Amazing Benefits Of Spinach (+5 Refreshing Recipes)

Spinach had a long way to go before it got into Pop-Eye’s can… It was cultivated as far back as ancient Persia and by the 12th century, mothers all over Europe were telling their children to “eat your spinach”!  Spinach is in the goosefoot family, making it a relative of other healthy edibles like beets, chard and quinoa. And it’s not only delicious, it is incredibly good for you.  Read on to find out more about the benefits of spinach.

Spinach Treats Anemia

Spinach is an incredibly iron-rich food, one serving clocking in at 21% of the recommended daily allowance.  It is actually one of the best plant-based source of this mineral that you can eat. This makes it a great choice for those who suffer from iron-deficiency anemia.

Without enough iron in the body, it is impossible to make enough red blood cells which take oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body. People who have this condition can suffer from severe fatigue even when they are getting adequate rest.  An diet which includes spinach can help to bring back iron up to healthy levels.

Spinach Makes Your Bones Stronger

Calcium, like iron, is an important mineral. The body needs it to keep bones and teeth healthy and strong. If you are a woman, you have probably been told that eating/drinking a lot of dairy products is important for you so that you get enough calcium to keep your bones from becoming weak and brittle, a condition called osteoporosis.

However, dairy is not the only way to do this! Spinach gives you of 99 mg of calcium in the single serving (which is 10% of the recommended daily allowance), but with less fat and fewer calories than dairy products!

Spinach Has Anti-Cancer Properties

One of the best benefits of spinach is its anti-cancer properties.  It is rich in a group of plant compounds called carotenoids which in many studies have found to have a positive effect on cancer cells, even with aggressive forms of prostate cancer.  It is also a rich source of chlorophyll, another compound which studies have shown to lower cancer risk.

Spinach Promotes Eye Health, Too

The antioxidants in spinach don’t just help to reduce your chances of getting cancer. They can also help you see better!  Spinach contains generous amount of another antioxidant compound called lutein.  Lutein has been shown to help promote good vision and to slow or prevent macular degeneration, a serious eye disease that can lead to blindness.

Spinach Helps Stop Bleeding

Vitamin K does many things in the body, but perhaps the most important is that it helps the blood to clot. Since blood clotting is one of the main ways that the body stops itself from bleeding uncontrollably if you get a cut.

However, if you are taking a blood thinner like Coumadin, you should talk to your doctor to find out how much spinach you should be eating: too much can reverse the affects of this medication. A single serving of spinach will give you 483 micrograms of vitamin K — 460% of the recommended daily allowance.

Spinach Helps with Cholesterol and Weight Loss

Spinach is not only rich in vitamins and minerals but is a great source of fiber, too.  Fiber is incredibly important for human health and affects many systems. To begin with, clinical studies have found that a diet rich in fiber can help lower cholesterol levels (to reduce the risk of a heart attack).

It has a great effect on the digestive system, too: it is linked with a decreased risk of constipation and is also helpful for those trying to lose weight as it can help to suppress the appetite and reduce hunger pains while dieting. Each serving of spinach will give you 2.2 grams of fiber.

Spinach Helps to Ward off Asthma

Spinach is also incredibly rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant also found in carrots.  Studies have shown that those who have high levels of beta-carotene in their system are least likely to develop asthma, a chronic breathing disorder which can lead to emergency room visits and seriously impact your quality of life.  Eat lots of spinach, though, and you will literally breathe easy.

Spinach is an Extremely Versatile Food

Apart from the health benefits listed above, spinach is attractive for another reason: it is very versatile to cook with, as you will see in the five delicious, easy-to-make recipes below:

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

This is not only a delicious dish with sweet strawberries and crunchy almonds, but the vitamin C in the strawberries makes it easier for your body to absorb the iron in the spinach! It makes a great first course for an elegant meal.

Curried Spinach Soup

Come in from the cold and warm up with a bowl of this delicious soup, which brings together spinach with a ton of healthy spices like turmeric! You can serve this up with warm bread rolls for dipping!

