Susie Skog knows Lake Norman Real Estate Inside Out

State-sponsored 529 accounts are a tax-free way to pay for a childs college education. Opening an investment account when theyre young and contributing to it regularly and basically forgetting about it until theyre ready to go to college is one way to deal with it.

The money is usually invested in mutual funds, so parents dont have to keep a close eye on how theyre performing.

Because 529 plans have a much shorter time to grow than retirement accounts do, a severe market drop can affect how much money they have for college. For this and other reasons, its a good idea to set up a 529 wisely and keep an eye on it.

Conservative investments are one way to go, especially if all of your college money is in a 529. Most 529s offer age- and risk-based investments as the child grows, moving from stocks to more bonds as they get older, much as a retirement fund can. In addition, some 529 plans offer savings accounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Whatever returns a 529 plan gets, the best way to get the most out of it is to contribute to it regularly, such as through automatic deductions from a family checking account. Contributions arent deductible on federal taxes but many states offer a deduction on a state tax return.

Investment allocations can be changed twice a year, so be sure that the change youre considering is one you want to make.

Another way to save with a 529 plan is to use one of 13 prepaid tuition plans offered by 12 states and one not-for-profit organization. They allow participants to pre-purchase future tuition at a predetermined rate today.

The most widely offered 529 plans are college savings plans that typically use mutual funds to grow contributions that parents make to the plan.

If your child doesnt want to go to college, a 529 plans beneficiary can be changed to another family member to use for college.

If the money isnt used for educational purposes then the earnings, not the contributions, will be subject to income tax plus a 10 percent federal penalty. Some plans may also charge extra fees.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few ways to create a sense of wellness throughout your home.

Reconnecting With the Kitchen

Wellness in the kitchen is about more than eating nutritious foods. The act of preparing food and gathering together to eat does wonders for our wellbeing.

Outdoor Spaces

Fresh air, natural light and open spaces have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing, meaning outdoor spaces have never been more important.

Activity Areas

While it might not fit the traditional definition of wellness, having an area at home to engage in your personal interests plays a role in helping you feel your best.

Sleeping Soundly

Its essential to design a bedroom that promotes relaxation and allows you to get ample rest each night, especially during stressful times such as these.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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.