Two of the most common features that consumers consider when they use a credit card are the interest rates and rewards .
For Greg McFarlane, author of "Control Your Cash: Making Money Make Sense," the most important feature of all is one that few people even recognize: "The main thing I care about as a consumer is the protection a credit card gives me," he says.
From travel insurance to fraud protection, these little-known credit card services can be worth thousands of dollars over the life of a card for those who spend the time to take advantage of them. "People don't usually take the time to read the information that's sent to them, and it's not what they're thinking about when they get a card," says Carrie Coghill, director of consumer education for FreeScore.com. "But the reality is that there are some good reasons to use a credit card, as long as you follow a few rules."
Just as there are some items you should never charge on a credit card , there are some you should -- that is, when you have the cash to pay a balance on time and in full. Because of key perks and protections embedded in many cards, you'll get what you pay for -- and then some.
1. Big-ticket itemsFrom computers to home appliances, major purchases are almost always worth putting on a credit card, says Coghill. "Not only can you typically get extended warranties over and above the original warranty offered, but some cards will give you price protection," she says. "If you find a lower price within 60 days, you can be reimbursed the difference." That can be a lifesaver if your fridge goes on the fritz and you need a new one immediately. You may not get the best price when you buy it, but putting it on a credit card means you can price shop at your leisure and still get the benefit.
2. Service provider purchasesIf you got new tile in your bathroom or new landscaping in your backyard, everything might have looked fine when it was installed and you paid for the service. But a week later, perhaps the grout is cracking or the shrubs have died. "If you paid with cash or a debit card, that money's already out the door," says McFarlane. "But if you pay with a credit card, the burden of proof is on the merchant to show that the work was done to your satisfaction." Because merchants who accept credit cards agree to the terms set by the card companies, the card company can exert serious leverage and charge back disputed purchases when one of its customers has been wronged.
3. Fragile or breakable itemsThat delicate vase was going to look gorgeous in your dining room -- before you tripped on a stair and smashed it to pieces. Your new laptop was going to change your life -- and then you dumped an entire cup of coffee on it. If you made the purchase on a credit card, you might not be out of luck, says Kim McGrigg, spokesperson for Money Management International, a national credit counseling agency. She also also writes the weekly Credit Cares Q&A column for CreditCards.com. "When a problem like this arises, people might think about contacting the store or the manufacturer," she says. "But in addition to these things, you should think about calling your credit card company." While you might only be able to recover a few hundred dollars in damages, it's certainly better than having to eat the entire cost yourself.
4. Travel expensesCredit cards shouldn't be used to buy a trip you can't afford, but if the money's in the bank, you can put almost every travel expense on your card and see extra perks. Many cards offer an array of travel services, from automatic travel accident insurance , car rental insurance and lost luggage insurance. "There are cards that will even reimburse you for essentials if your luggage is delayed or if things are stolen from your hotel room," Coghill says.
5. Automatically recurring purchases
From gym memberships to cable packages to credit monitoring services, it's easy to sign up for monthly expenses and then find that you're not taking advantage of them. Sometimes it's easy to get taken off of subscriber rolls, but other times you'll need to get tough. "Some companies don't have the best reputation for customer service; they'll start automatic recurring payments but won't stop. Paying by credit card offers a layer of protection between you and the biller," says Liz Weston, author of " The 10 Commandments of Money ." If a call to the primary company won't stop the payments, a call to your credit card company will.
6. PayPal purchases
When you sign up for PayPal, the site will encourage you to pay sellers directly from your bank account, but that's not the wisest decision, says Weston. "The protections you get from those transactions are dictated by the method of payment you use," she says. "Transactions made using your bank accounts are governed by different federal regulations , which are inferior" to those of credit cards. Unplug your bank account from PayPal and make the credit card company as your middleman, and you'll have an easier time keeping your money in the bank if you're defrauded or need to dispute a purchase.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Spring Clean Your Body: Top 10 Detox Foods.
Want to baby your liver? Keep your GI tract fit? Flush out toxins? These 10 foods -- many of them chosen by RealAge experts Drs. Oz and Roizen -- can spring clean your body and keep refreshing your vital parts all year 'round. No need to fast. Just take these three steps:
Toss dark green leafy vegetables in hot, garlicky oil for a cleansing -- and delicious -- dish.