Spinach Quiche

For brunch, lunch or even a light dinner, this quiche is packed with protein and pairs well with a fresh fruit salad.

Best Spinach Dip Ever

Whether it’s a Super Bowl party or just friends over for dinner, this chunky, tangy dip is sure to be a hit.  It goes great with crackers or tortilla chips.

Chicken and Spinach Ravioli

This elegant dish takes a bit more time to make, but it is great for a special dinner or for when company is coming over and is great served with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.

Featured photo credit: vkuslandia via shutterstock.com

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10 Steps To Overcoming Obsession In A Relationship

Do you think you are obsessive about your relationship? Some people struggle to tell the difference between a healthy relationship and an obsessive one. Without realizing they obsess over their partner, they find themselves wanting to constantly be with them, always wanting to know where they are, and trying to control their behaviour.

This behaviour is damaging to both partners and it often ruins relationships. If you want to overcome your relationship obsession and find genuine love, follow these 10 steps.

1. Be aware of your obsession

If you are reading this article, there is a good chance that you think you may be obsessive. Admit to yourself that you are becoming obsessive – once you know there is a problem, you can start to fix it.

2. Realize the difference between genuine love and artificial love

No partner can fix your flaws or remove the challenges from your life; only you can do that. Artificial love is loving the version of someone you have created in your mind. This is rarely rewarding as the person you love doesn’t actually exist. Real love is loving someone for who they truly are – flaws and all.

3. Be aware that obsession can change the way you see things

While you are obsessed with someone, you don’t see them for who they are. This applies to the relationship, too; maybe you think the relationship will last forever, but your partner may not feel the same way. In a healthy relationship, both partners are on the same page emotionally.

4. Look at the relationship from the other person’s perspective

What matters to your partner? They may have priorities and passions in their life that you don’t understand. Realize that your existence alone will not be anyone’s only priority, and to expect that is unrealistic. Instead, learn more about your partner’s passions and try to support them.

5. Think about the dangers of obsession

Obsession can seem romantic and loving, but be aware of the dangers of obsession. Often people with a relationship obsession struggle to grow as they are too focused on someone else, and they often become unhappy because they are so dependent on someone else. Realize that happiness and independence are interlinked.

6. Try a relaxed approach

Do you think you and your partner are well suited for each other? If so, realize that they are worth the wait. They may not be as emotionally involved as you are right now, but with time the relationship may grow – not everyone falls in love at the same pace.

7. Choose to love yourself

Often people who are obsessive in relationships struggle to love themselves, so they look for someone to love them because this is the only way they feel worthy. Start to love yourself by recognizing your talents and looking after your emotional needs.

8. Tell the people you love that you are going through emotional changes

It can be very difficult to acknowledge that you have an obsession. You can feel confused and unsure of who you really are, which can make you emotional or slightly clingy. Warn the people in your life that you are going through emotional changes so they can understand your situation and provide you with support.

9. Spend time with your friends and family

Instead of focusing on one person that you love, think about all of the people who love you. Your partner is not everything in your life, and spending time with your friends and family will help you to realize that you have other priorities beside your partner, helping you to regain your independence.

10. Pursue activities that you love

Do you have any passions or hobbies? Try to do something that interests you every day, from reading a chapter in a book to attending a yoga class. This will give you some time every day to enjoy your own wonderful company. Good luck!

Featured photo credit: Randy Heinitz / Sage Advice via flickr.com

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Step-By-Step Guide: How To Manage Your Anger

You don’t feel proud, but sometimes you can’t help it. Anger takes control of the situation and you end up embarrassing yourself in public, or entering in a discussion you didn’t want to. Sometimes it is nobody’s fault, just a series of bad circumstances piling up until the outburst happens. The main point is that you didn’t want to get so mad, but you did. You snapped. And then everything was a mess despite your best try to keep it down.

You have to know that this happens to all of us. Anger is powerful and necessary: it serves a function. But it shouldn’t rule your life. You are in control. Looking into the past has no use, my friend. Take a deep breath and let it go. It is time to focus on doing better the next time anger takes the best of you.

