Consumer Tips

There are several programs that are available to Medicare beneficiaries to help save money on your prescription drug costs. These include Extra Help and State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs). There are also resources available for union members through Union Plus.

Extra Help

Extra Help is a federal program that helps pay for some to most of the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage. If your monthly income is up to $1,538 in 2018 ($2,078 for couples) and your assets are below specified limits, you may be eligible for Extra Help. 

Even if your income or assets are above the eligibility limits, you could still qualify for Extra Help, because certain types of income assets may not be counted. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program (MSP), you automatically qualify for Extra Help. 

The Extra Help program pays for your Medicare Part D premium up to a state-specific benchmark amount. It also lowers the costs of your prescription drugs. People with Extra Help have a monthly Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in a Part D plan or switch between plans in 2018. In 2019, Extra Help gives you an SEP to enroll in or switch Part D plans once per quarter in the first three quarters of the year (January through March, April through June, and July through September).
 
Finally, Extra Help eliminates any Part D late enrollment penalty (LEP) you may have if you delayed Part D enrollment. Remember that Extra Help is not a replacement for Part D or a plan on its own: You must still have a Part D plan to receive Medicare prescription drug coverage and Extra Help assistance.
 
If you do not have Medicaid, SSI, or an MSP, you can apply for Extra Help program through the Social Security Administration using either the print or online application (If you have Medicaid, SSI, or an MSP, you should automatically be enrolled). Be sure to complete the entire application and provide accurate information so you receive all the benefits for which you qualify.

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs)

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) are programs offered by many states that can help residents pay for prescription drugs. Each program works differently. 

States may coordinate their drug assistance programs with Part D. Some SPAPs require that you sign up for Part D coverage in order to qualify for assistance. In these cases, if a prescription drug is covered by both your SPAP and your Part D plan, both the amount you pay for your prescriptions plus the amount the SPAP pays will count toward the out-of-pocket maximum you have to pay before reaching catastrophic coverage. 

Many SPAPs continue providing coverage during your Part D plan’s coverage gap. Your SPAP may also help pay for your Part D plan’s premium, deductible and copayments. 
 
Certain states have qualified SPAPs. Qualified SPAPs provide a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to allow you to enroll in or make changes to your Part D or Medicare Advantage coverage. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to find out if your state has an SPAP, if you may be eligible, and how to apply. If you do not know how to contact your SHIP, call 877-839-2675 or visit www.shiptacenter.org.

Assistance for Union Members

If you do not qualify for Extra Help or an SPAP, but want to save money on prescription drugs, check out the instant savings you or your family can enjoy through Union Plus. There is no cost to download and use the savings card as a union member at thousands of participating pharmacies nationwide.

If you need help in finding a Part D Medicare plan or have any questions about health plans available to you, please contact the Union Plus Retiree Health Insurance Program. The program has Medicare Insurance advisors who can help you compare plans and costs available to you among thousand nationwide. Call 1-888-719-0689 (TTY 711) Monday - Friday from 8 am to 8 pm EST to speak with a licensed insurance representative trained in dealing with union members or visit unionplusmedicare.org for more information.

*Much of this content is from the Medicare Rights Center.

 

Living without a car can be difficult. But having bad credit often stops many buyers from purchasing a new - or even used - car. With all the financial and referential requirements, it may even seem like buying a car with bad credit is impossible.

Luckily, this is not the case. There are plenty of ways to buy a car with bad credit without breaking the bank. All it takes is a little research, patience, and smart decision making.

Consider What You Need

Bad credit scores aren’t the end of the world, but they do limit your options when it comes to buying a car. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to take stock of your needs before you start your search.

For example, you will want to consider your timeline, and if can you afford to spend a few months (or even years) working to increase your score. Evaluate the road conditions on your commute, including seasonal weather patterns. Think about your hobbies, especially if you are someone who enjoys the outdoors, and look at what sort of features you may need to accommodate your lifestyle. Dependability and safety are key for every buyer and avoid unnecessary luxuries.

Check Your Credit Score

After you’ve made a thorough inventory of your new-car requirements, check your credit score. Though there are free sites that can give you a rough estimation, your FICO Score is the most accurate. A FICO Score is a three-digit number that is broken down into five distinct categories. 35 percent of that number is determined by your payment history, 30 percent from your amounts owed, 15 percent from your length of credit history, 10 percent from your credit maximum, and 10 percent from new credit.

In general, a low credit score is considered anything below 650, while an excellent score is anything in the 720 to 850 range. Average is anything between those two numbers.

You should also get a copy of your credit report, which gives both you and the loan institution, bank, or credit union a more detailed report of your credit history. Credit reports show any missed payments, debts, and lines of credit.