4 servings, about 65 calories each
1 tsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. spinach, stemmed,
or 1 lb. Swiss chard, stems sliced, leaves torn
or 1 lb. mixture of spinach and watercress
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tsp. sesame seeds for garnish
Warm oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir until lightly browned, about 45 seconds. Add greens (do in two batches if necessary) and toss until just wilted, 2 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
by , on Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:26am PDT
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/springcleaning/spring-clean-your-body-top-10-detox-foods-2479462/
- "Eat clean," avoiding processed foods and chemical additives.
- Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of filtered water.
- Include some of these 10 foods in several meals throughout the week.
- Leafy green vegetables. Eat them raw in a salad, throw them into a broth, steam them and mix with rice or add to an omelet, or puree them into juices. The chlorophyll in greens helps swab out environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides). It's also an all-around liver protector, which your liver needs since it's your major domo detoxifier.
- Lemons. Fresh lemonade made with filtered water will keep you hydrated, and its vitamin C helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that's easily flushed away. (Add some pureed greens -- see above -- to further bolster your C level.)
- Watercress. Put a handful into salads, soups, and sandwiches. The peppery little green leaves have a diuretic effect that helps the flushing process. Plus cress is a mineral mine, rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Garlic. Add it to everything -- salads, sauces, spreads. In addition to the heart-friendly bulb's cardio benefits, it activates liver enzymes. Research also indicates that garlic diminishes a process that creates cancer-causing compounds in your body.
- Green tea. This antioxidant-rich brew is one of the healthiest ways to get more water into your system. Bonus: It contains catechins, which speed up liver activity.
- Broccoli sprouts. They pack 20 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme-stimulating activity into each bite than the grown-up vegetable. Research suggests that eating the sprouts (they have a radish-like taste) kills off H. Pylori bacteria that causes stomach irritation and ulcers.
- Sesame seeds. They're credited with protecting liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals. For a concentrated form, try tahini, the yummy sesame seed paste that's a staple of Middle Eastern cooking.
- Cabbage. There are two main types of detoxifying enzymes in the liver, and this potent veggie helps activate both of them. It's the largest member of the Brassica veggie family, all of which delivers colon-cancer fighting isothicyanates and vitamin C. Coleslaw, anyone?
- Psyllium. This plant's bursting with soluble fiber, which mops up toxins (cholesterol, too) and helps clear them out. Stir powdered psyllium into juice to help cleanse your colon, or have psyllium-fortified Bran Buds for breakfast. (Start with a small amount and gradually increase your dose as your GI tract becomes used to it.)
- Fruits, fruits, fruits. They're full of almost all the good things listed above -- vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids, and assorted antioxidants. Besides, nothing tastes better than a ripe mango, perfect pear, or fresh berries.
Toss dark green leafy vegetables in hot, garlicky oil for a cleansing -- and delicious -- dish.
4 servings, about 65 calories each
1 tsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. spinach, stemmed,
or 1 lb. Swiss chard, stems sliced, leaves torn
or 1 lb. mixture of spinach and watercress
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tsp. sesame seeds for garnish
Warm oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir until lightly browned, about 45 seconds. Add greens (do in two batches if necessary) and toss until just wilted, 2 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
by , on Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:26am PDT
http://shine.yahoo.com/event/springcleaning/spring-clean-your-body-top-10-detox-foods-2479462/
Friday, May 13, 2011
Brain Power Tips
“Where are my keys?” “What was that person’s name again?” Memory glitches like these, though ordinary enough, can sometimes be an upsetting reminder that our memory may not serve us forever. If your brain function is not quite as sharp as it once was, here are 5 natural ways to protect your memory and boost your brain power, no matter what age you are!
Most people over the age of 40 experience some memory loss. Our memory is facilitated by chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters; these messengers transfer information from one neuron to the next. Find out more about neurotransmitters in The Natural Health Dictionary. As we age, our levels of these chemical neurotransmitters are lowered, and a mild slowing down of the memory and thought processes can occur. Sometimes a glitch in memory is just reflecting physiological swings in the brain, which can be brought on by hormonal changes, reactions to environmental toxins, too much stress, or too little sleep. Emotional stress diminishes blood flow to the brain and stimulates production of the hormone cortisol, which is toxic to nerve cells in high quantities. Also, when plaque narrows the blood vessels, blood flow to the brain is reduced. All of these factors come into play and affect your brain function.
