Consumer Tips

Low Cost — High Reward

We’ve partnered with Central State University (CSU) to help union members and their families complete their bachelor’s degree online for little to no cost.

The most you will pay out of pocket is $4,500 per year and for many, the cost will be a lot less or even zero*.

If you have an Associate Degree or 60 credit hours in your intended major, then you’re ready to enroll!

Don’t delay — classes begin every eight weeks and next classes start on January 13, 2020!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
BACHELOR'S DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM 

Start with an Associate Degree for Free with Union Plus Free College

If you’re interested in completing your Associate Degree, the Union Plus Free College Program, brought to you in partnership with AFSCME, allows you to earn an Associate Degree — completely online, for FREE!

Then, you can easily transfer into the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program at CSU.

Candy Safety 
The safest option is to use battery-operated LED lights or glow sticks. However, if you use real candles:

• Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything flammable, including decorations, curtains, and Halloween costumes.
• Make sure candles and pumpkins with candles, as well as matches and lighters, are out of reach for children and pets.
• Use long-stem matches or a utility lighter to light candles inside carved pumpkins.
• Never leave unattended candles near decorations.

Decorating Safety 

• Keep all exits and pathways clear of decorations, and remove obstacles from your lawn, steps, or porch so trick-or-treaters can get to your door safely and easily.
• Set up decorations far away from open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and space heaters.
• Opt for battery-operated or electric decorations instead of candles to light up your yard and windows.
• Never overload extension cords.
• Make sure your fire extinguisher is accessible and working.

Costume Safety 
When shopping for costumes, look for:

• Costumes that don’t have billowing fabric or pieces that trail behind your child, such as capes. Costumes should fit properly and not be too loose or baggy.
• Flame-resistant fabrics and accessories such as those made from polyester or nylon.

Before you venture out trick-or-treating, teach your children to steer clear of candles and to “stop, drop, and roll” in the rare event a costume catches fire.

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It's easy to forget regular home maintenance checks. So make them a part of your fall time-change routine to help protect your family and home from a host of preventable problems.

• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  Then, test each according to the maker's instructions.
   
• Give light fixtures some attention.
  Remove light globes and clean them to remove dust and bugs. Also consider replacing incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).
   
• Close off unused rooms.
  Doing so could help save money on heating costs during winter and air conditioning costs in the summer. Energy.gov suggests keeping the rooms at least 55 degrees F, though, to prevent any pipes from freezing.
   
• Check your meds.
  Get rid of expired medicines — but before you throw them in the trash, research safe, responsible disposal methods for each medication. Restock basic over-the-counter items like cough syrups, decongestants, antihistamines, and fever and pain reducers.
   
• Tune up appliances.
  Get the best performance from your kitchen appliances by cleaning them according to the manufacturer’s directions. Use inexpensive oven and fridge/freezer thermometers to check temps and spot problems.
   
• Check your furnace filter.
  A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and increase energy consumption between 5 and 15 percent. Depending on the type of filter your furnace uses, clean or replace it now — and at least monthly thereafter.
   
• Reprogram your thermostat.
  Be sure to change it from summer to winter settings before you turn the heat on (and vice versa).

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When most people think of legal issues, they think of serious crimes or lawsuits. Because of this, many people don’t think that they’ll need to see an attorney. However, the reality is that legal issues, large and small, happen every day. Many life events, such as getting married, buying a home or having children, carry with them important legal implications.

