Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

A higher credit limit can help in an emergency, allow you to make any necessary large purchases and even, in some instances, improve you credit score. Asking for a higher credit limit, however, can seem awkward.

Higher credit limits are typically offered to people with the highest credit scores for a simple reason"theyre considered the most likely to pay their bill on time and not default. Someone with a low credit score will have a harder time convincing their credit card company to give them a higher limit, though its not impossible.

The average credit limit as of December 2016 was $8,071, according to data from Experian, a credit bureau.

Improving Your Credit Score With a Higher Limit
Looking to finance a large purchase such as a home renovation? Or maybe you just need to cover some monthly expenses. These are a few reasons why you might want a higher credit limit. But theres another advantage to seeking a credit limit increase"it can improve your credit score.

Your credit limit affects your credit utilization ratio"a lower ratio can lead to a higher credit score. A rate of 25 percent is best to improve a credit score, meaning youre using up to 25 percent of the credit available on the credit card.

How to Ask for a Higher Limit
Whatever you need the money for, youre more likely to be approved for a higher credit limit if you have a strong credit score and no recent history of late payments.

Pick only one credit card in your wallet to ask for an increase on. If you ask all of your credit card issuers for a higher credit limit, each will be treated as a separate inquiry and that could hurt your credit score. It can also help if you don’t apply for new credit cards in a short period of time when asking for a credit limit increase on an existing card. Such applications can lower a credit score temporarily.

To ask for a larger credit limit, just call your credit card provider and ask for it. Ask them to consider your years of membership, strong payment record and low credit utilization rate.

Dont Be Desperate or Greedy
Tell your credit card company why you deserve more credit: Youve never missed a payment and you always pay your balance in full each month, or you pay more than the minimum balance.

You also dont want to ask for too high of an increase. This can be a sign of greed and desperation, which can lead to denial and require you to wait a few months before applying again for a credit limit increase. Aim for 10 to 25 percent more, up to $250 for every $1,000 in credit you already have. If you have good credit, you may be able to ask for more.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When preparing to batten down the hatches during a storm, don’t forget to pay attention to your furry family members. Loud, unpredictable noises and an uptick of electrical currents in the air can make your pet seriously scared when the weather goes wild. Here are three ways to soothe your dog or cat during an electrical storm.

Create a comfortable space. Many animals like small, tight spaces when the weather becomes unpredictable. (Some even jump in the bathtub!) Find a cozy spot for your pet (preferably in the same room you’re in) and bring in their favorite blanket, bed or toy.

Turn on calming music. Animals have long been known to react to soothing music the same way people do. Play some classical tunes or lullabies to help put pets at ease.

Distract them. Just like people, animals can be distracted in the face of fear. Play their favorite game or pull a special occasion treat out. Eventually, they may associate storms with treats and toys, instead of static electricity and thunder.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

First, establish eye level, which in most houses is 57 to 60 inches from the floor.

The center of the picture should be at this point.

Second, consider your space. Is your artwork landscape or portrait?

Coordinate that with the space, or hang portraits side by side and landscapes one on top of the other.

Third, keep it neat.

If you’re creating a gallery wall, align them on a grid.

You can also begin with one in the center, and arrange outward.

Above all, look for symmetry. It’s important that everything is even throughout your home.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Reading books to your children is fun, and one of the great joys of parenthood is watching them learn to read by themselves.

Lessons about personal finance and how money works can be included in books you read to children, or in books they read with you or on their own.

Here are some good books about money that are aimed at kids, listed by title, grade level and price. Many can also be checked out for free at the library.

One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent: All About Money: K-2, $6. This book is by Bonnie Worth and illustrated by Aristides Ruiz, and has the look and feel of a Dr. Seuss book. However, its not by the original Dr. Seuss himself. It gives a big picture context to money lessons at this age, all in the fun style of Dr. Seuss.

Money Madness: K-3, $8. By author David Adler and illustrated by Edward Miller, this book asks what life would be like without money. It traces the history of the monetary system, starting with hunting and gathering to paper currency. Sections of the book on inflation and fluctuations in exchange rates can be skipped by some children and perhaps tackled at a later age.

Follow the Money: K-3, $8. By Loreen Leedy, this is one of many follow the coin/dollar childrens books that shows what happens to money. This book is from the point of view of a quarter. It goes from the Federal Reserve to a bank, grocery store, childs piggy bank and elsewhere in a busy day of transactions. Along with teaching how money is used and reused, it has a few money-related problems, such as adding coins.

The Coin Counting Book: Grades 1-4, $7. By Rozanne Lanczak Williams, this basic book helps with one of the main math lessons young children learn in school. Large photos of coins, illustrations and rhymes teach children how to add up coins in a fun way.

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday: K-4, $6. Written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz, this book shows how having some money burning a hole in your pocket, even if its only $1, can leave you broke if you dont learn discipline to save.

These are just a start. For recommendations for your childs reading level, ask his or her teacher or a librarian for help.

Hope you found this helpful! Contact me for more insights and info.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.