Alzheimer's disease is much more serious than run-of-the-mill forgetfulness. Microscopic examination shows that nerve cells in the thinking parts of the brain have died and disappeared. There are many signs to look for, but if you are forgetting how to do things that you’ve done many times before, are unable to learn new things, or your memory is getting progressively worse, see your physician right away.
1. Eat Brain Foods
A balanced diet rich in essential amino acids, omega oils, minerals, and vitamins will ensure a vibrant and sharp memory. Eat right to keep your memory bright:
• Choose complex carbs, such as brown rice, oatmeal, lentils, whole beans, and other whole grain foods, which will bring your brain lasting energy and help fuel your cognitive abilities.
• Eat a rainbow of veggies. Chock full of protective antioxidants, vegetables of every hue can help you boost brain power, especially bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, yams, and squash.
• Get a mega boost with omega’s. There is more and more evidence indicating that omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial for brain health. A particularly rich source is fish, especially salmon, tuna, halibut, trout, mackerel, and sardines. Almond oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, and sesame oil are rich in monounsaturated fats and are good choices for brain health. Population studies show that a diet high in unsaturated, unhydrogenated fats tends to correspond to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, whereas a diet higher in saturated fats and trans fats exhibits an increased risk.
• Micro-algae brings big brain benefits. Blue-green algae, spirulina, and chlorella are easy to digest, high-protein, and high-energy food supplements that support healthy brain functions. Look for powders you dissolve in juice or flakes you can sprinkle on your food.
• Mix it up with nuts, seeds, and fruit. The essential fatty acids, rich carotenoids, and antioxidants in a trail mix of nuts and fruit will nourish and support your brain: choose walnuts, pine nuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried goji berries, dried apricots, and dried blueberries.
• Bonus Tip: Super Clarity is a specially blended formula that contains brain-nourishing herbs.
2. Stay Social
Having a vibrant social life is a surefire strategy for improving your life--and it may improve your memory, too. A study conducted with elderly individuals in Taiwan suggested that participation in social activities outside of the family unit positively benefited their cognitive impairment. The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, adjusted for previous cognitive impairments, health history, and social background. The results showed that the individuals who participated in one or two social activities failed 13% fewer cognitive tests; those who took part in three or more outside activities failed 33% fewer cognitive tasks than those with no social activities.
3. Combat Mental Decline with L-carnitine
One simple amino acid can help you hang onto your memory: L-carnitine may help slow down the onset of mental deterioration, according to research. Found chiefly in the heart and skeletal muscles, L-carnitine’s main job is to carry fatty acids through cell membranes to the mitochondrion-- the cell’s “engine”--and use them as cellular energy. Brain tissue also holds a rich supply of L-carnitine. Even if you are taking in high levels of the beneficial omega fatty acids from above, if your L-carnitine level is low, your brain and muscles can’t use them. How to get L-carnitine into your system? The main dietary source of this amino acid is meat. Vegetarians may find it worthwhile to take supplements to help fight the onset of age-related memory loss. Learn more about L-carnitine in The Natural Health Dictionary.
4. Supplement Your Memory
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a compound made by the body from the amino acid serine. Taken in supplement form, it lowers stress response and promotes the release of neurotransmitters in the brain that facilitate thought, reasoning, and concentration. PS has been well-documented in Europe for reversing age-related memory loss. One study worked with individuals that had memory loss (although not dementia), and PS provided significant benefits. The individuals that had the most severe memory loss exhibited the most improvement.
5. Drink Green Tea
Green tea has enjoyed plenty of attention for its brainy benefits in the past decade. Studies indicate that green tea may defend against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of mental degeneration. Green tea is packed with polyphenols--antioxidants that have been found to increase cognitive acuity and learning ability. One particular polyphenol is responsible for all of these beneficial brain effects: catechin. The concentration of catechins in green tea is four times that of black tea. Researchers aren’t exactly sure why, but the minimal processing used for green tea may help to preserve a higher concentration of the antioxidants. Drink up to gain long-term benefits for your brain!
By Dr. Maoshing Ni
Apr 29, 2011
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/drmao/5-ways-boost-brain-power
Where does your memory go?
Most people over the age of 40 experience some memory loss. Our memory is facilitated by chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters; these messengers transfer information from one neuron to the next. Find out more about neurotransmitters in The Natural Health Dictionary. As we age, our levels of these chemical neurotransmitters are lowered, and a mild slowing down of the memory and thought processes can occur. Sometimes a glitch in memory is just reflecting physiological swings in the brain, which can be brought on by hormonal changes, reactions to environmental toxins, too much stress, or too little sleep. Emotional stress diminishes blood flow to the brain and stimulates production of the hormone cortisol, which is toxic to nerve cells in high quantities. Also, when plaque narrows the blood vessels, blood flow to the brain is reduced. All of these factors come into play and affect your brain function.
