Consumer Tips

Apple typically charges $79 to replace a phone battery. However, the company announced Thursday that it will drop the price to $29 for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later.

The new pricing is to take effect in late January and run through the end of 2018.

Why would slowing the phone's processor help with a dying battery? According to Apple, processor-intensive activities can cause a sudden increase in power demand.

The same thing can happen during normal operations when a phone has a very low charge, or is exposed to cold temperatures.

Apple said in a statement that the slowdown, which was rolled out for the iPhone 6, 6s, and SE last year, was intended to improve "power management during peak workloads to avoid unexpected shutdowns" in those models.

This fall, it extended this functionality to the iPhone 7 with the introduction of iOS 11.2, and the company said it will expand to other products in the future.

Slowing down the performance of phones with aging batteries might sound like a reasonable strategy in these circumstances. However, when Apple recently admitted to the practice, angry comments appeared across the internet and some consumers filed lawsuits.

In the message Thursday, the company acknowledged that many iPhone owners were angry about decreased performance. The company apologized, and said it was cutting the price of battery replacements "to address our customers’ concerns, to recognize their loyalty and to regain the trust of anyone who may have doubted Apple’s intentions." 

Apple also said that an iOS update in early 2018 would give consumers more information on the health of iPhone batteries "so they can see for themselves if its condition is affecting performance."

The bottom line: If you have an older iPhone that’s otherwise in good shape, you may be able to eliminate slowdowns by replacing your battery.

Here’s what you need to know, starting with how smartphone batteries age.

How Do Batteries Age?

As Indiana Jones said, “it’s not the years, it’s the mileage.” It really doesn’t matter how old your battery is, but how often you charge it.

Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time depending on how many charging cycles they go through. A heavy user who charges their phone midway through the day, then plugs it in again at night, will see their battery wear out significantly faster than someone who can go a couple days without adding juice, says Richard Fisco, Consumer Reports’ head of smartphone testing.

As a result, the effective life of a battery can vary greatly, he says.

David Reiff, co-founder and vice president of uBreakiFix, a chain of electronics repair stores, says that battery life expectancy for some phones can be as low as 300 to 500 charging cycles, which means that some users may not make it through a year before their battery performance starts to drop.

Meanwhile, the rest of the phone could, in theory, last forever if you don’t break it, since there are no moving parts to wear out, Fisco says.

But few people keep their phones long enough to test that theory, because even if a phone works well it eventually becomes outdated.

“The reality is, the operating system and therefore the apps available for it change,” Fisco says, adding that older phones will stop getting operating system updates from the manufacturer, which could prevent you from using newer apps.

And manufacturers eventually stop supporting old phones altogether, which means no security updates, putting hold-out users at risk for a hack, he adds.

So, Is It Worth Replacing My Battery?

That depends, Fisco says.

“If you’re a heavy user and you wear out your battery in a year, or less, then get the battery replaced,” he says. But he thinks it might not be worth the effort to replace the battery on older phones. 

First, check to see if your phone is still under warranty. In the case of iPhones, Apple’s warranty covers you against manufacturer defects for a year. If the battery is experiencing significant problems in that time frame, the company may be willing to replace it.

And, if you shelled out for AppleCare+ when you bought your iPhone, Apple will replace the battery for free for two years if they find that it retains less than 80 percent of its capacity.

And, of course, once the $29 pricing kicks in, many consumers may find it worthwhile to just see whether replacing the battery improves their performance.

Often this can be done quickly with a visit to an Apple Store, but Apple warns that in some cases it could take several days.

Companies such as uBreakiFix, which operates more than 300 stores in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, can do the replacement, too. Prices vary depending on the device—but you're not likely to find a better deal than what Apple is offering.

Can I DIY It?

In theory. But you won't save money by replacing an iPhone battery on your own—unless you have an older model that's not covered under Apple's new pricing.

If you do have an older iPhone, Amazon and other retailers sell kits that include a new battery and all the tools you’ll need. Replacement kits for an iPhone 5s battery sell for around $25 online.

