Consumer Tips

Here are four questions you may be asking yourself and how Wells Fargo home mortgage can help:

1. How can I save for a down payment? 
   It's never too early to start saving. To help you identify your need-to-haves, cut back on nice-to-haves, and put aside money you’ll need to buy a home, you can take advantage of our online budgeting and savings tools. You could also set up a separate “first home” savings or investment account and have a set amount directly deposited into it every month. The set amount could be automatically deducted from the account where you deposit your paycheck or other income.
    
2. What if I am not able to make a 20% down payment? 
   There are several mortgage loans and programs that may help homebuyers reach their goals with less available cash. Just remember, if you make less than a 20% down payment, you will likely be required to purchase mortgage insurance.
    
3. Can I use gifted money to help me make my down payment?
   Some loan program guidelines may allow you to use monetary gifts from family as part of your down payment.
   Keep in mind: You will most likely be required to provide written proof that the funds were truly a gift and not a personal loan. There are limits on how much gift money you can receive per year without increasing your tax obligations. Speak with a financial advisor, tax accountant, or your home mortgage consultant to learn more about how these options can impact your overall home financing plans and future goals.
    
4. Are there any other down payment sources I may be able to use? 
   Not-for-profit down payment assistance programs (DAPs) provide funds to qualified homebuyers to help with down payments and closing costs. Many DAPs don’t require repayment, if you meet their guidelines. Your home mortgage consultant can help you find out which programs are available in your area, explain their details, and see if you qualify.

There are many types of mortgages with different down payment requirements available to you. Ready to take the next step? Your Wells Fargo home mortgage consultant can help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions.

Learn MORE ABOUT
WELLS FARGO MORTGAGE

MetLife Auto & Home’s claim organization stands ready to assist their customers impacted by Hurricane Laura, in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Resources Available

MetLife’s National Catastrophe Response Team is ready to handle any incoming claims, and their claim personnel are prepared to:

• Help customers secure shelter, as needed.
• Guide customers through temporary repairs.
• Issue advances for immediate expenses using debit cards and electronic fund transfers.
• Promptly compensate customers for any damage to property.

Filing a Property Claim

If you need to file a property claim:

• Phone: 800-854-6011
• Fax: 866-743-1546
• Email: MET_CAT@metlife.com

Filing a Flood Claim

If you need to file a flood claim:

• Phone: 877-254-6819
• Email: metlifecs@torrentcorp.com
• Customer website: metlife.managemyfloodpolicy.com
• Agent website: metlife.torrentflood.com

Tips for Staying Safe

These are other resources that can help you stay safe! Please share these links with your family and friends:

• Preparing for hurricanes and tropical storms
• Packing a grab-and-go bag in case of disaster
• YouTube — 3 quick hurricane tips
• MetLife Hurricane Support
• MetLife Cares Twitter 

This important update was brought to you by Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance. MetLife Auto & Home^® lets union members compare and save on home and auto insurance.

Call 855-666-5797 and mention your discount code: DJ7.

GET YOUR PERSONALIZED QUOTES TODAY

These seven DIY home improvement projects can help you fall in love with your home again:

1. Paint Your Walls 
   Whether you choose a bright white to make a small room feel larger or an inky blue for a dramatic effect, there's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to make a space feel new. Feeling adventurous? Add a pop of color to your ceiling too.


2. Spruce Up Your Porch 
   A new doormat and pretty planter can lend your front entrance a fresh new look and curb appeal. 
    
3. Pressure Wash Your Exterior
   You'll be amazed by how much dirt and grime washes away from your house, porch, patio, and driveway.
    
4. Updated Cabinet Knobs and Pulls
   New hardware can make an older kitchen or bathroom vanity feel modern again. Look for an updated finish that speaks to your style. 


5. Rearrange Your Furniture
   With a few shifts, you may find a space configuration that works better for your space. Don't be afraid to mix furniture and accessories from different parts of your home. 


6. Get Organized
   De-clutter and take stock of your belongings. A few floating shelves or pretty wicker baskets can make a big impact on your storage needs. 


7. Make Your Home Smarter 
   From lightbulbs that connect to an app to smart thermostats and camera-enabled doorbells, some new technology can help introduce greater function to your home.  