Here are 10 common legal issues you can use a legal plan for:

1. Buying or Selling a House
   Buying and selling a home involves at least one contract, which often contains language and terminology you may not understand. An attorney can provide explanations for anything that may be unclear and more importantly, review the details of all contracts and agreements to ensure there are no misunderstandings.
2. Preparing a Will
   A will declares how your property and assets will be distributed and that your loved ones will be provided for should anything happen to you. An attorney can prepare this document for you.
3. Defense Against Traffic Tickets
   Traffic tickets are a very common legal issue, but most people can’t afford the attorney fees to fight an unfair ticket or find out what their legal options are. A group legal plan gives you access to attorneys who may be able to resolve traffic matters for you, even appearing in traffic court on your behalf. 
4. Elder Law Matters
   As parents age, it’s not uncommon for adult children to step in as caregivers, handling important financial and legal matters. A group legal plan provides access to attorneys that can review wills and estate planning documents as well as answer questions related to Medicaid, Medicare and nursing home agreements and their potential impact on the plan member. 
5. Refinancing & Home Equity Loan
   An attorney is able to walk you through the process and provide explanations for anything that may be unclear, as well as help review your rates and other agreements. 
6. Power of Attorney
   A power of attorney authorizes a specific individual to make decisions for you on your behalf. An attorney can prepare this document for you. 
7. Identity Theft 
   Identity theft can have a significant impact on your finances and credit history, and requires time, money and patience to resolve. If you become a victim of identity theft, an attorney can provide guidance on what you should do to recover from the theft. 
8. Property and Rental Issues
   Owners and renters can encounter various legal issues such as disagreements over property lines and broken lease agreements. Access to an attorney allows you to understand your rights and find out what options are available. 
9. Adoption
   Parents looking to adopt can benefit from working with an attorney who specializes in adoption laws and understands adoption procedures. Attorneys who are well versed in adoption legal services help clients navigate the entire process more smoothly. 
10. Debt Collection and Bankruptcy
    There are laws in place to protect people in debt and an attorney can provide the assistance needed to help enforce fair debt collection and help you find a solution to your debt matters. Group legal plan members can also consult with an attorney if they are considering bankruptcy to get assistance with the filing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
Union Plus PREPAID LEGAL PLAN 

Choose the Right Pet Costume

• Make sure that nothing is too tight, especially around the neck and never over the snout. You don’t want to create a choking hazard, or restrict breathing in any way. 
• Make sure the costume doesn’t interfere with your pet’s movement, and make sure that your pet can see clearly. 
• Don't force your pet to wear a costume. You should be able to tell when your pet is not happy or uncomfortable, so don't let the holiday spirit override the special ways your pet communicates with you. 

Take Your Pet Trick-or-Treating

• Make sure your pet is leashed at all times, with a collar and current identification. 
• As always, micro-chipping your pet is a good idea.
• Remember that you and your pet will be encountering some spooky sights and sounds, so be diligent in case your pet gets scared. 
• Keep an eye out for candy on the ground because your dog may want to gobble up candy that is not going to be safe for your pet to eat. 

Know Your Candy Safety

• Dogs and cats should never eat chocolate or raisins, and most candy has too much sugar for your pet to eat safely and could lead to an upset stomach. 
• Candy and candy wrappers can also pose choking hazards, so always keep an eye on your pet, especially if you have small children who may leave uneaten candy or wrappers out. 
• If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately for a consultation. Try to determine what was eaten, and the quantity to assist pet care professionals. 

Prepare Your Home For Trick-or-Treaters

• Make sure your pet is never alone outside, and is kept away from the doorway if your pet is easily spooked.
• Only you know how comfortable your pet is when visitors ring your doorbell, so take steps to keep your pet calm and limit stress. If your pet gets anxious when the doorbell rings, consider disconnecting the doorbell for Halloween or place a sign on the door asking trick-or-treaters to knock. 
• After the festivities are over, check to make sure any gates are closed before you let your pet out into your yard. You want to make sure that your last trick-or-treater did not leave the gate open, which could allow your pet to escape. 

Find Pet Friendly Events

• For some pets, Halloween is the perfect time to dress up and enjoy the festivities. Many neighborhoods have family events and often welcome pets. 
• There are also many Halloween pet parades and events especially for pets. For example, the Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in New York City attracts hundreds of dogs and thousands of spectators each year since 1990. 

