Consumer Tips

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.

10 Medicare Questions to Help You Prep for the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Annual Election Period (AEP)

1. How much coverage do I need?
   Not everyone’s coverage needs are the same. How often do you see the doctor or specialist? Do you use prescription drugs on a regular basis? Do you have any medical conditions that require ongoing care? Be honest about your monthly and annual medical needs.
    
2. What can I expect to pay in terms of premiums and out-of-pocket costs next year? 
   You want to be an informed Medicare shopper. Once you’ve picked a plan, look back at your estimates of what you can afford and what kind of coverage you think you’ll need. Does the plan you’ve settled on meet those criteria?
    
3. What can I afford per month, or in an emergency? 
   You’ll want to factor in your income, from work (if applicable), Social Security, IRA and 401(K) savings, and other sources. Compare this with your regular expenses, including how much you may pay monthly toward prescription drugs. What can you realistically afford in terms of monthly premiums? What kind of deductible could you afford if you had a medical emergency? 
    
4. Can I save money by switching to a different Medicare prescription drug plan? 
   It’s always worth checking to see if there’s a better plan for your needs, as prescription drug plans can change from year to year. Our licensed insurance agents can review your current prescriptions and see if there’s a better match for your needs. You could potentially save hundreds by switching to a plan optimized for the medications you take. 
    
5. Is my agent recommending plans based on his or her commission? 
   You want to work with a licensed insurance agent that represents multiple insurance companies and can give you a broad range of choices. At eHealth, our agents are commission-blind and don’t get paid differently based on which plans they sell. 
    
6. Should I look at a stand-alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with Prescription Drug coverage? 
   You can enroll in a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan to go alongside your Original Medicare Part A and Part B and layer supplemental plans on top of that to cover the gaps. Or you can look at Medicare Advantage plans which effectively replace Parts A and B and often provide prescription drug benefits too. Different rules apply for different plans, you can explore these choices with a licensed insurance agent. 
    
7. How can I avoid gaps in my Medicare coverage? 
   Make sure you understand where and when you may be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses, and what your limits of those expenses may be. For any given Medicare plan you’re considering, ask your agent what the worst-case scenario may look like when it comes to out-of-pocket costs. 
    
8. How can I make sure my preferred doctor is accepted? 
   Some Medicare plans utilize specific networks of medical care providers. Make sure you understand whether any new plan you’re considering will also cover your preferred doctors, or whether you’ll be required to switch. 
    
9. Are there any specific benefits I do or do not need? 
   Do you need dental or vision coverage? Some Medicare Advantage plans provide these kinds of benefits. Others may offer complimentary memberships with local wellness programs and fitness centers. 
    
10. Will I need coverage in more than one location? 
    Many people on Medicare like to travel, and some will spend half the year in the north and half in the south. If you like to travel, you should know that some plans rely on specific networks of doctors and hospitals. Make sure that you’ll have the coverage you need wherever you may be.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
 

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

1. Endangered Glaciers
   North America was once covered in glaciers. The last of America’s glaciers are mostly in Alaska at Denali, Lake Clark, Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords and Wrangell-Saint Elias national parks. And, perhaps surprisingly, also in Glacier National Park, Montana and Mount Rainier, Washington.
    
2. Fantastic Forests
   King’s Canyon, Redwood and Sequoia national parks, California all have giant sequoia and redwood trees including some of the largest trees recorded.
   
   Joshua Tree, California is a desert landscape populated by vast stands of Joshua trees. 
    
3. Amazing Rock Formations
   Find impressive natural sandstone arches, spires, mesas and other rock formations at Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion national parks in Utah. 
    
4. Grand Canyons
   Yellowstone, Wyoming is home to its own 24-mile long Grand Canyon.
   
   Grand Canyon, Arizona — the 277 mile-long canyon is the second most visited national park in the U.S. and is often listed as one of the Wonders of the World.
    
5. Hot Springs and Geysers
   Yellowstone which sits in three states — Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho — has about 10,000 geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and hot spring terraces. 
   
   Hot Springs, Arkansas has 47 hot springs that provide the famous Bathhouse Row with therapeutic waters.
    
6. Vast Sandy Deserts
   Death Valley, which sits in both California & Nevada, is the hottest, lowest, and driest place in the U.S. It’s so infamous that almost 100 movies and TV shows have featured Death Valley.
   
   Great Sand Dunes, Colorado boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America.
    
7. Sublime Lakes
   For some truly great lakes look to these national parks:
   • Crater Lake, Oregon — home to the deepest lake in the U.S., a magnificent blue lake within an ancient volcano.
   • Isle Royale, Michigan — the largest island in Lake Superior.
   • Voyageurs, Minnesota — home to four major lakes well-known for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
8. Coral Reefs
   Tropical marine life may not spring to mind when thinking of national parks but there are several dedicated to preserving endangered coral reefs including: 
   • Biscayne Bay and Dry Tortugas Islands national parks in the Florida Keys
   • American Samoa Islands and the Virgin Islands national parks
9. Massive Caves/Caverns
   • Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico — more than 100 caves with impressive calcite formations
   • Mammoth Cave, Kentucky — more than 400 miles of passageways make this the world's longest known cave system
   • Wind Cave, South Dakota — unique calcite formations called boxwork and frostwork

Start Your National Parks Travel Adventure

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

1. What Are The Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Dogs?

Panting is a normal physiologic response to heat, but if after taking a break your pet continues to pant heavily, it is possible he or she could be getting heat stroke, which can be a medical emergency. Take your pet to a shady cool area and provide access to water.

Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting or difficulty breathing, bright red gums, wobbliness, vomiting, diarrhea and collapse. Seek immediate veterinary medical help if this occurs.

2. What Should I Do If I Suspect Dog Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention. NEVER douse your pet in cold water if you think heat stroke is a possibility, instead move to a cool air-conditioned area and get to a veterinary clinic immediately.

3. Are Some Dog Breeds More Susceptible to Heat Stroke?

Any breed with a short or flat nose is at an increased risk. It compromises their ability to breathe effectively, and therefore can limit their ability to cool themselves in situations where heat and exercise are involved. Examples include English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, and shih tzus. With these dogs it is especially important to avoid the heat of the midday sun, always provide shade and water when playing in the summertime.

Learn More About the
Union Plus Pet Insurance Program

Dr. Fiona is a veterinarian and guest blogger for pet health insurance provider, Pets Best Insurance.