If you have the luxury of time, do your best to up your credit game. Make a concerted effort to decrease your debt, pay bills promptly, and turn in your rent on time. Don’t make any unnecessary purchases and beef up your savings. If you haven’t already, prepare a detailed budget with reasonable expectations. Chances are, you’ll be making monthly payments for a few years, and you’ll want to be prepared for any unexpected life changes, illness, injury, or expenses.

Do Your Research

Taking your time to do some research will save you in the long run. Interest rates fluctuate, so you’ll want to investigate current rates to determine when might be the best time to buy.

As a low-credit customer, you will be most affected by these changes, and you’ll want to be prepared. If you need some extra assistance, use a car payment calculator. You’ll also want to find a reputable dealer. Ask people you know for recommendations, read reviews on crowd-sourced forums, and check out locations with a reliable friend.

Be wary of independent sellers, and always ask for Carfax and detailed maintenance records. You don’t want to commit to a car that will ultimately cost you in the long run.

The more you can contribute to your down payment, the better off you will be. Putting down at least 20 percent will not only show that you are serious about your purchase, but it will also lower your monthly payments, taxes, interest rates, and fees. And, if you end up needing to sell the car before you’ve paid it off, you’ll decrease your chances of owing more than it’s worth.

Avoid Bad Credit Auto Loan Companies

If you can, avoid opting in for in-house financing or loan companies that specialize in customers with low credit scores. These companies often take advantage of vulnerable customers by offering low monthly payments, then slapping on ludicrously high interest rates.

Your best bet for a fair loan will be your local bank or credit union. You know them, and they know you. Chances are, you’ve been with them for a while, and they can attest to your income and financial credibility more than a third-party institution.

You may also want to consider online companies. These institutions generally offer better rates than in-house financing and can sometimes give you more reasonable offers than local banks or credit unions. They don’t have the same overhead as places with physical locations, so they have the resources to give you better rates.

However, be judicious with your search if you decide to go the online payment route. Multiple inquiries can hurt your score, so make sure you are shopping within a very brief period, no more than a month.

If all else fails, consider getting pre-approved. Dealerships can do this for you but seek the assistance of your local bank or credit union first.

Last Minute Advice

On the whole, your loan experience should be well researched, risk-free, and give you the best deal for your financial and lifestyle needs. When it comes to making the final decision, don’t get caught up in an unbelievable deal; chances are, it’s too good to be true. Be wary of scams and read all of the paperwork meticulously before you finalize your commitment. If you are able to make a large down payment, submit your monthly payments promptly, and manage your personal budget accordingly, you will be able to slowly increase your credit score. Making solid, responsible decisions now will greatly improve your prospects of future investments.

© 2018 Money Management International

Take advantage of Union Plus Credit Counseling to create a plan of action to help you pay down your debt and  get back on the road to financial recovery. 

1. Limit your clothing options

Having multiple wardrobe options is a luxury the light traveler cannot afford. Instead, pack different pieces in the same color palette. You’ll be surprised at all the different ways a few  items can work together. Bring simple jewelry and a scarf to add flair to your outfits.

2. Pack only two or three pairs of shoes

Limit yourself to just two or three pairs of shoes, always putting comfort first. Choose a good pair of walking shoes and one versatile dressy pair. Bring flip-flops if the pool or the beach is a possibility.

3. Travel sized toiletries

Purchase mini bottles (or reuse empty hotel shampoo bottles) to hold your essential products. Think about what you’ll be doing and only bring what you really need. Are four shades of lipstick really necessary? Probably not.

4. Bring a personal item bag

Personal item bags are allowed on airplanes in addition to a carry-on. Choose a large purse, small backpack or messenger bag to carry your phone charger, passport, wallet, snacks, water bottle and any other essentials.

5. Read eBooks 

Physical books are heavy and take up a lot of space. Before taking off, download eBooks on your phone or tablet. You’ll be able to bring more while saving lots of space.

Learn more about Collette Tours

 

No one wants to come home to a disaster. Learn how you can reduce the risk of burglary, as well as fire and water damage, while you travel.

Before You Go

Before locking your doors and windows and hitting the road, there are several things you should do — and not do — to help keep your property and possessions safe. Here’s a helpful checklist:

Do

• Stop your mail service. Old newspapers and a bulging letterbox could tip off burglars that no one is home.
• Put your lights and television on a timer to cycle on and off. This helps create the illusion of an active household.
• Lock any valuables you don’t take with you, such as jewelry, in a safe or a safe-deposit box.
• To reduce the risk of a fire and save energy, unplug electronics and appliances that don’t need to be running.
• Shut off your main water supply to prevent leaks that could lead to damage.
• Arm your alarm system. If you don’t have an alarm, consider installing one — the investment could lower the cost of your homeowners insurance.