Just a warning: This will require your entire commitment and determination, so if you are expecting a “count ten” or “relax” kind of article, you better move to another one. But if you follow the instructions, I promise that anger will never rule again your life.

1. To Stop the Gun You Need to Know What Is the Trigger

Anger might be more or less accepted, but let’s be honest: it is part of the human behavior. It helps us to understand things that make us feel uncomfortable, threatened or upset. However, how we manage it is our choice.

The first step to assure your victory in this battle is dating your enemy. It is impossible to fight a fear if you don’t know what it is. To know how anger plays you each time you snap, you have to get underneath its skin.

It is vital that you understand why.

Here are repeated patterns that people feel identified with:

• Have you feel that something was unfair? Probably you have been blamed (even punished) for something you weren’t responsible for.
• Have you feel you were losing control? Your job was threatened, your partner broke up with you, or a great opportunity passed by.
• Have you feel physical or emotional pain? A rough discussion or a bad injury that persisted.
• Have you feel threatened? Somebody criticized your work or said you could do better.

These are common causes to get really stressed out, even mad. Nobody likes not being rewarded for a good job or deal with a messy house when you get home tired. You and I, we both have expectations that need to be fulfilled, and when that is cut short, frustration reveals itself.

Do not underestimate the relevance of this step.

Identifying your triggers is the main key to manage your anger correctly. You are a smart, strong individual and you can do better than a temper tantrum when you don’t get your way. Take a few moments to think about some things that trigger your frustrations: from the way somebody talked to you yesterday to the annoying traffic lights.

2. Feeding the Wrong Habit

Anger is a habit —not a good one, of course. You might not have thought about it, but the same way that as soon as you wake up you [get dressed / brush your teeth / drink a glass of water / whatever that applies], when you see something that doesn’t fit your expectations, anger skyrockets.

Take a quick look to these habits:

• Waking up is the trigger — brushing your teeth is the reaction — fresh sensation in your mouth is your reward.
• A sudden twist of your plans is the trigger — anger is the reaction — releasing the frustration through a tantrum is your reward.
• The alarm is the trigger — hitting the snooze is the reaction — having 5 more minutes to sleep off is the reward.

And we love those 5 more minutes.

Habits, no matter how complicated they are, are always constructed by these three basic elements. The problem is that you have interiorized anger as your natural reaction and you no longer think about it: that is the tricky aspect of habits.

Charles Duhigg does a great job explaining habits’ formation and how they rule our lives on The Power of Habit. It is a simple process that if you conquer today, will give you an incredible power and control over your own decisions. Habits are a loop of actions and reactions you perform unconsciously. Master your awareness and you will triumph over your habits —and of course, over your anger.

Here is a simple exercise:

If you have already identified some of your triggers, fill up the blanks to get a bigger picture. This will help you to clarify the process and move to the next step.

[blank] is my trigger — [blank] is my reaction — [blank] is my reward

3. Breaking the Chain of Reactions

Once you are aware about how your habit looks like, it is time to change it. And here is where it gets awkward. Bear with me. You and I have heard thousands of times “relax”, “count until 10”, etc. All lies.

Let’s face it: when your anger gets to the dangerous point of a boiling pot, there are not many chances to stop it. Relaxing techniques work when you are able to realize you are getting into a hazardous area, not when you are already in it. That is about awareness and it takes longer to master.

So instead of trying to breathe and take control over the situation —which you have failed to do hundreds of time—, try to do something absolutely radical.

Don’t think: Just do it.

• Shut up, stand up and jump.
• Tell a bad joke.
• Sing a song.

Yes, you read me well. Do something absolutely ridiculous and not related.

Don’t call me crazy yet. What we are doing here is breaking a habit right in the middle of its process.

The faster way to stop your next fight is link a completely different reaction to the habit. When you are about to break down, I promise that if you switch what you are doing before (or even during) letting the anger out, all the hard feelings will go away in a second. However, don’t leave the situation. You are not avoiding it, just cutting the habit.