Keep the Scary Out of Halloween 

• Keep in mind that Halloween can be extremely stressful for some pets because of so many strangers, in strange costumes, coming by your house.
• If you have Halloween decorations, make sure that they don’t pose any risk to your furry family members, especially curious pets who will want to investigate, smell, touch and possibly eat decorations. 

The holidays are always more enjoyable when the entire family can be together, and your pets are an important part of the family. With a few precautions, Halloween can be fun and safe, as well as create memories to cherish forever.

Learn How Union Plus Pet Insurance Can Help

The Union Plus Pet Insurance program is powered by Pets Best and offers plans to fit all budgets and coverage needs. Accident Only¹ coverage starting at $6/month for cats and $9/month for dogs can help you protect your pet and your pocket from Halloween mishaps.

If you have questions about whether your pet’s behavior is normal or whether their health is at risk, you have access to the 24/7 Pet Helpline powered by whiskerDocs. 

Join now and save up to 10%² off any Pets Best BestBenefit Pet Insurance Plan.

LEARN MORE 

When most people think of legal issues, they think of criminal matters. But did you know that 54% of people experienced a legal event over the course of a year? Considering that the hourly rate to see an attorney can cost upwards of $338 an hour, it can be very expensive to seek legal help when these issues occur.

That’s where a legal plan comes in. A legal plan provides access to attorneys for help with personal legal matters all for a low monthly cost. 

Ask yourself the following questions to learn more about whether a legal plan is right for you.

Do I Need a Legal Plan? 

Because legal matters often have a negative connotation to them, many people don’t think they have a need for legal help. But in reality, expected and unexpected legal issues happen every day. Do you plan to buy or sell a home? Expand your family? Is caring for aging parents in your future? If any of these issues are on the horizon for you, you will likely need the help of an attorney. Not to mention, all of the unexpected issues that can arise, from identity theft to tax audits or disputes with a neighbor or landlord. If you had to pay for an attorney out of pocket for help with these issues, could you afford it? 

How Do I Find an Attorney, and Can I Use Any Attorney I Want?

One of the biggest benefits of a legal plan is that it takes the work out of finding an attorney. With MetLaw, when you use our Attorney Locator to connect to an attorney in our network, you know that the attorney has been vetted. Attorneys in the MetLaw network are required to have at least eight years of experience in the practice of law, have graduated from an accredited law school and hold a valid state license as well as have experience in matters covered under our legal plans. You also always have the option to use an attorney outside of our network and be reimbursed for some of the costs if that is more convenient.

Are Services Fully Covered, or Just Discounted?

Although discounts are great, seeing an attorney is very expensive. To get the help you need for your legal matters, you should have access to fully covered services. You shouldn’t have to pay significant out-of-pocket costs to fight a traffic ticket or get help with a debt collection matter, those matters should be covered in full under your plan. With the MetLaw plan, services are fully covered for many common personal legal matters, meaning everything from the initial consultation to drafting and reviewing documents and representation in court, if necessary, is covered by your monthly fee. There are no co-pays or deductibles.

Do Legal Plans Cover Court Representation? 

The legal plan covers representation in court for many common personal legal matters. Attorneys can make appearances for traffic tickets, debt matters, or attend a tax audit or juvenile court hearing.

find out more about Union Plus prepaid
legal plan or enroll
 

Debt consolidation is a tool for helping reduce debt. But is this the right solution for you?

The Optimal Credit

In general, the optimal applicant has fair to good credit, and is looking to better manage and reduce their high interest debt. One of the most important factors in applying for a debt consolidation loan is your FICO® credit score. This implies your ability to manage your finances and is best seen above 600. Your FICO® Score is greatly impacted by your payment history (which accounts for 35% of your score) so it is best to ensure your current payments are being made on time. A new feature by Experian can help improve your score instantly - Experian Boost™ helps by giving you credit for the utility and mobile phone bills you're already paying. 