Do not

• Hide a spare key outside. If you must, be sure it’s hard to find.
• Lower your blinds. Instead leave them at their usual height and move visible valuables away from the window.
• Change your answering machine to let callers know you’re on vacation.
• Post your travel plans on social media. Learn more from MetLife Auto & Home® about protecting your home from social thieves.
• Leave your GPS in your vehicle at the airport. Someone could break into your car and get your home address.

While you’re away

You can feel confident your home is secure even if you’re miles away. Here’s how:

• Enlist the help of a neighbor, friend or family member: To help make your home look lived in, have them park in your driveway, take out the trash or mow the lawn.
• Talk to local authorities: If you let your local police know you’re out of town, they may drive by your house to check for signs of trouble.
• Use your smartphone: Download an app that allows you to link your smartphone to a webcam so you can watch your home from anywhere — even the beach.

As a union member, you have access to special discounts on auto insurance from MetLife Auto & Home®. We also offer a variety of other insurance policies including: home, renters, boat, motorcycle, recreational vehicle and more. To learn more about the program call 855-666-5797 and mention Union Plus discount code DJ7. For the most accurate comparisons, please have your current policies with you when you call.

Few pests are more irritating to our furry friends than fleas and ticks. Not only do these insects cause discomfort for our cats and dogs, but they can also cause a wide range of health problems. The best cure for fleas and ticks is prevention. Methods for preventing fleas and ticks include reducing exposure to environments fleas and ticks are known to thrive in, good pet hygiene, and preventative medications or treatments.

Flea and Tick Prevention Tips

Follow these flea and tick prevention steps to reduce the risk of your pet becoming infested:

• Regularly inspect your pet’s coat for fleas
• Comb pets regularly with a flea comb
• Wash all bedding once a week
• Keep your home clean and vacuum carpets frequently
• Use flea prevention products after consulting with your pet care professional

Flea and Tick Treatments

Luckily, there are also various types of safe flea and tick prevention products available. These come in different forms that can reduce the risk of infection and include:

• Shampoos
• Collars
• Sprays
• Oral medication in the form of pills or chews
• Ointments
• Topical insecticides

There are also sprays that can be used on bedding, carpet and around the house. Talk to your veterinarian to identify the best products for your pet and home.

So next time you are out adventuring with your furry family members, don’t get “ticked” off. With a little prevention, the right treatments, and a sharp eye fleas and ticks won’t stand a chance when it comes to your fur baby. Pet insurance can also help keep your pup or kitty flea and tick free with optional routine care coverage. Learn more about the discounted Union Plus Pet Insurance program to find the right plan for you and your pet!

More Pet-Related Articles

• Top Three Dog Heat Stroke Questions
• Pet Accidents Increase in Summer Months

Want more spending money and financial freedom? A cash-out refinance may be the right
choice. You can consolidate any high-interest debt into one new primary mortgage using the
equity you’ve built up in your home.

Fast Facts

What is equity, and how can it help me?

If the current value of your home is greater than your current mortgage balance, you have home equity. The more equity you have, the more money you may be able to get from a cash-out refinance.

Can a cash-out refinance lower my monthly debt payments?

Yes! You can make one low monthly payment instead of several and pay less overall every month.

What about closing costs?

It’s possible to add the costs associated with getting a new mortgage into the total refinance amount to avoid paying anything out of pocket at closing.

Cash-Out Refinance Advantages

Streamline Your Bills

With a cash-out refinance, you can pay off high-interest debt like credit card balances and student loans. By paying off your high-interest debts faster, you can improve your credit rating.

Stay at Home Longer

Planning on staying in your home? Use the cash for renovations that can add value to your home. Bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor decks – now is the time to do it.

Explore More Options

Want to pay for college tuition, add to your retirement fund or invest in a summer home? With a cash-out refinance, you get the freedom you need.

For more information about a cash-out refinance, visit unionplusmortgage.com or call 855 UNION 53 (855-864-6653).

With a knowledgeable home mortgage consultant by your side and these resources at your fingertips, you’ll have the support you need to navigate the home loan process. Enjoy all of these helpful features and more from Wells Fargo, the lender voted best digital mortgage experience.¹

Prepare and Plan with Interactive Tools

• Find details on loans and programs
• Watch videos to help you plan your home purchase, understand the mortgage process, and more
• Access specialized resources like My FirstHome^® — an interactive online program to help you prepare for successful homeownership

Compare Loan Options

Find the mortgage that’s right for you. Compare loan features, interest rates, monthly payments, closing costs, and more with our home loan comparison tool.