But, this isn’t something that everyone will want to tackle. If you mess up, you risk bricking your phone. And, with more recent, water-resistant, phones breaking the seal yourself will make them susceptible to water damage.

Reiff from uBreakiFix also points out that doing this yourself will often void your warranty, though in most cases DIYers are repairing older phones where the warranties have already expired.

CR's Fisco urges caution. “If you are technically inclined, comfortable with small tools and devices and willing to risk breaking your phone then yes, you can DIY the battery replacement,” he says.

“Otherwise, get three price quotes from different repair shops and let them replace the battery.” 

Editor's Note: This article has been updated with new information about pricing for Apple battery replacements.

Copyright© 2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc. of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission.

One of the more troubling common reasons why someone may be struggling to repay their debt is quite possibly the simplest: they just can’t. They don’t have the money. They’re either without income or that income is only enough to cover the barest essentials.

Here at MMI, our debt and budget counselors hear it over and over again. “I want to repay my debts, but I just don’t have the money. What can you do for me?” It’s a fair question. What can you possibly do about debt when there’s no money to spare?

Paying nothing, doing nothing

What happens when you do nothing at all? If you ignore your bills and you make no payments, your accounts will become delinquent. If you’ve ever been delinquent on a debt, you probably know that creditors get a little antsy when you stop paying them. You’ll likely get phone calls and letters reminding you that you’re past due and asking for a payment.

Eventually, unpaid debts are charged off – meaning the creditor writes them off as a loss. That doesn’t mean the debt disappears, however, or that you no longer owe the money. The creditor may transfer the debt to an in-house collection department, or, more commonly, they’ll sell the debt to a third party debt collection agency.

The debt collection agency buys the debt for a fraction of its value (they may pay $2,000 for a $10,000 debt, for example), but they have the right to collect the debt in full. They will pursue you for the money, with persistent letters and phone calls. If they have no success getting you to pay, they may ultimately choose to sell the debt once more, and the cycle will continue with a new debt collector.

Lawsuits and garnishment

This debt collection dance could potentially go on for years and years. Even once the negative marks start falling off your credit report seven years later, the creditor of record still has a right to attempt to collect their money. And you may choose to continue ignoring them. In this scenario, your credit takes a pretty vicious beating and you’ve collected a tidy stack of angry letters, but you haven’t actually paid anything. How long can that go on?

Ultimately, it depends largely on the size of your debt and the disposition of your creditor. Credit is usually extended under an agreement that spells out who’s required to do what. Once you stop repaying your debts, you’ve very likely broken that agreement and the creditor in question has every right to take you to court in pursuit of that money. In most cases, should a creditor take you to court and win the case, your wages will be garnished, with a percentage taken out automatically and directed towards your debt.

So will your particular creditor sue you if you stop paying? The process of seeking compensation through the court system takes time and resources, which means that the likelihood of being sued increases with the size of your delinquent debt. Should you assume that a creditor won’t sue you? No. Definitely don’t do that. Having your wages garnished isn’t the end of the world, but you should seek to avoid it at all costs.

What about debt settlement?

Debt settlement becomes an option once your debts have been charged off. Because the debt has probably been sold for substantially less than its original value, the debt’s owner may be willing to accept less than what’s owed (assuming that’s more than what they paid for it).

With debt settlement you aren’t paying back the full debt, but you are paying. There’s the cost of agreed upon settlement, plus the costs associated with whatever damage your credit has taken, as well as the amount you’re taxed on the forgiven debt (the amount owed that you didn’t pay is considered income and needs to be factored in when completing your tax returns).

What about bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy has long been viewed as a last resort of sorts, but it’s a perfectly valid way to attempt to separate yourself from crushing debt and start over. It’s far from free, however.

How much it costs to complete the bankruptcy filing process is going to vary wildly, depending on factors like where you live, how much debt you have, and what of assets you own. You should expect to pay somewhere (very roughly) between $1,500 and $6,000.