And of course, no matter how you DIY your home, as a union member, you have access to homeowners insurance with MetLife Choice^SM, allowing you to quickly and easily compare home coverage from top companies.

Call 855-666-5797 to get started on your free quotes. 

GET YOUR PERSONALIZED QUOTES TODAY

Essential estate planning documents include a Last Will and Testament, Durable Power of Attorney, and Health Care Power of Attorney. While it is optimal for a parent to have these documents created prior to having a need for them, there are still options for having these documents established as long as the parent has the mental capacity to make legal decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney, also referred to as a Financial Power of Attorney, allows the Maker of the document to delegate decision-making authority to the person, or Agent, of their choice. Upon the incapacity of the Maker, the nominated Agent has the ability to step into the shoes of the Maker with regard to all financial affairs. Their powers include the ability to inquire about financial status, pay bills, pay taxes, manage bank accounts, and fulfill other financial obligations on behalf of the Maker. Also, an Agent under a Durable Power of Attorney may have the authority to sell property, create a Trust for the benefit of the Maker, bequeath gifts, and manage the financial aspect of medical care.

Health Care Power of Attorney
The Health Care Power of Attorney is created by the Maker to allow the nominated Agent to make health care related decisions in the event the Maker becomes incapable of arriving at those decisions on their own. The Health Care Power of Attorney Agent has the authority to make decisions regarding medical treatment, including medications and surgical procedures. An Agent under this power is also permitted to carry out the Maker’s wishes with regard to autopsy and organ donation. In some states, mental health care decisions are included in this Health Care Power of Attorney; however, in other states decisions related to mental health must be contained in an independent Mental Health Care Power of Attorney. Certain powers are specific to the treatment of mental health issues, including the ability for an Agent to enroll the Maker in a structured mental health care facility, particularly important in the treatment of advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Last Will and Testament
Finally, a Last Will and Testament allows a parent to make provisions for the distribution of their estate after they pass away. These provisions can include specific bequests to family members or friends, including gifts of a monetary nature, personal property, and real property. A Will also nominates the person(s) the parent chooses to ensure that their last wishes are carried out properly. This nominee, known as either the Personal Representative or Executor depending on the state you live in, is charged with following through with the instructions contained in the Will and ensuring that the last wishes of the Maker are followed completely. A Will can also outline specific memorial and funeral instructions, including whether the Maker would prefer cremation or burial, where their remains should be disbursed or interred, and if there should be a formal funeral or a simple ceremony.

There are several easy ways to virtually connect with the important people in your life. It's easy to set up virtual movie nights, happy hours, book clubs, birthday parties or even wine tastings using these simple-to-use apps. Check them out and stay connected.

Ways to Connect Virtually

• Zoom works well for getting a large group on screen together, especially once you set gallery mode and can see everyone at once. It’s free to sign up and host a meeting. Video conferences of three or more are limited to 40 minutes unless you upgrade your membership.
• Skype has been around for a long time and supports big groups with no real time limit. You can put together video calls of up to 50 people at once. 
• Facetime is perfect if everyone's Apple friendly. Facetime can handle up to 32 people at a time. 
• Google Hangouts video calling can include up to 25 people. Video calls on Google Hangouts are completely free to make. 
• WhatsApp is a good option, if you don't mind a four person limit. It's free to video call friends, wherever they are.
• Netflix Party is available on Chrome browsers and is free to download. It allows users to synchronize a show or movie viewing with friends. You can also react to what you're watching by using the chat feature.  

Limited Time Offer: Free Document Review and Consultations

Union members can contact MetLife Legal Plans Network Attorneys through July 31, 2020 for no charge advice, consultations and document review for many issues, including:

• Healthcare proxies or other estate planning
• Home refinancing or personal insurance forms
• Elder law questions for caregivers

Self-Help Document Library 

Union members will also have access to MetLife Legal Plans Self-Help Document Library to complete wills, living wills and power of attorney documents.

To access the Self-Help Document Library:

• Click the button below and enter the access code: 9790010.
• Click "Covered Services" in the top navigation and then select the "Self Help Documents" tab, and then click the "Access Now" button to browse the document library.

ACCESS FREE METLIFE LEGAL
SELF-HELP DOCUMENTS

If you need assistance, please contact Customer Service Center at 800-821-6400, Monday-Friday 8am - 8pm EDT.