Track your Mortgage Application

With yourLoanTracker^SM, you can:

• See your loan status and upcoming tasks
• Upload documents
• Get text alerts when you reach key milestones²

To determine if a home loan is available with yourLoanTracker features, talk to a home mortgage consultant.

See all Your Accounts in One View

Wells Fargo Online^® provides you with the simplicity of managing your mortgage and other Wells Fargo accounts all in one place.

Your Mortgage On-the-Go

Quickly view your mortgage balance, make payments and more from your Wells Fargo Mobile^®app. Plus, receive free alerts about account activity that’s important to you.²

Personal Support by Your Side

Your local home mortgage consultant will help you navigate the mortgage process and keep you updated on what’s next.

And 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.3 Additionally, qualifying union member veterans can also complete an application with Union Plus to receive a $1,000 Mortgage Veteran’s Grant within 90 days of closing on a new primary home purchase through the program. Terms and restrictions may apply. 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.

When you’re dealing with financial stress, it can keep you from being able to live your life and be happy. Your thoughts of money and bills take over and are always in the front of your mind, which can lead to depression and anxiety. And when that happens, you start to feel stuck, like you’ll never break out of your rut, so you close yourself off to opportunities that could help.

Finances are a source of stress for many people, but they don’t have to be. When you can find ways to reduce your financial stress, you’ll find yourself better able to think of solutions and opportunities will begin to present themselves.

Here are three core strategies for reducing financial stress when things are especially difficult:

Create a Plan

One of the reasons you may feel stress is because you don’t feel in control of your finances. Instead, you feel your finances are controlling you. You feel the constraints of not being able to spend freely and worry about how you’ll pay each bill.

Put yourself back in control by creating a plan. Start by creating a budget. Make a list of all the expenses that have to be paid each month, as well as a list of things that are optional, like gym memberships and movie rentals. Next figure out your actual, take-home income. When you look at the two numbers side-by-side, do you need more money each month or are there a few dollars left over?

Next look for ways to cut expenses by reducing things you don’t need. Then, create a plan for bringing in more income. What kind of side jobs can you find that will bring in a few extra dollars each month? A quick Google search can provide a wealth of ideas.

Create Limits

If you feel like you can’t spend anything, it will only create more stress. Instead, create a spending limit for each of your budget categories. You can buy whatever you need or want, as long as it’s within your spending limit for the month. Make a game out of figuring out where you can save and getting the best price you can find.

If you’re feeling the urge to spend and buy yourself something to cheer you up, that’s okay. Just give it a limit. No more than $5 or $10. Then challenge yourself to find something that will make you happy within that limit.

Get Support

When it comes to money, one thing’s for sure, everyone deals with financial stress at some point. You are never alone in your struggle. Talk to friends and family, let them know what you’re dealing with. When you do, two things will happen. They’ll be more understanding when you tell them you can’t do something and they’ll probably even make more budget-friendly suggestions for spending time together. And, they may have some advice from a time when they dealt with the same issues and overcame them. They may even surprise you by explaining that they’re in the same boat as you, but were to afraid to say anything.

Start a support group with friends and family to share ideas for saving money, budgeting, and reducing your spending on things like groceries and utility bills. Everyone has different ideas, you’ll find great information from others.

Whatever you do, take control of your financial situation and face it head on. It’s the best way to reduce your stress and know that it won’t always be this way.

Article written by Emilie Burke. Emilie writes about overcoming debt, while balancing trying to eat healthy, stay fit, and have a little fun along the way. You can find more of her work at BurkeDoes.com.

1. Union Monuments — Across the nation, there are great monuments to the labor union legacy, and some may even be closer than you realize. Add these sites to your travel itinerary to put a union twist on your summer plans.
   
   


2. Unionized Resorts — Summer is synonymous with the beach! So, let’s check out some U.S. beach towns and resorts where sun, fun and union come together for a great vacation.
   
   


3. National Parks — America’s 60 national parks are filled with treasures that often rival those around the world. Right in our own backyards, union families can experience wonders from glaciers to coral reefs. With so many to choose from, we picked our favorite features and found that “Made-in-America” has never looked so stunning!
   
   

Travel Savings

Before you leave town, be sure you're taking advantage of all the Union Plus travel benefits — including:

• Up to 25% off base rates, plus bonus savings on Avis, Budget, and Hertz rental cars* 
• Information on unionized hotels 
• Savings on national park vacation tours
• Discounts on dining, theme parks, sightseeing, events and more. 

SEE ALL TRAVEL BENEFITS