Another thing to keep in mind is the difference between Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13. Broadly speaking, Chapter 7 involves the liquidation of your nonessential, non-exempt property to help repay your creditors, while Chapter 13 centers on the creation of a wage-earner plan, where your debts are adjusted according to your circumstances and you make regular payments out of your remaining disposable income. You’ll notice that in both version you still end up making some form of payment to your creditors.

So, circling back to the original question – is it possible to get out of debt without paying anyone anything? Unfortunately no, not really. You can certainly attempt to ignore your debts, and you may even find there are circumstances where creditors and collectors may just give up on trying to collect from you. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of debt. And the possibility exists that they may someday change their mind and come looking for their money once more.

If you’re overwhelmed with debt and unsure what options make sense for your situation, consider speaking with a certified debt and budget counselor from Money Management International. Counseling is free, available 24/7, and a great way to get unbiased advice and suggested next steps.

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1. Food
   Choosing a food that’s appropriate for your new pet can be overwhelming. With hundreds of brands available, it can be difficult to sort through all of the options for a good pet food. Be sure to choose a diet that is consistent with your new pet’s age and size. For example, a 6 month old Chihuahua should eat a small breed puppy food, while an 8 year old Great Dane should eat a giant breed senior formula. Be sure that your pet’s new food contains an AAFCO feeding statement – this means that the food has been scientifically tested and proved to be healthy! Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on the best foods available and remember, while cheap foods tend to be poor quality, the most expensive food isn’t always the best.
    
2. Bedding
   Your new pet will need a place to safely and comfortably rest after a long day of playing. If you plan to allow your new pet on the bed and sofa, they may not need their own bed as they will surely prefer yours! However, pets who will sleep in a crate at night or on the floor need an appropriately sized bed. Make sure that the bed is large enough for them to sprawl out comfortably and made from soft padding. Beds need to be washed, so a machine-washable fabric is best.
    
3. Crate or Carrier
   New cats and kittens will need a carrier to safely transport them from the house to the veterinary office. New Puppies and dogs often need a crate as a safe place to sleep at night and when left alone at home. Crating your new puppy or dog will keep him safe from chewing on electrical cords, getting into toxic foods and chewing up your favorite pair of shoes! Crates are also very helpful when house training your new pet. Once your puppy or dog is comfortable in the house, potty-trained at night and no longer at risk of getting themselves hurt while unsupervised, you may no longer need the crate. Pets who are prone to getting themselves in trouble (getting into the trash, chewing up household items, counter surfing or fighting with housemates) at any age should be crated while unsupervised no matter what age they are. Providing your new pet with a comfortable carrier or crate that is big enough for them to turn around in also provides them with a “safe place” to hide when the stress of holiday parties and extended family are around.
    
4. Veterinarian
   If this is your first pet, you will need to establish a healthcare provider to make sure your new furry friend is healthy. Be sure to schedule your new pet a proper checkup. Preventative care for new pets includes updating vaccines, spaying or neutering, testing for contagious diseases, prescribing heartworm prevention, and having the teeth cleaned in adult pets. Your vet should also assess any skin issues, allergies, runny eyes, ear infections, lumps or bumps. Establishing a veterinarian is an important first step so that you will know who to call in an emergency.
    
5. Pet Insurance
   When you adopt a new pet, you also adopt the potential for health issues, injuries and illness. Getting health insurance on your fluffy family member will give you peace of mind that if anything should happen, you won’t have to think twice about healthcare decisions and costs. An after-hours emergency bloat surgery can be anywhere from $3,000-$6,000 depending on what area of the country you are located. Chocolate ingestion in a dog or Lilly flower ingestion in a cat can run several hundred to several thousand dollars for treatment. Parvo treatment on your new puppy is typically $1,000-$2,000 depending on the severity of the illness.
   
   Proper healthcare for your pet can be expensive if you pay out of pocket. Having pet insurance provides you and your pet with a financial safety net in the event of illness or injury, even if you accidentally left the chocolate in Fluffy’s reach or you accidentally ran over Rover in the driveway. Pet health insurance means you don’t have to make difficult life and death decisions or skimp on great care for financial reasons.
    