You might feel embarrassed but the frustration will automatically cease because in the end, we are more in control of it than we like to think. Next time, you will remember the feeling and your frustration will slow down. If you don’t believe me, give it a shoot and come back later amazed by its effect.

You might be wondering…

If it works, why nobody is doing this?

Easy: they focus on the wrong strategy.

Many people believe that if you acquire a deeper understanding on how your anger works, you will be able to stop it by snapping your fingers. “Let’s dig into the root of the problem!”

There are only two ways to change your behavior: you avoid the trigger or you switch the reaction. I want you to understand this because my goal is that you regain control. I am not trying to “stop” anger since it is a natural feeling —and a useful one. I am preventing you from letting it get to your nerves and rule your life.

Once you have cut the process several times, you will be able to discern the moments before anger drives you completely nuts. That is the point you want to achieve. Then, you will be able to take it easy and act rationally.

4. Letting the Anger Go Away

People say that one shouldn’t let the anger out, but if you don’t get rid of it eventually it will be more harmful.

This doesn’t mean you have to yell or create an uncomfortable silence: there are ways to let it out without making a scene that actually help to tame your temper. Getting upset is a sign that something is not going as you expected and that generates frustration. It is a natural warning sign.

Sometimes, the frustration grows so fast that it bursts into pure anger. Once you are able to prevent the “boom!” by managing your anger, it is time to release the frustration in a healthier way. Breaking things, screaming to the nothingness or doing whatever you used to do during a tantrum, it is not the way.

What you create by doing that is another bad habit. You are not crushing it, just pushing it away for a little bit.

Once the tension is gone, it is a good moment to reflect and talk. If you don’t like sharing feelings with others, you can always write it down or go somewhere to write anonymously (Reddit will do for this). This way you are opening a door to kick out your frustration.

However, don’t fall into these commons mistakes:

• Don’t focus on the problem: this means, don’t over think it. Try to identify the trigger and then, let it be in the past.
• Don’t blame others: reflection is time to heal, not to judge.
• Don’t get stuck on the things you did wrong: find the things you have done differently this time.
• If you didn’t change the pattern, don’t be too hard on yourself. Try to acknowledge what went wrong.

By doing these you are not only approaching a different way to release the frustration, you are also redefining a new pattern of thinking. This is called Cognitive Restructuring, and it helps you to deal with problems differently. To reinforce this pattern, you can ask yourself these questions and answer sincerely:

• Could you have avoided the trigger?
• Could you have approached the situation differently?
• Do you regret something you did or said?
• Should ask for forgiveness?

5. Changing Your Habits is Changing Your Life

There are many other practices you can add on top of these ones to create a more solid and consistent habit to manage your anger. The easiest one is avoid your triggers, right?

If you know that getting stuck in traffic won’t help your morning, try to leave home earlier so you skip the rush-hours. If fast food hurts your stomach, find a please were you can get healthier meals for the week. There is a solution for almost every problem: be wise.

Meditating, learning breathing techniques, even seeking professional help or supportive groups are a great core of resources to have on mind. Taming your anger it is not a sign of weakness but a sign of self-discipline.

There is no need to get overwhelmed by your frustrations and make a scene each time something goes wrong, ruinning your day. You are better than that. You are in control of your anger therefore you are in control of your life. Acknowledging this will make you more confident and strong.

Next time, you won’t feel embarrassed; you will be proud.

Featured photo credit: Stefan Kunze via albumarium.com

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Step-By-Step Guide To Arguing With An Irrational Person

It can be very difficult to deal with irrational behaviour. Irrational people often choose to ignore reason and logic because they are focused on making a certain point, and they don’t want anything to get in the way of that. Sadly, most people have at least one irrational person in their lives. However, unless they have issues with mental health, you can always bring an irrational person back to reality. You can use certain techniques to communicate with irrational people – you can even find common ground with each other.

If you want to be able to communicate effectively with an angry, irrational person, follow our step-by-step guide below.

