Consumer Tips

1. Start Heartworm Preventives
   If your pet isn’t on heartworm preventatives year round, it’s time to start up again! Heartworm disease is a potentially devastating disease that can cause heart failure and potentially death if left untreated.
   
   Treatment is costly and can be difficult. Prevention is the key in heartworm disease. If you have never had your pet on a preventative before, your veterinarian will likely want to run a quick blood test to ensure your pet is heartworm negative prior to prescribing any medications.
    
2. Start a Flea and Tick Preventive
   Some areas of the nation require year round prevention of external parasites, but if you stop during the cold winter months, now is the time to start back up. Ticks can carry many diseases, some of which can be dangerous, such as Lyme Disease. Flea infestations in your home can be very costly to treat and often require an exterminator. 
    
3. Update Vaccines
   There is a good chance warmer weather will mean more excursions to places where dogs are welcome. If you and your furry best friend frequent the dog park or other public places, be sure they are up to date on all required vaccinations and deworming.

The new Union Plus Pet Health Insurance, powered by Pets Best, offers two routine care plans that cover items such as heartworm/flea/tick preventative medications, vaccinations, an annual wellness exam and more. The routine care plans can be added onto to the Accident and Illness Plan or the Flat-Rate Accident Plan.

Learn more about Union Plus Pet Insurance
 

Electrical

Improper wiring often causes home fires. Older homes are especially prone to electrical problems.

Signs of a problem:

• Blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers suggest your electrical system isn’t handling your power needs.
• Outlets that are hot to the touch are hazardous. Aluminum wiring, used by builders in the 1960s, could be the culprit.
• No “reset” or “test” buttons on outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and garages could indicate the outlet isn’t protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a safety device that guards against electrocution.

Frequent use of extension cords signals you need additional outlets installed.

Roof

Moisture leaks are the biggest concern.

Signs of a problem:

• Missing, curling or cracked shingles, or mineral granule deposits in gutters are signs that the roofing is worn and water may be getting into your house.
• Moisture around or water dripping from the ceiling near a skylight could indicate improperly installed flashing.
• A moldy, mildewy eave space tells you water has penetrated your roof.

Icicles hanging from the roof edge or gutters indicate ice dams, which form when snow melts and refreezes, then forces water to back up under the shingles.

Drainage

Improper drainage causes water-damaged foundations, roofs and more.

Signs of a problem:

• Landscaping that slopes toward the house lets water collect. Re-grade the dirt so water drains away from the foundation.
• Loose, leaky or clogged gutters can back up water at the roofline. Perform regular inspections to see that gutters are clear and work properly.
• Short downspouts don’t properly drain water away from the house. Extend downspouts and sump pump discharge pipes well away from the house to prevent water from soaking into the ground near the foundation.

Plumbing

Drippy faucets and overflowing toilets are obvious signs of plumbing problems — call a professional if you suspect you have a bigger issue.

Signs of a problem:

• Noisy pipes and loud clanks indicate too much water pressure and/or pipes that are too small. Either problem can cause pipes to leak or rupture.
• Leaks around the toilet base tell you the wax ring that seals the base is broken. Undetected leaks can cause the floor to rot.
• Rusty pipes along with water stains below them are a sign that water has been or is leaking.

Furnace and Air Conditioner

A typical furnace is used year-round — central air conditioners also use the furnace’s blower — so get the unit inspected annually.

Signs of a problem:

• Cracks and corrosion indicate damage or deterioration and may require an expert’s closer inspection.
• Gas odor could indicate a leak in a gas furnace or other gas appliance. Leave the house immediately and contact a professional to investigate.

1. Entry storage. From the strollers and car seats of the baby stage to the sports gear and backpacks of the older years, a never-ending parade of stuff comes with having children in the house — and the more places you have to put this stuff when you walk in the door, the better! Look for a house with built-in entry storage, from closets and cabinets to cubbies and shelves. Having an entry out of view of the rest of the house is ideal, so you can enjoy your home without staring at the gear in the entryway all the time.
    