Alzheimer's disease is much more serious than run-of-the-mill forgetfulness. Microscopic examination shows that nerve cells in the thinking parts of the brain have died and disappeared. There are many signs to look for, but if you are forgetting how to do things that you’ve done many times before, are unable to learn new things, or your memory is getting progressively worse, see your physician right away.
1. Eat Brain Foods
A balanced diet rich in essential amino acids, omega oils, minerals, and vitamins will ensure a vibrant and sharp memory. Eat right to keep your memory bright:
• Choose complex carbs, such as brown rice, oatmeal, lentils, whole beans, and other whole grain foods, which will bring your brain lasting energy and help fuel your cognitive abilities.
• Eat a rainbow of veggies. Chock full of protective antioxidants, vegetables of every hue can help you boost brain power, especially bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, yams, and squash.
• Get a mega boost with omega’s. There is more and more evidence indicating that omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial for brain health. A particularly rich source is fish, especially salmon, tuna, halibut, trout, mackerel, and sardines. Almond oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, and sesame oil are rich in monounsaturated fats and are good choices for brain health. Population studies show that a diet high in unsaturated, unhydrogenated fats tends to correspond to reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, whereas a diet higher in saturated fats and trans fats exhibits an increased risk.
• Micro-algae brings big brain benefits. Blue-green algae, spirulina, and chlorella are easy to digest, high-protein, and high-energy food supplements that support healthy brain functions. Look for powders you dissolve in juice or flakes you can sprinkle on your food.
• Mix it up with nuts, seeds, and fruit. The essential fatty acids, rich carotenoids, and antioxidants in a trail mix of nuts and fruit will nourish and support your brain: choose walnuts, pine nuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried goji berries, dried apricots, and dried blueberries.
• Bonus Tip: Super Clarity is a specially blended formula that contains brain-nourishing herbs.
2. Stay Social
Having a vibrant social life is a surefire strategy for improving your life--and it may improve your memory, too. A study conducted with elderly individuals in Taiwan suggested that participation in social activities outside of the family unit positively benefited their cognitive impairment. The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, adjusted for previous cognitive impairments, health history, and social background. The results showed that the individuals who participated in one or two social activities failed 13% fewer cognitive tests; those who took part in three or more outside activities failed 33% fewer cognitive tasks than those with no social activities.
3. Combat Mental Decline with L-carnitine
One simple amino acid can help you hang onto your memory: L-carnitine may help slow down the onset of mental deterioration, according to research. Found chiefly in the heart and skeletal muscles, L-carnitine’s main job is to carry fatty acids through cell membranes to the mitochondrion-- the cell’s “engine”--and use them as cellular energy. Brain tissue also holds a rich supply of L-carnitine. Even if you are taking in high levels of the beneficial omega fatty acids from above, if your L-carnitine level is low, your brain and muscles can’t use them. How to get L-carnitine into your system? The main dietary source of this amino acid is meat. Vegetarians may find it worthwhile to take supplements to help fight the onset of age-related memory loss. Learn more about L-carnitine in The Natural Health Dictionary.
4. Supplement Your Memory
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a compound made by the body from the amino acid serine. Taken in supplement form, it lowers stress response and promotes the release of neurotransmitters in the brain that facilitate thought, reasoning, and concentration. PS has been well-documented in Europe for reversing age-related memory loss. One study worked with individuals that had memory loss (although not dementia), and PS provided significant benefits. The individuals that had the most severe memory loss exhibited the most improvement.
5. Drink Green Tea
Green tea has enjoyed plenty of attention for its brainy benefits in the past decade. Studies indicate that green tea may defend against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of mental degeneration. Green tea is packed with polyphenols--antioxidants that have been found to increase cognitive acuity and learning ability. One particular polyphenol is responsible for all of these beneficial brain effects: catechin. The concentration of catechins in green tea is four times that of black tea. Researchers aren’t exactly sure why, but the minimal processing used for green tea may help to preserve a higher concentration of the antioxidants. Drink up to gain long-term benefits for your brain!
By Dr. Maoshing Ni
Apr 29, 2011
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/drmao/5-ways-boost-brain-power
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
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