Consumer Tips

• Cryptocurrencies aren’t backed by a government or central bank. Unlike most traditional currencies, such as the dollar or yen, the value of a cryptocurrency is not tied to promises by a government or a central bank.
   
• If you store your cryptocurrency online, you don’t have the same protections as a bank account. Holdings in online “wallets” are not insured by the government like U.S. bank deposits are.
   
• A cryptocurrency’s value can change constantly and dramatically. An investment that may be worth thousands of dollars on Tuesday could be worth only hundreds on Wednesday. If the value goes down, there’s no guarantee that it will rise again.
   
• Nothing about cryptocurrencies makes them a foolproof investment. Just like with any investment opportunity, there are no guarantees.
   
• No one can guarantee you’ll make money off your investment. Anyone who promises you a guaranteed return or profit is likely scamming you. Just because the cryptocurrency is well-known or has celebrities endorsing it doesn’t mean it’s a good investment.
   
• Not all cryptocurrencies or the companies behind them are the same. Before you decide to invest in a cryptocurrency, look into the claims the company is making. Do an internet search with the name of the company and the cryptocurrency with words like review, scam, or complaint. Look through several pages of search results.

Simplified Issue Term Life Insurance often has age-banded premium rates that change when you reach the next age bracket. Acceptance into the plan is based on a few quick health questions, but no medical exams or tests. For the first few years only deaths due to an accident may be covered. But once through the exclusionary period, all causes of deaths could be covered.

Term Life Insurance would be most valuable if you have a lot of recurring payments; homes, cars, education, all require financial resources and planning. Term Life can offer higher coverage levels that helps protect the lifestyle you are building with your family. In the event of your passing, your family can use the money from the insurance in any way they need.  

Accidental Death Insurance may be a better choice for people with fewer obligations; houses paid off and an empty nest, or people just starting out on their own. Accidental Death policies are usually guaranteed issue – simply enroll and pay your premium to get coverage – because they only pay benefits for death due to a covered accident. The lower coverage amounts – and premium rates – can still give you the additional peace of mind knowing that you will not leave unpaid debt or expenses if the unexpected happens. And, here again, your beneficiaries can use the cash benefit in any way they need.

Considering insurance as part of your financial planning makes sense no matter where you are in your life. Helping to protect your family and assets with insurance can give your family more financial security and give you more peace of mind. 

Go to www.unionplusinsurance.com for more information about the insurance offers available to you as a union member.

These loans are a good option for people looking to decrease their number of monthly payments, lower their interest rates and achieve a less-stressful financial future.  Here are a few commonly asked questions that might help you determine if a debt consolidation loan is the right option for you.  

What is the difference between a secured loan and an unsecured loan?

Secured loans, such as a mortgage or car loan, require you to put collateral down to cover the repayment of the loan if you are unable to make your monthly payments. Unlike a secured loan, an unsecured loan doesn’t require collateral, making it a good solution for those looking to consolidate debt quickly and easily. 

Should I pick a fixed rate or a variable rate loan?

A variable rate, like most credit cards, is one that is likely to change (increase) over time, causing your monthly payments to also increase. You may receive a lower rate with a variable rate loan, but because it is not guaranteed to remain the same over time, it’s a potentially riskier option. 

A fixed rate is one that will remain the same for the term of the loan. With a fixed rate, you won’t have to worry or wonder if your rate might go up – and that means you’ll always know exactly how much your monthly payment is.  No surprises.  

How long will it take to pay an unsecured loan off?

Unlike credit cards, loans have a pre-determined length of repayment. This means that you know exactly when your loan is paid off and when you’ll be out of debt. You usually have the flexibility of determining the length of repayment based on monthly payment options. Most lenders allow you to choose the due date of your monthly payment so you can prioritize bills to fit your budget.

Are there fees associated with an unsecured debt consolidation loan?

Some lenders charge an origination fee that can range from 3-6% (or more) of the loan amount you consolidate. For example, a $15,000 loan with a 5% origination fee would result in a $750 origination fee, in addition to your loan amount. Loans without origination fees allow you to save on upfront costs.