2. Convenient laundry. A laundry in the basement may not be the first thing you notice at an open house, but if you have young children, you might want to give the laundry zone a little more thought. Having the washer and dryer on the main level — in a mudroom or off the kitchen, for instance — comes in incredibly handy when you’re wrangling small children who go through more wardrobe changes in one day than Lady Gaga. A laundry near upstairs bedrooms is another good option, since this will likely mean a lot less schlepping of heavy baskets up and down the stairs.
    
3. Stairs that can be safely gated. Speaking of stairs, if you are looking at homes with more than one level, pay attention to the stairs and railings. Look for stairs that can be gated easily at the top and bottom, and sturdy railings without any wide gaps.
    
4. Ditto for the kitchen. While being able to see what’s going on in the living room while you chop veggies for dinner is a definite plus, it still pays to consider how you can gate off the cooking area to keep curious little hands out. 
    
5. Built-in storage. Built-in storage means more places to neatly stash your family’s stuff, without worrying about anchoring tall, topple-prone pieces of furniture to the wall. Ideally, look for built-in shelving in the living room or family room with open shelves above and closed cabinets below.
    
6. Kid-friendly bathroom. We’re not talking about a themed bathroom here, but a functional space that will work well for your family. Look for a bathroom with a tub and plenty of room to maneuver.  Other details to look for include a bathroom mirror that comes down close to the sink (so little ones can actually see themselves), and storage space for bath toys and extra towels, and if you have a large family, multiple faucets are a big plus.
    
7. Bonus space. When you have kids, extra space is always a good thing. Look for an area of the home that has the potential to be used in a number of different ways, from playroom to home office to nursery for a future sibling. 
    
8. Fenced yard. Even a small yard can offer big possibilities to a child, from building play forts to digging in the dirt. For your own peace of mind, look for a backyard that is fully, securely fenced, so you can let creative play happen without worrying your little explorer will go toddling off toward the street.
    
9. A view of the outdoors. Being able to take care of a little chore inside and still have a view of your child playing can be a huge help. A bonus benefit of having a good view of your outdoor space — whether through generous windows, sliding glass doors or French doors — is that it will encourage you and your family to actually use it!
    
10. Master suite. As a parent, having a space to call your own is so important. Look for a master bedroom with its own private bathroom and a spacious closet. 

If you are ready to buy a house, check out the Union Plus Mortgage program that offers benefits and protections designed with union families in mind.

Learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage Program

What is Pet Insurance?

Pet health insurance reimburses pet owners on veterinary bills when their pet gets sick or injured. Pets Best also offers a routine care plan (for vaccinations, flea and tick preventatives, and more).

Dogs and cats of any breed can be enrolled in a pet insurance plan starting at 7 weeks old, up to any age. Pets Best plans are available in all 50 states & D.C.

Why Do Pet Parents Need It?

• 1 in 3 pets will have an unexpected veterinary visit this year.¹
• Veterinary care is more sophisticated than ever, therefore costs have gone up (pets can have MRIs, chemo, etc.).
• For peace of mind.² So you can go back to enjoying your pet, rather than worrying about what might happen & the cost.

Here’s How Pet Insurance Works, In 4 Easy Steps

1. Get an Instant Quote & Sign Up
   Get a pet insurance quote for your pet(s) in three minutes or less. You can enroll immediately if you’d like. You don’t need your pet’s medical records to enroll and Pets Best offers a 30- day money back guarantee.
    
2. Get Treatment
   When your pet becomes ill or injured, take them to the veterinarian.
    
3. File a Claim
   Pay your veterinarian, and then submit the claim to Pets Best.
    
4. Get Reimbursed
   Pets Best processes most claims within 5 days, then reimburses you on that veterinary bill. You can add your direct deposit account information for free, so you’ll get your money back even faster.