If you are not enrolled in MetLife Legal Plans, you will need to state you are with Union Plus and provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and indicate that you are interested in the document review and consultations services being offered as part of the Disaster Relief Plan. 

If you are a current enrollee, you will need to provide your membership number.

The CARES Act is a stimulus package that became law last week. The Act includes measures intended to stimulate the economy and provide financial relief to individuals, as well as small businesses and large corporations.

The Act is 883 pages, but here are some quick take-aways of the measures that will most directly impact you and your family:

Direct Cash Payments and How Much You May Receive

• Most adults are eligible to receive a one-time, direct cash payment. Payment amounts are based upon income:
• Most people earning $75,000 or less can expect $1,200
• Married couples without children, earning $150,000 or less can expect $2,400.
• Add an additional $500 per qualifying child under 16.

Help for Unemployed Workers Unemployment Benefits
Most unemployed, partially unemployed and people who cannot work for number of reasons related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will receive benefits.

Unemployment Benefit Term Extended by 13 Additional Weeks
The bill provides all eligible workers with 13 weeks of unemployment benefits, in addition to your state's unemployment benefits (which are typically 26 weeks, though this varies by state).

An Additional $600 in Weekly Unemployment Benefits through July 21, 2020
Eligible individuals will receive $600 weekly in federal pandemic unemployment compensation in addition to their current state unemployment benefits for four months — through July 31, 2020.

Expansion of Unemployment Eligibility
The new law extends unemployment benefits to full time, part time and self-employed workers, and includes provisions to support working individuals and families who have been impacted by the closing of a daycare or senior care facility.

There are also provisions for tax payments, student loans, retirement account rules and renters facing eviction.

Get More Information
This summary is not exhaustive. Please refer to the below resources and/or your trusted news outlets for more in depth information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act."

• Read the Congressional Bill — H.R. 748
• Read The New York Times article, "F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Plan"
• Read The Washington Post article, "Calculate how much you'll get from the $1,200 (or more) coronavirus checks"

The "Managing Your Money During the Coronavirus Pandemic" webinar, offered practical tips and action plans for managing financial pressure and dealing with creditors during this challenging time.

Watch it now!

Union Plus Hardship Help

Participants in our Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan or supplemental insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through our Mortgage Assistance Program or other Union Plus hardship assistance programs.

LEARN ABOUT UNION PLUS HARDSHIP HELP

AFL-CIO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page

The AFL-CIO has compiled a Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic resource page with valuable information and updates. In addition, please check out your union's website as they may have additional information and resources.

VISIT THE AFL-CIO RESOURCE PAGE

Helpful Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• FAQ's on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• How to Protect Yourself
• What to do if You are Sick

VISIT CDC.ORG
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

The entire Union Plus team wishes you and your family health and peace of mind during this challenging time. We will get through this together.

In solidarity,
Mitch Stevens
President, Union Plus

MetLife Auto & Home’s claim organization stands ready to assist their customers impacted by severe weather in Kentucky and Tennessee. As of March 3, there have been reports of at least 22 deaths and heavy damage, particularly in the Nashville area.

Resources Available

MetLife’s National Catastrophe Response Team is ready to handle any incoming claims, and their claim personnel are prepared to:

• Help customers secure shelter, as needed.
• Guide customers through temporary repairs.
• Issue checks for immediate expenses.
• Promptly compensate customers for any damage to property.

Filing a Property Claim

If you need to file a property claim:

• Phone: 800-854-6011
• Fax: 866-743-1546. OR
• Email: MET_CAT@metlife.com

Catastrophe Response Vehicle Updates

Updates on CAT vehicle locations will be provided as available.

Tips for Staying Safe

These are other resources that can help you stay safe! Please share these links with your family and friends:

• On Facebook - 30 Second Advance Planning Video - 3 quick tips.
• On Twitter- #Hurricane evacuation prep & simple tips.
• Hurricane Safety - Staying safe and what to pack in your emergency kit.

This important update was brought to you by Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance. MetLife Auto & Home^® lets union members compare and save on home and auto insurance.

Call 855-666-5797 and mention your discount code: DJ7.

GET YOUR PERSONALIZED QUOTES TODAY