Unlike many credit cards, most loans do not charge an annual fee. This allows for even more savings when consolidating credit cards into an unsecured loan.

Is an unsecured loan right for me?

A loan can help you consolidate revolving debts so that you can have flexibility in your budget and achieve your financial goals. They are a good option for people who want to find a solution for outstanding debt and stop wasting money on higher-interest credit card balances. When applying, lenders will review your credit history and look for things such as bankruptcy and on-time payment history.  Qualification will vary based on the lender you choose.

Does Union Plus have a solution for me?

Yes!  If you’re interested in an unsecured loan, click here to learn more or apply for the Union Plus® Personal Loan so you can start saving time and money today!

Cavities are likely to form the more sugar we snack on. Our mouths are full of bacteria, some helpful, some malevolent, and the latter bacteria feeds on sugars, forming acid that eats away at our teeth. Like your dentist always reminds you, daily brushing (with a toothpaste that has fluoride in it) and flossing can help prevent the buildup of sugar and cavities.

In the earliest stages of a cavity, it’s entirely likely that you’ll feel nothing, as the first layer of your teeth is simply enamel, which has no nerves and thus no sensitivity. The good news is that this stage of a cavity can be reversed. Proper oral hygiene can repair the enamel, stopping that pesky cavity in its tracks.  

Unfortunately, some cavities persevere, which leads to more pronounced symptoms. The classic one is, of course, a toothache, especially when you eat something sweet. Remember how the bad bacteria feeds on sugar? Well, coating an already decaying tooth in more sugar produces more acid, which will eventually dissolve all the enamel and make its way to your tooth’s sensitive nerve endings, causing discomfort.

This expanding cavity can also lead to other symptoms, such as a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath that just won’t go away. It’s possible to feel or even see a more advanced cavity – you may notice a dark spot on your tooth, or a mysterious hole. Any of these indications are cause to see a dentists as soon as possible. 

Whatever stage a cavity is in, it’s certainly a nuisance, especially once your dentist hands you your bill. The Union Plus Dental Discount Plan can help you save on your next dental visit.

Plus, use code UPGC10* when you sign up for any annual Dental Discount Plan and we’ll send you a $10 Starbucks gift card! 

Search for a participating dentist near you and schedule an appointment today! 

Save on Dental Now 

While you're updating those manual clocks around the house, don't forget to do your semi-annual household safety checks. Our daylight saving safety checklist can help protect your home and family from preventable accidents.

Inspect Your Fire Extinguishers 

• Make sure extinguishers are easily accessible.
• Check the tamper seal and pull pin. If the seal is broken or the pin is missing, replace the extinguisher or have a certified fire extinguisher technician inspect it.
• Look for physical damage and debris in the hoses and nozzles. Replace the extinguisher if it shows signs of damage or corrosion.
• Have fire extinguishers professionally inspected once per year.

Check Your Garage Door Sensors

If they are not working correctly, a closing garage door could harm belongings or people in its path.

• Test the automatic reversing mechanism by placing a piece of wood, such as a 2×4, on the ground in the door's path as it's closing. The door should reverse one or two seconds after hitting the wood. If it does not, refer to your owner's manual on how to make an adjustment to the opener's sensitivity or contact a professional garage door service.
• Test the photoelectric sensors by placing an object in front of them as the door is coming down. The door should immediately reverse. If it does not, check the sensors for alignment, dirty lenses or damage.

Test Your Smoke Alarms

• Push the test button to make sure the alarm sounds.
• See how the alarm responds to smoke: Light a match and blow it out directly under the alarm, or use an aerosol smoke can if the detector is out of reach.
• Have someone stand as far away from the smoke alarm as possible to be sure it's audible.
• Change the batteries twice a year.
• Replace the device every seven to 10 years — earlier if the alarm sounds weak or doesn't emit noise after you change the batteries and perform multiple tests.

Practice a Family Fire Drill

• Pick a place to meet outside that everyone can remember.
• Follow your fire escape plan. If you don't have one, map out how you will exit each room in the event of a fire.
• Practice the drill at night when family members are asleep. This will help prepare them for waking up to smoke alarms and getting out of the house quickly.

