Toan Nguyen http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog A Canadian opinion on investing, technoology, travel and lifestyle. Mon, 20 Oct 2008 04:18:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 en London England http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ToanNguyen/~3/425849900/london-england.html http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/london-england.html#comments Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:01:32 +0000 Toan http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/?p=64 I am currently in London for a week to train and assist in the deployment of Street Fighter II Champion Edition. I flew into Heathrow Airport last night. The flight was roughly 5.5 hours, I then took a cab straight to my hotel which cost 44 pounds!! Thats 90 canadian dollars for a 12 minute ride. The cabs here are different, at the back you can seat 4 people and the two rows face each other.

Transportation

Im fortunate to be walking distance to the subway station or as it is known here “the tube”. Their public transit system is called The Underground and they have13 different subway lines compared to the TTC which has 3.

the tube

The Piccadilly line will take you straight to and from the Airport. There are special areas on the subway cars just for luggage.

My first stop was to Buckingham Palace. Its best to get off at Green Park and take the 5 minute walk. Its a very scenic walk and the trees are very old and massive.

Then I stopped by the Wellington Arch and finally at Knightbridge to check out the shopping. There were many designer stores such as Armani and reminded me of Queen St.

My last stop was Leicaster Square which felt like Time Sqaure but without all the bright lights. Chinatown was just around the corner and I found a Pho store called Vietnamese Resturant.

the tube

the tube

People

Its only been more then a day but I have noticed that people here dont smile! The service at restaurants and stores is poor and unfriendly. There are many differences in the way we talk also. Besides the nasally accent, sprint water is called still water, elevators are called lifts.

Food

It is not much different from North America here however I do notice many more pubs. England is very multicultural, you will find a range from Pho store to Lebanese. I just had to stop by a McDonalds for lunch to see if it was different. Indeed it was different, they have the M burger and a slightly lighter menu missing some of our favourites like filet o fish.

Random Posts

]]> http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/london-england.html/feed http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/london-england.html How to get the best Hotel Rates http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ToanNguyen/~3/423397508/how-to-get-the-best-hotel-rates.html http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/how-to-get-the-best-hotel-rates.html#comments Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:42:03 +0000 Toan http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/how-to-get-the-best-hotel-rates.html If you follow these rules, you will find the lowest hotel rates:

1. Use consolidators for research and planning

Use travel sites such as Travelocity, Expedia, itravel2000 to search for hotels which fit your needs, location, price range. They now have great tools and maps for research and planning. These sites are also known as consolidators and they charge a higher price if you booked it directly with the hotel.

2. Call the hotel directly

Visit the hotels own website and find their phone number and give them a call. They usually have the most current price over the phone. Be sure to call the local number and not their 1-800 number.

3. Extra discounts for members

Many hotels will give discounts to CAA and AAA members online or ask about member discounts over the phone.

4. Avoid Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays

Hotels charge based on demand and you will see the price on Fridays, Saturdays and special occasions such as Holidays increase by double or even triple the regular prices. Try to avoid these days or holidays when planning your trip or vacation.

Random Posts

]]> http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/how-to-get-the-best-hotel-rates.html/feed http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/how-to-get-the-best-hotel-rates.html Top 10 Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) Facts http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ToanNguyen/~3/413510818/top-10-things-to-know-about-the-tfsa.html http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/top-10-things-to-know-about-the-tfsa.html#comments Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:03:40 +0000 Toan http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/top-10-things-to-know-about-the-tfsa.html
  • The Tax Free Savings Account lets you invest while not being taxed on interest or investment earnings.
  • You can contribute a maximum of $5000 a year.
  • You can have more than one Tax Free Savings Account and you can also have Tax Free Savings Accounts with more than one financial institution.
  • You don’t have to pay any tax on money you take out of your Tax Free Savings Account, and withdrawals from your Tax Free Savings Account don’t affect your ability to qualify for Federal benefits like the Child Tax Benefit, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Old Age Security benefits, Age credit, or Goods and Services Tax credit.
  • You’ll be able to open savings accounts, GIC’s and mutual funds tax-free.
  • Money you put into your Tax Free Savings Account will not be deducted from your income on your tax return.
  • When you file your tax return each year, the government will determine your remaining available Tax Free Savings Account contribution limit for the coming year.
  • If you take money out of your Tax Free Savings Account, you don’t lose the contribution room. You get it back in the following year. If you don’t make the maximum contribution you don’t lose the contribution room. The unused contribution room gets carried over to the following year. There is no limit to how much or how long contribution room can be carried forward.
  • You can open a Tax Free Savings Account if you are 18 years of age and a Canadian resident.
  • The Tax Free Savings Account comes to Canada January 1, 2009.