6. Microchip and ID Tag
   Accidents happen and sometimes pets get lost. Make sure that your new pet is microchipped immediately and that the microchip company has your complete, updated information should your new pet go missing. In addition, be sure that your new pet has an ID tag on his or her collar that contains your contact information. Tags can be removed and lost, so a Microchip is extremely important. However, ID tags are a very easy way for Good Samaritans to contact you immediately without needing to take your pet to a veterinary clinic to be scanned for the microchip.
    
7. Collar, Leash, Toys, etc.
   Don’t forget all the fun stuff! Your new pet will need a collar and leash/harness. Toy are important as they provide entertainment and exercise to both cats and dogs. Bored pets tend to misbehave, so keep your new family member engaged with proper chew toys to chase and play with.

Learn more about the Union Plus
Pet Insurance Member Benefit, powered by Pets Best

If you’re thinking about buying a kit for yourself or a family member, the FTC has advice about protecting the privacy of the sensitive information that DNA tests reveal.

Although most tests require just a swab of the cheek, that tiny sample can disclose the biological building blocks of what makes you you. The data can be very enlightening personally, but a major concern for consumers should be who else could have access to information about your heritage and your health. If you’re thinking about buying an at-home DNA test kit, you owe it to yourself – and to family members who could be affected – to investigate the options thoroughly.

Comparison shop about privacy. A number of companies offer similar services, but price and performance are only two of the comparisons you should draw before making a purchase. The other key comparison is privacy. Scrutinize each company’s website for details about what they do with your personal data. Rather than just clicking “I accept,” take the time to understand how your health, genetic, and other sensitive information will be used and shared. Hold off on buying a kit until you have a clear picture of the company’s practices.

Choose your account options carefully. Most testing companies offer an array of options about how public – or how protected – users want to keep their personal information. Will your profile be available to others online? Can users send you personal messages? A company’s out-of-the-box defaults often aren’t the most private options, so it’s unwise simply to accept a site’s automatic settings. A more prudent approach to consider is to select more protective options initially and revisit your choices once you’ve become familiar with how the site operates.

Recognize the risks. Hacks happen. Before deciding to use a DNA test kit, reflect on your personal approach to the risk of unauthorized access that accompanies the use of any online service (or, for that matter, any brick-and-mortar business) that maintains sensitive information about you.

Report your concerns. If you think a genetic testing company isn’t living up to its promises, let the FTC know. We’ve brought dozens of cases challenging deceptive or unfair practices related to consumer privacy and data security – including a settlement with a business that sold products based on at-home genetic testing, but allegedly failed to provide reasonable security for consumers’ personal information.

Giving a test kit as a gift? Print this post for the recipient and share other consumer information from FTC about DNA test kits.

But there are a few things that aren’t worth the “deal” you may receive in December; you’ll do better to wait.

Bedding

Blankets, sheets, and pillows usually look like great deals on Black Friday or over the holiday season, but you can save more if you wait until January. Many stores like Macy’s, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Overstock have white sales in January and put all their bedding, towels, and other linens on sale. On average you can save as much as 50 percent, sometimes more, by waiting until January.

Jewelry

New bling always makes a great holiday gift, but December is not the time to buy. Just after the holidays and in the week or two before Valentine’s Day you’ll find the biggest sales.

Cruises

If you didn’t book it in the first week of December, wait until after the holidays. Cruise packages are at their lowest for the first few days of the month, but then the prices double, or even triple, the closer you get to the holidays. If you want to go somewhere warm over the winter, wait until January to book your trip.

Exercise

Equipment Black Friday and holiday deals may look good for expensive exercise equipment, but the prices are at their absolute lowest in the beginning of January when everyone is thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. If you want a new treadmill, wait until the first week of January.

Computers

Need a new laptop? If you can, wait until the summer. You’ll find some sales over the holidays, but the best deals will be late spring to mid-summer during the back-to-school season. By waiting a few months you can save anywhere from 30 percent to 50 percent.