Feeling overwhelmed by the home-buying process? Don’t get swamped, get focused. Beyond the basics of location, price and condition, what do you really want from your home? Consider adding these 10 items to your home-buying wish list if you love entertaining. 

1. Welcoming entry. Greeting guests is easier when you can usher them into a spacious entryway. Look for one with room to maneuver and good lighting. On the exterior, look for a covering over the entry to keep visitors dry during inclement weather.

2. Coat closet. A coat closet near the main entrance is helpful for stashing guests’ coats and bags, and it keeps these items out of sight. If the house has a spacious entry, you can fill this need with wall hooks or a coat tree, but if the entry is more compact, a closet will really help keep things tidy.

3. Kitchen counter seating. Inviting friends and family to pull up a seat and chat while you cook is a fun way to start a casual gathering. Look for a kitchen counter with plenty of space to prep, plus one side with room for guests to pull up a stool.

4. Walk-in pantry. You need space to keep your ingredients and entertaining essentials like serving platters organized and accessible. Look for a walk-in or butler’s pantry with deep shelving and good light.

5. Open floor plan. Open-plan spaces are ideal for encouraging mixing and mingling during parties. Look for a spacious living area where you can put flexible seating to fit a big group and for good flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas.

6. Formal dining room. If you prefer hosting cozy sit-down dinners, a formal dining room is a must. Look for one with distinctive architectural features and enough space to fit your dining table and chairs, plus a buffet.

7. Main-level powder room. A petite powder room is a big help when entertaining: It’s typically easy for guests to get to, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up your main bathroom each time you have people over. Look for a powder room (also called a half bath) on the main level but preferably not directly off the dining room.

8. Basement rec room. A finished basement can be a big plus, especially for those in areas with cold winters. A fully finished and heated basement offers bonus living space for extras like a bar, pool table or big-screen TV.

9. Deck, porch or patio. Vast lawns are gorgeous to look at, but a deck or patio is where friends tend to gather. Look for one that’s next to the house with enough room to set up an outdoor living space or dining area. A covered porch can protect your gathering from bright sun and inclement weather. 

10. Indoor-outdoor flow. Encourage mingling both indoors and out with sliding glass or French doors. Look for large glass doors leading from the living room, dining room or kitchen (in an open-plan space) to a back deck or patio.

If you’re ready to buy a home, be sure to remember the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program. You can earn $500 cash back for every $100,000 in home value when you use a real estate agent, approved by SIRVA.

It seems that as long as people exist, there will be scams. Methods change with time, but at their heart, scams will always be about preying on your fears. The most effective scams are the ones that successfully use your desire to help others and stay out of trouble against you.

The “Can You Hear Me?” Scam

This particular scam started picking up steam late last year. It’s essentially a robocall (automated dialer) with a recording that asks something to the effect of, “Can you hear me?” The question itself may change, but it’s usually designed to elicit a “Yes” from whoever answers the phone. The scammer wants to get a recording of you saying “yes”, which they can then use to initiate calls with financial institutions and creditors, in the hopes of accessing your accounts.

Just hang up. If able, avoid calls from numbers you don’t recognize.

The FBI Calling Scam

This scam comes in many different shades and hues, but it basically amounts to a scammer calling from an official seeming number and demanding a payment.

Recently, there has been a rash of calls from scammers spoofing local FBI field office phone numbers. Based on what your caller ID is telling you, it looks like a legitimate call from the FBI. So when the person on the line starts demanding that you make an immediate money order payment on old student loans or unpaid parking tickets or else risk being arrested, you’d be forgiven for rushing to do as they say.

These kinds of calls can also come from places like the police or the IRS. Of course, the FBI, the IRS, and your local police department are not debt collectors. They will never call you and ask for a payment. So feel free to hang up.

As a general rule of thumb, never make a payment or give out sensitive information on a phone call you did not initiate. If you’re curious about the debt mentioned, follow up with your creditor directly. Just don’t use the phone number the caller provides – look up the phone number from a credible source.