1. Avoid intentionally pushing their buttons

If you know the person well, it is likely that you know exactly how to push their buttons and wind them up. This tactic should be totally avoided; choosing to wind someone up is childish, petty and offensive. It can also validate the other person’s irrational behavior. Keep the argument civil by only bringing up relevant comments.

2. Use evidence

Evidence is essential to win an argument – especially with an irrational person. Proof is difficult to deny, so back up your points with reliable and specific evidence. Consider what kind of evidence the irrational person is most likely to trust; are they very logical, or emotional? Some people are more likely to be swayed by a scientific study, and others are more likely to trust a magazine article.

3. Point out logical fallacies

Irrational people often warp logic so that it works in their favor – don’t be afraid to call this behavior out. For instance, the logic “silence fallacy” is the idea that if there is no evidence for something, it must not exist, such as germs, God or aliens. Often people think they are being logical until someone points out the flaw in their thinking.

4. Argue about your ideas (not each other)

An argument is a good chance to discuss different opinions and see other perspectives. Do not call the other person stupid for their opinions; people are much more likely to become defensive (and more irrational) if you do. Instead focus on the subject of the argument to help resolve the situation.

5. Use ‘we’ rather than ‘You’ or ‘I’

Language is very important during an argument. Saying ‘you’ and ‘I’ creates an unnecessary divide that will further drive you apart, but using ‘we’ shows you both as a single unit, encouraging the irrational person to see your point of view.

6. Respect their points

Treat others as you wish to be treated; If you are rude and disrespectful to someone during a fight, they will probably behave the same way. Remember that arguments are two-sided, and it is fine to disagree with their point, but to completely dismiss it makes the whole argument pointless.

7. Apologize when you are wrong

Sometimes people say things during fights that are hurtful without realizing it. If you are arguing with an irrational person and you hurt their feelings, acknowledge it, apologize and move on. Irrational people often struggle to let go of certain things, and without an apology it is unlikely that they will try to understand your point of view.

8. Know when to drop the argument

It can be tough to let an argument go, but sometimes it is for the best. People rarely change their mind during a fight, but often they will go home and reflect on it, and slowly their opinion will change.

If you refuse to let the fight go even when the other person is upset or angry, you may be the irrational person. Respect that everyone has different opinions and you cannot make everyone think like you do. End the argument kindly by saying “I think we have very different opinions on this subject, which is fine. Hopefully we both learned something new today.”

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Step-By-Step Guide To Making Up After Any Argument

Arguments happen in all relationships. They help people to communicate their feelings and they can resolve problems – but only if they end well. Sometimes arguments can end badly, even when you love and care for the other person. This can be very upsetting, but it doesn’t have to be this way; check out our step-by-step guide to making up with someone after an argument.

1. Wait until you feel calm before you speak again

If you try to talk to the other person while you are still angry, you will struggle to really listen to what they are saying. You will still be focused on your feelings of upset or anger, so you are more likely to become angry. Instead, wait until both of you have calmed down so that you can openly discuss your opinions.

2. Separate your emotions from the issue

Often emotions become entangled in the actual issue of the fight, but it is important to separate these feelings. You may feel angry and sad, but that doesn’t mean that the other person’s opinion isn’t valid. Remember that your emotions are separate to the issue, so that you can have an open and frank discussion about the argument and why it happened.

3. Wait until the right time to talk

There are right and wrong times to discuss serious subjects like arguing. Don’t bring up the issue while the other person is at work or with their family – they won’t be able to give the conversation their full attention, which could cause more troubles, so try to wait until you both have the time to talk.

4. Begin the conversation with an apology for the argument

It is likely that you are both feeling hurt, so start with an apology to acknowledge their feelings. This gives the other person the chance to apologize also, which could resolve the argument. The conflict still needs to be addressed, but it is better to make-up first so that you both come from a place of positivity.

5. Don’t make assumptions about what the other person is thinking

Assuming something about someone will only make an argument worse, not better. It can seem like you aren’t trying to see their side of things, and it can result in miscommunication. Give the other person an opportunity to explain themselves so that you don’t need to read between the lines.