Winter Clothes

Many retailers are offering great deals for gift giving, but if you can wait a little longer all those things you want will be on clearance. When the spring and summer clothes start to appear, all the winter clothes will be marked down as much as 70 percent off.

New Car

If you’re in the market for a new car, the best day to negotiate the best price is New Year’s Eve. Why? Dealers have monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales goal to meet and all those goals come together at the end of December. You’ll find dealers are in more of a negotiating mood when they have a goal they need to meet quickly.

Christmas Decorations

It may seem strange to avoid buying Christmas decorations near Christmas, but that’s when they are most expensive. If you can wait until anytime between December 26th and early January you’ll find all those decorations on sale for 50 percent to 70 percent off. Then just store them away for next year.

Mattress

If you’re in the market for a new bed, you’re better off waiting until Memorial Day weekend when you’ll find even deeper discounts than the holiday season. Labor Day weekend is a close second, with deals almost as good as Memorial Day.

Final Sale Items

While the prices may be great, you won’t be able to return or exchange it if it doesn’t quite fit. If you’re shopping for a gift, this is probably not the best option.

There are plenty of sales that are worth it in December, but avoid these ten items if you can. You’ll find a better bargain at another time.

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.
 

Of course, even if you budget each paycheck meticulously, things will go awry. Which raises a major dilemma: what exactly do you do if you’re in between paychecks and the money runs out?

Don’t panic

So there’s no cash available and you don’t get paid until Friday. Okay. Stay calm. It’s a naturally stressful situation, and it’s understandable to feel a little panicked.

The last thing you want to do, however, is make a rash decision. Rash decisions have a tendency to make things worse. So take a breath and let’s a find a way through this.

Review your bills

When are your bills due? Is there anything due before your next paycheck?

Failing to pay your bills on time will very likely result in fees and other penalties that will only make things more difficult going forward. If you have a bill coming due before your next paycheck, reach out and ask about the possibility of an extension. The more you can do to prevent your accounts becoming the delinquent, the better.

Plan ahead

Are there any expenses between now and your next paycheck? Consider all the costs coming up and put them in order of priority. Separate the “wants” from the “needs”. What can be skipped or delayed, and what absolutely cannot be put off until your next paycheck.You may need to make some difficult decisions - understanding your priorities can make those difficult decisions a little easier.

Consider your options

If your cash is temporarily dried up, your next option is usually credit. Do you have a credit card, and if so, how much credit do you have available?

You always have to be careful when using credit in emergency situations. Eventually, you will need to pay those charges off. You don’t want to simply push today’s problems into tomorrow and end up making a worse situation for yourself. It’s best to have a plan for repayment in place as soon as possible. Build it into your budget and do your best to avoid any interest charges if you can.

You might consider using a payday loan. If so, be cautious – payday loans can be disastrous in certain circumstances. The best advice is to never use a payday loan unless you can definitely pay back the entire loan in one cycle. In any event, payday loans have significantly high interest rates and should generally only be used as a last resort.

A better, though sometimes painful alternative may be to borrow money from a friend or relative. If you do need to ask a loved one for money, do your best to set reasonable expectations (when you plan to repay) and follow through. If you face a setback, let them know and make every effort to pay them back as soon as possible.

Being broke is challenging and deeply unpleasant. However, if you’re proactive, organized, and diligent, you can minimize a lot of that unpleasantness and avoid making a bad situation even worse.

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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Here are four things to keep in mind when you’re considering an offer in a car ad:

1. The fine print is important. Read the entire ad. The small print shouldn’t contradict the big print.
    
2. Compare offers from multiple dealers. If you don’t understand what an ad is offering, you can look for an offer from another dealer.
    
3. Speak Spanish? All of the ad should be in the same language. A company should give you all the important information in the same language, so you can understand the entire offer. Be skeptical if the ad you see is in Spanish, but parts of it are in English. The FTC recently announced a case against a dealership that advertised attractive terms in Spanish, but had other important information in English.
    
4. Asking questions is important. When you visit the dealer, you should ask many questions. If you decide to buy, be clear on the terms you’re agreeing to before signing anything.