Unsolicited Check Scams

Recently, consumers in multiple states have received checks in the mail, along with instructions. The instructions are for a “mystery shopper” program (most often at Walmart), and direct recipients to cash the checks, use the money to purchase a MoneyGram at a particular store, and then complete a survey on the experience.

Financial institutions can only hold funds for so long – unfortunately, not long enough to verify that the check is a fake. By then you’ll have sent a MoneyGram to the scammers and you’ll be on the hook with your bank or credit union in the amount of the bounced check.

Mystery shopper programs do exist, but they don’t typically hire strangers through the mail. There are a lot of variations on this scam, so make it a point to never, ever cash a check from a stranger, especially if that check comes on the condition that you “repay” some amount or wire funds to a third party.

Charity Scams

Scammers aren’t ones for ethics. Sadly, that extends to bilking money out of good citizens in the name of legitimate charities. Consumers in Indiana were recently victimized by a series of phone calls from scammers claiming to be soliciting donations on behalf of the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust. Some scammers even solicit donations face-to-face, pretending to represent a charity.

The safest way to support a charity is to contact them directly, either through their website or a publicly available phone number.

The Fake Kidnapping Scam

As noted above, scammers are all about preying on your emotions. In this extremely unpleasant scam, thieves will call and claim that someone you know (usually a child) has been kidnapped and demand that you make a payment immediately. Scammers gather real information by monitoring your online social accounts. They will demand that you act quickly and not contact the police.

This scam can take a few other forms, but the central idea is that someone you know is in trouble and you need to make a payment right away. The fact that they won’t let you off the phone without a payment is a telltale sign that this is a scam. Step back from the situation and check on the person in question if you’re concerned. Otherwise, just hang up.

Whenever you encounter a scam, don’t hesitate to report it. You can use the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker to submit scams and the Federal Trade Commission’s Scam Alert page to monitor newly reported scams.

Union Plus Debt Management

Did you know that union members can get free budgeting advice from certified consumer credit counseling advisers? It's true! For union members who need additional assistance in eliminating debt, you can receive an enrollment fee waiver for a Debt Management Plan (DMP) available through Union Plus Credit Counseling.

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A garage sale might be a great idea, but before you jump in headfirst, be smart and learn from others’ past mistakes. Here are a few things you should consider:

1. Don’t Assume You Should Have One: The first thing to understand — garage sales are a lot of work — make sure it’s going to be worth your while. Look at the items you need to sell and do a quick estimate of how much you might make. Estimate that you might only sell 40-60% of your stuff. Be realistic with what you think you might get for high-valued items by looking at sites like Ebay for historical sale data of similar items. Look at what kind of options you might have to sell your high-valued items locally — either at thrift stores or online. Look at the pros and cons of doing that versus having a sale.


2. Don’t Go Alone: If you can pair up with someone else or host a neighborhood sale, you can split the responsibilities and cost — especially if your neighborhood plans to do the advertising for you. Leverage the traffic that might be coming through your area for local sales.


3. Don’t Drop Prices Early: For your high-value items, be sure you get out of them what you need to make the sale worth it. On your first day, be sure to take down the name and number of people who are seriously interested. Let them know that later in the day or the next day — if it still hasn’t sold, you might give them a call to negotiate further.
    
4. Be Descriptive: In all of your marketing — signs, advertising and social media — offer up details on what you’re selling. Include brand names, large items, categories, etc. The more descriptive, the bigger the chance someone might see something of interest that drives them to your sale.
    
5. Use Social Media: Be sure to post pictures of your sale items to your social media channels (encourage friends/family to share). You never know, you might get a few sales by just posting a few pictures. If anything, it’s free advertising and might get some more people to your sale!

If you’re selling items to eventually move — be sure to remember the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program when you’re ready to find your next home. You can earn $500 cash back for every $100,000 in home value when you use a real estate agent, approved by Sirva, to sell or buy a home.*

Learn more

The following is presented for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice.