    • Relates Posts:

    ]]>     http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/top-10-things-to-know-about-the-tfsa.html/feed http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/top-10-things-to-know-about-the-tfsa.html     ING Tax Free Investment Savings Account http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ToanNguyen/~3/413504534/ing-tax-free-investment-savings-account.html http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/ing-tax-free-investment-savings-account.html#comments Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:56:10 +0000 Toan http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/ing-tax-free-investment-savings-account.html In the last 3 months, the TSX has lost 32% and I have witnessed my RRSP portfolios lose 12% of its value. The financial crisis has spread from the US to around the globe as central banks attempt to pump liquidity into the banking system. It is not a good time for risky investments such as Mutual Funds. Currently I’m looking to saving my money in Savings Accounts, GICs and the upcoming TFSA.

    ING just couldnt wait until Jan 1st 2009 to start their TSFA. From Oct 4th to December 31st, any interest earned within that time period will be doubled and automatically moved into a TSFA. Their current rate is 3.0%.

    Visit their site for more information http://www.ingdirect.ca/en/save-invest/tfsa/index.html

    Relates Posts:

    ]]>     http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/ing-tax-free-investment-savings-account.html/feed http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/ing-tax-free-investment-savings-account.html     National Do Not Call List http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ToanNguyen/~3/408901006/national-do-not-call-list.html http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/national-do-not-call-list.html#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:12:49 +0000 Toan http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/national-do-not-call-list.html As of September 30th you may now opt to be added to the National Do Not Call List. This will keep those pesky telemarketers or unsolicited calls which always seem to be either early in the morning, late at night or while your in the middle of something important, now is your chance to be added to their Do Not Call List.You will be able to add your land line, mobile or fax numbers by going online at https://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/ or by calling 1-866-580-DNCL (3625). However, there are some exceptions.

    Who may still call you?

    1. Canadian Registered Charities
    2. Political parties, riding associations and candidates
    3. Newspapers of general circulation for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions
    4. Organizations with whom you have an existing business relationship
      • Purchased, leased, or rented a product or service in the last eighteen (18) months from the telemarketer;
      • You have a written contract with the telemarketer for a service that is still in effect or expired within the last eighteen (18) months; and/or
      • You asked a telemarketer about a product or service within the last six (6) months.
    5. If you have provided express consent to be called

    The website had received so much traffic early yesterday that by 9am it was overloaded and crashed. The site should be fully functional now. Those registered with the list will also be able to file a complaint with an investigator if they are still receiving calls from an unexempt organization. Telemarketers found in violation of the list could face fines of up to $1,500 for individuals and up to $15,000 for corporations.

    Random Posts

    ]]>     http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/national-do-not-call-list.html/feed http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/national-do-not-call-list.html     Buying a new car tips - How to get the best price http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ToanNguyen/~3/396763403/buying-a-new-car-tips-how-to-get-the-best-price.html http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/buying-a-new-car-tips-how-to-get-the-best-price.html#comments Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:50:05 +0000 Toan http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/buying-a-new-car-tips-how-to-get-the-best-price.html This past weekend I accompanied my girlfriends brother in purchasing his 2008 Hyundai Tiburion. We ended up getting $1300 off the MSRP price and 5 yrs of free oil change. Purchasing a car requires a little haggling and knowledge to get the absolute best deal. Here are some things to keep in mind:

    • cash purchases will get you a significant discount, for the Tiburion GS Sport package it would have been $3,000
    • if you plan to finance, high credit scores of 680 of better will get you the best rate
    • to equip youself with knowledge of the wholesale price that dealers get, visit carcostcanada.com if you are a CAA member you will get a discounted price.
    • always test drive the car to ensure it is right for you, you will never know just looking
    • dont be afraid to visit or call more then one dealer

    Happy car hunting!

    Random Posts

    ]]>     http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/buying-a-new-car-tips-how-to-get-the-best-price.html/feed http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/buying-a-new-car-tips-how-to-get-the-best-price.html     Johnson Auto Insurance http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ToanNguyen/~3/394817294/johnson-auto-insurance.html http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/johnson-auto-insurance.html#comments Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:28:55 +0000 Toan http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/johnson-auto-insurance.html Word of mouth of Johnson Auto Insurance first reached me back in 2005 and since then I have heard nothing but good comments about their prices. Next month is my renewal date with TD Insurance and I decided to give Johnson a call. It went very well and I immediately canceled my current insurance and am now a happy camper. However, there are a few requirements to meet before being eligible for Johnson, they are:

    • Must be 25 years of age or older
    • Must have at least 1 yr of G experience

    There may be other criteria which I met without knowing but the above is mandatory. I saved $61/month on my insurance. Also, if you have Air Miles or part of a group such as a college alumni you are eligeble for even further discounts. Cheers.

    Random Posts

    ]]>     http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/johnson-auto-insurance.html/feed http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/johnson-auto-insurance.html     PC Financial Savings Account http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ToanNguyen/~3/391664205/pc-financial-savings-account.html http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/pc-financial-savings-account.html#comments Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:52:53 +0000 Toan http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/pc-financial-savings-account.html I took a big step this week with my girlfriend by opening up a joint savings account with PC Financial. I had previously attempted to open the account online but received a message to come in person to a pavilion. The pavilions are located in various Fortinos across the country. It took about 30 minutes for all the paperwork and you will be given 2 hours to activate your card.