6. Give each other the chance to talk

Let each other speak without interruption. If you have a question you want to ask or a point you want to make, wait until the other person has finished speaking. It shows that you respect them and are trying to see their perspective – but if you interrupt them, they are more likely to interrupt you too, causing more conflict.

7. Say “I” instead of “You”

Focus on explaining your feelings, rather than attacking the other person for making you feel that way. If you attack them they are likely to feel defensive and angry, and they won’t try to see the situation from your perspective.

For instance, saying “I feel like I struggle to speak up sometimes, and if I am interrupted during an argument I am more likely to stop talking altogether” is better than saying “You always interrupt me, it is so rude.”

8. Try to empathize with each other

The best way to make up after an argument is to acknowledge the other person’s feelings and opinions. Their opinions are just as valid as yours, and when you show that you care about their opinions they are more likely to do the same. Even if you don’t agree with their point, you can still love and respect them as a person – and that includes respecting their opinions.

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A Life of Music: 8 Careers for the Musician

When people think about music as a career, they typically imagine an entertainer — either wildly famous or living the “struggling artist” lifestyle. However, there are numerous other career paths in the music industry you can pursue. Not sure which path to take? Consider these career options for musicians.

1. Disc Jockey

Jobs for disk jockeys (DJs) are available in a variety of positions from radio jockeys to self-employed jockeys who manage music at parties and weddings. Job duties include selecting music to play for a specific audience, so understanding the industry and how to cater to an audience’s needs is important, requiring both talent and education.

Although you don’t need a college degree, competition can be tough, so a bachelor’s degree is preferred for many job positions. If you plan to become a radio DJ, consider getting a degree in broadcast journalism as your job duties will also involve news-related tasks alongside music. DJs earn an average salary of $37,850 per year.

2. Music Store Salesperson

If you have a strong knowledge of music and the instruments used, you’d make a good music store salesperson. Your job will involve educating customers about product features, making recommendations, and selling musical instruments and accessories.

Educational requirements will vary depending on the store and the position, but you may be able to find a part-time job as a salesperson before graduating high school. Salaries range from $13,000 to $50,000 plus per year.

3. Songwriter

Songwriter opportunities vary drastically, from working with pop artists to composing musical tracks for movies. Higher education is not required since recording studios prefer to focus on your talents. In other words, can you write a song that will sell? However, you may consider pursuing a degree in music if you’d like to expand your knowledge base and learn more about musical theory.

4. Music Teacher

Music teachers work in public and private schools or offer private lessons. They can teach in both group and one-on-one settings, and may specialize in one area of music, such as concert band or piano. Most music teachers hold a bachelor’s in music or music education, and you may need a teaching license depending on where you teach. Salaries average around $47,000 per year.

5. Music Journalist

A music critic or music journalist critiques musical performances as well as writes about news in the music industry. They can also interview musicians. While a degree is not required, particularly if you’re going to start your own music blog or become a freelance journalist, you may find a competitive advantage by obtaining a bachelor’s in journalism, communications, or a related field, which will help you become a better writer. Consider taking classes in music as well to expand your understanding of music theory. Salaries range from $15,000 to $30,000 or more per year.

6. Piano Tuner

A piano tuner or technician typically travels to clients’ homes to tune or repair their piano. Piano tuners are typically trained through apprenticeship programs, and their salaries average $33,150 per year.

7. Music Therapist

Music therapy is a field that uses music to aid in treatment and rehabilitation of psychiatric disorders, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, and more. Music therapists are generally employed by nursing homes, day care centers, schools, and health agencies. Coursework is much more rigorous as a music therapist than most career paths for musicians. Students typically go on to obtain a master’s and must pass certification exams to practice. Music therapists make $50,808 on average.

8. Accompanist

If you love playing music, then you may find a career or side-job as an accompanist incredibly rewarding. Accompanists typically work for schools or private individuals playing accompanying music for various performances. A degree is not as important as skill, although you may find that the skills required to accompany others are developed through postgraduate and master’s level programs.