When you see a car ad, keep a critical eye. If the ad offers, for example, low monthly payments or 0% rates, and if the fine print at the bottom of the ad contradicts the offers in large print on the same ad, the ad may not be telling the whole story.

To find the best car deal, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare offers from different dealers. Also, consider various financing sources like banks or credit unions. Learn more about buying and owning a car at www.FTC.gov/cars.

1. Use “Pet-Friendly” Antifreeze
   
   Thankfully, it’s well publicized that antifreeze is tempting to pets, as well as a detriment to pet health. Accidental ingestion is a big reason why pet owners are so thankful for the services of their pet insurance company every year.
   
   Some antifreeze brands have an added bitterant to keep pets and children from ingesting it, and others, like Prestone LowTox Antifreeze Coolant, are less toxic blends. You should still be careful to keep your pet away from it, but if accidental ingestion should occur, results may not be fatal.
    
2. Bang on Your Car Hood Before Starting the Car
   
   Feral and loose cats know how to find warm sleeping spots, often including wheel wells and warm car engines. Too often, these cats are run over or maimed by rotating fan belts or engine components. Get in the habit of always banging on the hood as you approach your car, and then honking the horn before you start it, to scare away potential heat seekers.
    
3. Screen Your Fireplace
   
   Cats love to use fireplace soot as cat litter, but should never be allowed to get in the habit of entering an open fireplace. Secure screens or glass doors to fireplaces. Here’s a helpful video showing how. Another option is laying something undesirable in front of the fireplace, like double sided tape or a “scat mat.”
    
4. Microchip or Invest in a GPS Collar
   
   Microchipping is a great way to ensure your pet always has identification, but the chips only work if your pet is found and scanned correctly. A GPS pet tracking collar is a great backup, especially in the winter. Of course, leash safety should be of prime concern year-long, but microchips and GPS collars can really pay off if your dog becomes lost.
   
   If a winter-related accident or illness occurs with your pet, be sure to call your veterinarian immediately so they can help you determine what to do next. Unexpected veterinary visits can be expensive but that’s where pet insurance can help, by reimbursing on veterinary bills.

Learn more about Union Plus Pet Insurance 

Before you use your wood-burning fireplace this year, take the proper steps to get it ready.

If not well maintained, fireplace fires can get out of control and damage your property and/or cause personal injury. Help stay safe and cozy with these tips for preparing and using your fireplace.

Before You Start It Up

• Have the chimney inspected. Highly combustible creosote — formed from the smoke, wood particles, gas and other by-products of a fire — is the main cause of chimney fires. To avoid buildup, have a chimney professional inspect and clean your chimney every year, whether you have a wood-burning fireplace, a wood stove or a gas fireplace. Use the Chimney Safety Institute of America to find certified chimney sweeps in your area.

• Maintain the fireplace. Clean it in late summer or early fall to prepare for upcoming use. Scrub the walls, grate and andirons with a nylon brush, then sweep out any debris. Finish by wiping out the fireplace with water. 

• Clear the area. Keep any seasonal and home decor items, such as rugs, throw pillows or furniture, away from the fireplace. (Also check that your rugs are nonflammable.)

• Have a plan in place. It’s important to have a fire escape plan just in case anything goes wrong. Identify the exit routes nearest your fireplace and talk with your family about what to do in the event of a fire.

When in Use

• Burn the right wood — and only wood. Dry, well-seasoned wood burns clean and leaves behind less creosote. Never burn painted or treated wood; this could create potentially dangerous fumes.

• Safeguard against sparks. Use a fireplace screen to help prevent any sparks from leaving the fireplace and igniting your clothes or furniture.

• Keep a safe distance. Your clothing can ignite if you sit or stand too close to the fireplace. If you have young children, consider using a safety gate.

After you prep your fireplace, it’s also a good idea to make sure your fire extinguisher is in working order. Keep it in a spot where you can grab it quickly — just in case.
 

These fireplace safety tips were brought by Union Plus Homeowners Insurance with MetLife Auto & Home®.

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