A reverse mortgage can be a tremendous help to seniors looking for additional income during their retirement years. But there are drawbacks, and the concept itself is somewhat complicated. As the baby boomer generation continues to ease into retirement, it’s very likely that the demand for reverse mortgages will only increase.

What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage (or Home Equity Conversion Loan, HECM) is a loan that a credit agency takes out against your home, while you're still living in it. Despite the name, they aren't exactly the reverse of a traditional mortgage. The lender is not attempting to buy the property. Instead, the lender is simply loaning money which is secured by the home's equity. When the homeowner/borrower dies, permanently moves out, or sells their home the reverse mortgage comes due and must be paid in full, usually with the proceeds for the sale of the property. Terms can vary, but some borrowers choose to get a lump sum payment, while others choose a line of credit or periodic payments.

Reverse mortgages are available from private lenders, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), from some nonprofit organizations, and from some state and national government programs. Homeowners retain the title to their property, and therefore need to continue making insurance and tax payments. They are only available to homeowners aged 62 and older (spouses can be under 62 and have the option to maintain the loan after the primary borrower dies).

How Much Do You Get for a Reverse Mortgage?

The amount of money you get from a reverse mortgage depends upon the current market value of your home. However, you shouldn’t expect to receive the full value of your home. Instead, you’ll likely get a percentage of that value.

Keep in mind that although you will no longer be required to make payments on your home, interest on your reverse mortgage will accrue every month. In time, the balance owed may even come to exceed the value of the home (especially if home values drop). In many cases, borrowers (or their surviving heirs) are not required to repay these overages, but that’s not a guarantee, so you’ll always want to make sure you fully understand the terms of the mortgage agreement.

Should I Consider a Reverse Mortgage?

Many seniors benefit from taking out a reverse mortgage, however, it is a big decision that should be made carefully. First, consider all of your options–there may be something less expensive that will work better. Reverse mortgages usually have up-front fees, so they aren’t always the best option in the short-term. Also, if you take out a reverse mortgage, you are giving up a measure of control over what is likely your most valuable asset.

Reverse mortgages are secured, so you may not want to use a reverse mortgage as a tool to pay down unsecured debt. In other words, you’ll need to take some time to consider whether or not you want to use your home equity. Talking to heirs or a financial planner might help you with the decision making process.

If you do decide to take out a reverse mortgage, do some research to find a highly rated lender that offers competitive rates. You will also need to attend a reverse mortgage counseling session offered by a HUD-approved agency, such as Money Management International (MMI). Visit MMI's Reverse Mortgage resources page to learn more about the counseling process.

Union Plus Credit Counseling

Union members can get a no-obligation money and credit assessment from certified, experienced consumer credit counselors though Union Plus Credit Counseling. Powered by the non-profit Money Management International (MMI), your free session will cover a complete financial review, assistance in budgeting, advice for working with creditors, and more.

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Choose from AT&T Unlimited Plus or AT&T Unlimited Choice, and get the following:

AT&T Unlimited Plus^SM                   AT&T Unlimited Choice^SM

Not going the unlimited route? As a union member, you can save 15% on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans⁶ (excludes unlimited data plans). You can also save 20% on select accessories⁷ and get the $25 activation fee waived on select devices⁸. 

Not yet an AT&T customer? For a limited time, get up to $650 in bill credits⁹ when you switch to AT&T, trade in your current smartphone and buy a new one on AT&T Next.

When you visit an AT&T store, you’ll be helped by a fellow union member. Be sure to reference Discount Code 3508840, even if you choose an unlimited data plan, to ensure you can take advantage of the union-member specific benefits, such as the 20% accessory discount and the $25 activation fee waiver. Ask your AT&T store rep which plan is best for you.

Remember that when you choose AT&T, you’re choosing to support the more than 150,000 union members employed there.

AT&T is the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier.

To find a store, or get additional information, visit unionplus.org/att.