Update Your First Aid and Emergency Preparedness Kits

• Check expiration dates and replace old contents.
• Make sure flashlight batteries work.

According to the American Heart Association:

1.  Improved Health Status of Heart Patients
   
   Dogs ease anxiety and improve the health status of hospitalized heart failure patients.
    
2. Anxiety Decreases
   
   Researchers found that anxiety scores dropped 24 percent for participants who received a visit from the volunteer-dog team. Scores for the human volunteer-only group dropped 10 percent and the at-rest group’s score did not change.
    
3. Decreased Stress
   
   Simply having a pet in the room, decreases the stress response. Levels of epinephrine, a hormone the body makes when under stress, dropped about 17 percent in patients visited by a person and a dog, and 2 percent in those visited just by a person. But levels rose about 7 percent in the unvisited group.
    
4. Heart Pressure Decreases
   
   Heart pressure dropped 10 percent after the visit by the volunteer and dog. It increased 3 percent for those visited by a human volunteer and 5 percent for those who got no visit. Lung pressure declined 5 percent for those visited by a dog and a volunteer. It rose in the other two groups.
    
5. Benefits Blood Pressure
   
   People with a dog or cat suffered only half the blood pressure increase of those without.
   
   Be sure to return the favor by protecting the health of your furry family members with the gift of pet insurance from Union Plus Pet Insurance.
   
   
   LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNION PLUS PET INSURANCE PROGRAM

1. Network Strength

   AT&T has the nation’s largest and most reliable network in the country. 

   Coverage not avail. everywhere. Based on overall coverage in U.S. licensed/roaming areas. See coverage details below.

2. Union Solidarity

    AT&T is the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier. When you choose AT&T, you’re choosing to support the more than 150,000 union members employed there.
    

3. Wireless Discounts

   AT&T offers union members exclusive discounts on wireless with the AT&T Signature Program discounts through Union Plus.
   
   Plus, when you switch to AT&T, you can get up to $650 in credits per line when you trade in your smartphone, and buy a new one on AT&T Next. 

   Each line reqs elig. port-in, trade-in, purch., & svc. $650= min. $5 trade-in credit/promo card (for AT&T products/svc only) + prepaid card (w/in 90 days) for device balance/early term. fee amount less trade-in. Fees, charges & restrs apply. See SWITCH TO ATT details below.

   Ready to switch and start saving? Head to your local AT&T store with this coupon, or visit unionplus.org/att today.

LEARN MORE
 

Icy roads are one of winter’s biggest dangers. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to keep you safer.

Change Your Tires

If cold, icy winters are common in your area, swap your regular tires for snow tires to gain more control. Snow tires have more contact edges than normal tires, allowing them to grip the road better. Also, the rubber on snow tires stays pliable in low temperatures, which helps provide better traction.

Drive Cautiously

• Think gradual. Quick movements, such as fast acceleration or sudden turns, have little effect on icy roads—you just spin your wheels or continue in the same direction. Slow your motions so your vehicle has time to respond. Brake gradually, too: Slamming on the brakes, even antilock brakes, can cause your car to slide. To give yourself enough time to brake, allow up to 10 times the normal distance between your car and the car ahead of you.
• Slow Down. Remember that posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. If the roads are icy, reduce your speed to reduce the risk of getting in an accident.
• Correction. If your car starts to skid or slide, take your foot off the gas. Slowly turn the wheel in the direction you want the car to travel. If your vehicle has antilock brakes, apply firm pressure until you regain control. You can steer during this maneuver. As your car spins, work to regain a neutral steering position. You have more control when your tires face the same direction.

Know the Roads

To stay ahead of icy roads, know when and where ice forms. Any winter precipitation can cause ice, as can sudden temperature changes. “Black ice” (a thin, almost invisible coat) is most likely to form on intersections, bridges, overpasses, underpasses and ramps. For more about dealing with black ice, follow this advice from MetLife Auto & Home.

Be Aware of Other Drivers

Driving slowly offers some protection from other drivers, but be sure to keep an eye on the cars ahead of and behind you. If you see brake lights ahead, slow down. If a driver follows closely behind your vehicle, keep a slow pace to force him or her to do the same.
 