    I recommened PC Financial at 3.05% interest on an account with more then $1,000 and for a limited time 3.75% for any deposits made until the end of November.

    Interest rates from the big banks:

    RBC  High Interest eSavings Account - 2.75%, no minimum

    TD Canada Trust Guaranteed Investment Account - 2.25%, $5,000 minimum

    CIBC  Bonus Savings Account - 2.25%, $5,000 minimum

    Scotia Bank Money Master High Interest Savings Account - 2.25%, $5,000 minimum

    Random Posts

    ]]>     http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/pc-financial-savings-account.html/feed http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/pc-financial-savings-account.html     Summer of 2008 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ToanNguyen/~3/381449587/summer-of-2008.html http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/summer-of-2008.html#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:26:51 +0000 Toan http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/summer-of-2008.html I apologize for not blogging lately, the summer has been a blast.

    Since my last post I went on a Southern Carribean cruise with Princess Cruises,  a 9 day journey to Bermuda, San Juan - Puerto Rico, St. Thomas - U.S. Virgin Islands, Grand Turk - Turks and Caicos. I drove a moped for the first time in Bermuda and had a slight accident, it was such a thrill. The beaches actually have pink sand. I hiked the rain forest in San Juan and went shopping in St. Thomas. Grand Turk was the smallest of the islands, it has the famous Margeritaville and if you ever come to this island it has the cheapest liquor prices, 80 USD duty free for a 750ml bottle of Remy Martin XO.

    Spent a weekend at my friends cottage up north, it was awesome just sitting on a calm lake and fishing, something I havnt done since I was much younger.

    I took 2 trips to Atlantic City, once on my anniversary with my gf and the other with friends. Its a long 9 hour drive but well worth it. Poker players there range from very good to very bad, it depends on the room.

    I activated cable TV just in time for the Olympics and watched 2 weeks of Olympic coverage non stop. Im proud of our atheletes and the effort. Also, to witness history in the making by Michael Phelps and Bolt was inspiring.

    Random Posts

    ]]>     http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/summer-of-2008.html/feed http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/summer-of-2008.html     BlackBerry 9000 is going big or going BOLD http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ToanNguyen/~3/289197128/blackberry-9000-is-going-big-or-going-bold.html http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/blackberry-9000-is-going-big-or-going-bold.html#comments Tue, 13 May 2008 05:27:37 +0000 Toan http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/blackberry-9000-is-going-big-or-going-bold.html Research In Motion the maker of the BlackBerry email solution is the darling of the Canadian economy. I worked for them for almost two years after my graduation. The company is a mix of the best talent in Canada and a young vibrant group of 20 somethings. If I was to buy shares of RIM back in Jan 2005, I would have made 400% gain. I really miss my BlackBerry and their corporate culture.

    9000blk_gen_eng_3g_front_270x400.jpg

    Today they released news of their new handset the BlackBerry Bold, model number 9000. This handset is not much different from the Curve but does have a significant upgrade in specs:

    • Networks: UMTS: 2100 / 1900 / 850MHz, GSM: 1900 / 1800 / 900 / 850 MHz, GPRS, EDGE and HDSPA networks
    • Wi-Fi: 803.11a/b/g enabled
    • GPS: Internal GPS with BlackBerry Maps
    • Size: Length: 144mm, Width: 66mm, Thickness: 14mm
    • Weight w/ battery: 133g
    • Battery: 1500mAhr
    • Battery Life: Standby 13 days, Talk time 5 hours
    • Display: HVGA 480×320 pixels
    • Media Player Audio supports: .3gp, MP3, WMA9 (.wma/.asf), WMA9 Pro/WMA 10, MIDI, AMR-NB, Professional AAC/AAC+/eAAC+
    • Media Player Video supports: DivX 4, Div X 5 & 6 are partially supported, XviD is partially supported, H.263, H.264 and WMV3
    • Camera: 2.0 megapixel with 5x digital zoom and flash
    • Bluetooth: Version 2.0 supporting stereo audio via A2DP and AVCRP
    • USB/Data Transfer: USB port charges as well high-speed data transfer via USB A to mini USB
    • Browser: HTML browsing will allow viewing of movies and clips from websites builtfor mobile streaming, RSS feed support as well.
    • 128 MB Flash memory plus 1 GB on-board storage memory
    • 16GB microSD/SDHC card support
    • 624-MHz StrongARM processor with full MMX

    They sure have moved away from only catering to hardcore business email users, this BlackBerry will also appeal to the regular consumer. With a nice camera and now the ability to support iTunes with Media Sync, this will definitely be a worthy competitor to the 3G iPhone. The processor is two times faster then the BlackBerry Curve, for fluid, vidid video and multimedia purposes. It is announced that AT&T will be the exclusive retailer in the US and im sure Rogers will be the first to get it here in Canada. In the mobile space, RIM is certainly my favourite.

    Random Posts

    ]]>     http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/blackberry-9000-is-going-big-or-going-bold.html/feed http://www.toanngocnguyen.com/blog/blackberry-9000-is-going-big-or-going-bold.html