings accounts. Their security is above average, customer service is outstanding, and I think their graphics design and colors are the best in the business. Frankly, I will always have a little money at ING because I think they are the most reliable online bank. Last year, ING purchased NetBank and Sharebuilder. They are one of the largest banks in the world and on their way to becoming a banking superpower.

But their current savings rate is an anemic 4.10% APY. Most of my money is earning 5.05% at FNBO. If ING, ever gets in the ballpark, I’ll be back.

Still, the main reason ING is my favorite bank at the moment because you can visit an ING cafe in New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago or Wilmington, DE for get a free cup of coffee with this coupon. We are looking forward to visiting the Chicago location as soon as we can for a cup-a-joe and to ask them to raise their interest rate.

If you would like to open an ING savings account, email me at rocketfinance at gmail dot com, and I will send you a referral link for a $25 bonus. I will earn $10. See how I earned $165 with ING last year.

While you are at it, consider applying for the Discover Miles card that offers 12,000 bonus points, capped $75 balance transfer fee and 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for nine months.

ING takes over the world

rocketc — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 05:28:56 +0000

I just read the news that ING has acquired Sharebuilder. They purchased Netbank earlier this fall. I wonder if the famous Sharebuilder bonuses will continue. . .

Sharebuilder Investing Methods

rocketc — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:20:41 +0000

One of the best ways to start investing is through Sharebuilder. Sharebuilder bonuses are somewhat of a legend in personal finance blogdom. Sharebuilder bonuses can be as high as $90 for opening an account, but most are around $50. I am at a stage in life where I have no money to invest. 100% of our budget goes toward daily needs – although I am quickly working to rectify that problem – and one way is with Sharebuilder bonuses.

Here are a couple of Sharebuilder stategies:

Method 1: The Hustler

Open your SB bonus qualifying account with $5. Purchase a $1 worth of stock – the purchase fee is $4. Wait 4 to 6 weeks for your bonus to show up in the account. Let the $1 worth of stock rot forever and pocket the bonus for a net return of $45.

Method 2: The Blueprint

Open your SB bonus qualifying account with $50. Purchase $46 worth of stock. Wait for the $50 bonus to show up. Sell the stock for a $14.95 fee. Withdraw all your money for a $31.05 (plus stock appreciation) net return on a $50 investment.

Method 3: The Rocket Finance

Open three qualifying SB accounts for yourself and three for your wife and maybe a couple for your kids using the Hustler Method. Collect the bonuses into one SB account. I just withdraw the bonuses to my bank account and then deposit them into the SB account that I designate. Some people try to combine all their SB accounts through Sharebuilder itself – takes a lot of time and paperwork. Use the accumulated bonuses to purchase $400+ worth of a solid ETF or mutual fund. Don’t sell until retirement or transfer the stock to Zecco to take advantage of their low fees when you sell.

Sharebuilder is a great “buy and hold” stock platform, but if you are an active trader, their fees eat into your profits fairly quickly. However, for guys like me, Sharebuilder bonuses provide the greatest opportunity to scrape together a little investment capital.
Here is one of the best lists of promotion codes around.