These tips were brought to you by the Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance program. Drivers saved an average of $586* a year on their auto insurance when switching to MetLife Auto & Home®.

Take advantage of the Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance Program by calling 855-666-5797 today. Remember to mention your discount code: DJ7.

Whether it’s a first home or next home, the Union Plus^® Mortgage program, with financing provided by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, provides union members, their parents and children access to a wide range of home loan options to meet a variety of needs, plus special benefits designed for union families. And, you can also find the homebuying tools and information you need every step of the way.

Location, Location, Location

This first step is to understand your needs:

• What areas of your city/county appeal to you?
• Do you want to live in a neighborhood, or is having land important to you?
• Do you want to be near schools, shopping, or public transportation?
• How close do you need to be to your job?

Make a Wish List

Before you start looking at houses, make a list of the home features that are most important to you.

• How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Are you downsizing or planning for a growing family?
• Do you prefer the look of a two-story home, or do you want a one-story with everything all on one level?
• Would you like an older home with character in an established neighborhood, or are you drawn to the benefits of a newly constructed home?
• What kind of amenities and features would you like? How about a gourmet kitchen or a fireplace?
• What about the exterior: siding, brick, or stucco?

Most homebuyers need to make compromises, and it's helpful if you already know which items are "must-haves" and which are simply "nice-to-haves." You can download our Wish List (PDF)* to help you prioritize.
When you’re ready to start looking at homes, consider using a real estate agent. While it’s easy to search for homes online today, you’ll receive invaluable information and assistance by working with a licensed real estate agent.

Getting Prequalified

In addition to considering what you need and want in a home, it’s helpful to know how much you may be able to borrow to buy a home. A prequalification lets you estimate how much you may be able to borrow, but is not a commitment to lend so it doesn’t require a credit check or mortgage application.

If you have any questions about the homebuying process, loan options, or would like a free prequalification, contact a Wells Fargo Home Mortgage consultant today. If you are considering refinancing, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has options for you too!

And remember, after closing on a loan through the Union Plus Mortgage program, you’ll be eligible for special benefits that include receiving a My Mortgage Gift^SM award from Wells Fargo - $500 for buying a home or $300 for refinancing your home, for use at participating retailers – and access to mortgage assistance through Union Plus in times of hardship such as layoff, disability or strike.^1,2 Keep in mind that parents and children of union members are also eligible for certain benefits.

Click here to learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage program, talk to a Union Plus Mortgage Specialist at 866-802-7307 or request a personal consultation.

Consider these five thoughtless distracted driving habits and how to change them:

1. Eating or Drinking
   
   Hot coffee spills, greasy hands or stray crumbs could distract you from the road. Eat before you get behind the wheel or after you’ve reached your destination. If you need a snack now, find some place off the road to stop.
    
2. Making Hands-Free Calls
   
   You may not take your hands off the wheel, but calls can take your mind off the road. Turn off your phone’s Bluetooth capabilities before you drive off, and silence your phone to help prevent temptation. If you really need to make a call, safely pull over to talk.
    
3. Messing with Dials or Controls
   
   Adjusting volume, looking for a radio station, plugging in GPS directions or turning up the heat diverts your eyes from the road. Take care of all of the above before shifting into gear. If you must make adjustments, wait until you come to a complete stop at a stoplight, pull over safely, or ask your front-seat passenger to handle them.
    
4. Paying Attention to Other Passengers
   
   Young children and infants can be up to eight times more distracting than adult passengers, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Make sure your little ones have something to occupy them. Or stop the car and pull over safely before investigating the cause of screaming or crying.
    
5. Applying Makeup or Shaving
   
   The vanity mirror blocks your eyes from the road. Give yourself enough time before leaving home to finish getting ready.

   ---

   These tips were brought to you by the Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance program. Drivers saved an average of $586* a year on their auto insurance when switching to MetLife Auto & Home®.
   
   Take advantage of the Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance Program by calling 855-666-5797 today. Remember to mention your discount code: DJ7.