Featured photo credit: Shutterstock via thumb101.shutterstock.com

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5 Surprising Credit Card Landmines Revealed

Credit cards are an unbalanced risk. Play your cards right, and you’re a winner. Play them wrong, and you’ll owe the house money. All the rules, disclosures and fine print are set-up to help the house win. However, if you know the rules in advance, credit cards can be less of a gamble, and the cards will be stacked in your favor. Here’s a list of 5 lesser known tricks the credit card companies employ which you should be aware of.

1. 0% Rate Clawbacks

We all love 0% teaser rates. 0% balance transfers for 21 months, 0% cash advances, financing your TV at 0% for 12 months, etc… But there’s a catch. If you make one late payment, you not only lose your 0% rate, the lender may retroactively charge you the penalty rate from the first day of your loan!

So imagine you got that new sofa for $1,399 with sales financing of 0% for 12 months. You make 11 straight payments on time. You’re one day late on your last payment. You’re toast. You won’t owe 1 month’s payment with interest. The lender has the right, depending on your agreement, to charge you interest at the penalty rate, let’s say 24.99%, from months 1 through 12!

To avoid this, always set-up pre-authorized debits equivalent to the minimum monthly payment where possible. This will take away the risk of making any late payments.

2. Point Annulments

This is a lesser known trick. Some issuers will annul your accrued points/rewards if you’re delinquent on a payment. So imagine, you spend the year using one card, and you’ve finally earned enough points for your free flight. But you forget to make a payment. Boom, say bye bye to your points.

Luckily, there is a fix. Once you’ve made your payment and your account is current, you can call your issuer and ask for your points to be reinstated. Most issuers just play the heavy hand to force you to make your payment. Once made, they’re glad to give you your points back, so don’t let them vanish.

3. Penalty Rates

We all know that if we miss a payment or two, we could get hit with nasty penalty rates from 24% to 30%. But what’s worse, once you’ve made your payments and you’re current, your card issuer may maintain the penalty rates for another 6 to 12 months, until you prove worthy of the original purchase interest rate.

What some people don’t know, is that even if you make your payments on time, the issuer reserves the right to change your interest rate to the penalty rate at their discretion! They may do it because your credit score has changed, they may do it to improve their own profitability. The one good thing is, they’re required to notify you of any rate increase beforehand. The lesson, make sure to read your mail and the fine print.

4. Overlimit Fees

This one just makes no sense. Most credit cards come with a set credit limit. This limit is meant to protect you and the issuer from spending more than you want or have. However, did you know that some issuers will allow you to go over your credit limit? But when you do, they’ll charge you an over limit fee as high as $35! What’s the point of a limit, if it’s not really a limit?

So imagine you buy a bottle of milk that brings you $1 over your credit limit. You’ll automatically get dinged $35, making it the most expensive bottle of milk you’ll ever buy. To avoid reaching your limit, get set-up for mobile alerts and your issuer will send you a notification when you come within a pre-determined range of your limit.

U.S. regulations have made it harder for credit card companies to pull this off, but the practice is still used on less diligent consumers. Some countries, like Canada, have no consumer protections related to over limit fees.

5. Grace Period Cancellation

One of the true benefits of credit cards, is that if you pay down your credit card bill every month, the bank essentially lends you money for free. You typically have 21-28 days after you receive your statement to pay your credit card bill. If you do so, you won’t pay any interest.

However, if you’re late, you will lose the interest-free period on new purchases for that statement period. What most people don’t know, is that the issuer may also remove your grace period for the next 6-12 months! That means you’ll be charged credit card interest rates of 19%-21% from the time you make your purchase, even if you pay future bills on time.

If this happens to you, call your issuer, and ask them to re-instate your grace period. Kick and scream and threaten to leave if they don’t. Actually, leave and use another card if they don’t re-instate your grace period, otherwise, each purchase on your card will be a lot more expensive than the ticket price.

Hopefully shining a light on some of the tricks of the trade will make you a more informed cardholder and stack the deck in your favor once again.

Featured photo credit: Credit Cards / Sean MacEntee via flickr.com

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