The Right Debt

Not all debt is able to be consolidated. Generally, any installment loans, credit cards, store-issued credit, medical bills, and payday loans are eligible for consolidation. Debt that is not excessive (ideally $5,000-$40,000) aligns with most debt consolidation lenders. The consolidation loan rolls these multiple debts into a single payment to help manage your debt. If your debt is too extreme, the consolidation lender may not be able to offer affordable payments, and you may want to explore alternatives, like debt settlement or credit counseling.

The Ultimate Goal

Ultimately, debt consolidation is part of a plan to become debt-free. For this reason, a debt consolidation loan works best if you are willing to stick to a budget and not build back up debt that was just paid off with the consolidation loan. This allows you to commit to the loan payment and achieve your goals. 

The Real Advantage

The most obvious advantage of a Debt Consolidation Loan is reducing debt. More specifically, though, debt consolidation loans create a single payment to pay off multiple creditors, which helps avoid missed payments and penalties. Credit card interest can range from 18-25%, and in most cases a debt consolidation loan can offer a lower interest rate, allowing the debt to be paid off quicker as a result of these interest savings. 

APPLY TODAY

Get it all with Collette Vacation Tours

Collette Vacation Tours offer you more for less (stress). Collette gives you more value for your money in every way, from devising your itinerary and trip logistics for you to having a highly trained tour manager at your service. With Collette, you're able to customize your adventure with all of the iconic must-sees and authentic cultural experiences you have on your bucket list! 

Expert Tour Guides
Collette’s team of experts have built relationships all over the world. Collette’s tour managers have their own rich backgrounds which are complemented with extensive training to enhance each journey. In addition to your tour manager, you’ll get in-depth insight from locally based guides. You can count on Collette's highly trained experts every step of the way for restaurant suggestions, historic information, and so much more.

Cultural Immersion
The cultural experiences you’ll find as part of each itinerary are travel moments which immerse you into the destination. Whether you're interested in preparing tea in Japan or learning how to play the bagpipes in Scotland, Collette has you covered. 

Options on Tour
Collette understands that every traveler is unique. Collette has itineraries with choices built in so that you can customize your own adventures. All of these choices are included with the price of your tour! Enhance your experience and make the most of your time in the world. 

BROWSE TOURS 
For reservations, call Collette at 844-868-2685 or contact your travel professional.

Use offer code UNIONSAVE.
Mention your union member benefit and save an additional $50 per person!^*

September is Pet Health Insurance Awareness Month. What is pet health insurance? Put simply, when you take your dog or cat to the veterinarian, pet insurance reimburses you on the veterinary bill for eligible expenses. Eligible expenses depend on the coverage of the plan you purchase. 

Your Pet Insurance Discount

As a union member, you’ll get up to a 10% exclusive discount on pet insurance plans offered by Pets Best. 

What Do Pet Health Insurance Plans Cover?

Accident and Illness Plans

Most pet owners purchase an Accident and Illness plan, which have the most comprehensive coverage. Accident examples include broken bones, lacerations, getting bitten by another animal, and more. Illness examples include cancer, ear infections, allergies, diabetes, and much more.

Routine Wellness Plans

Wellness plans can be added-on to the Accident-and-Illness plans. These plans reimburse on routine care items for pets, such as flea/tick preventatives, spay/neuter, and teeth cleaning.

Accident Only Plans

Accident Only plans are also available for pet owners who aren’t looking for illness coverage and they tend to be budget friendly.

Why Get Pet Health Insurance?

According to the American Pet Products Association, 1 in 3 pets will need emergency veterinary treatment every year. If you have a dog or cat, especially if they’ve had an unexpected accident or illness, you’ve seen how expensive veterinary care is. Veterinary care has significantly increased in cost and for good reason, the quality of care and treatment options they are able to offer has never been better.

Pet Heath Insurance Resources

As a union member we’ve already done the legwork for you. Union Plus chose Pets Best, a leading U.S. provider, to offer pet insurance plans to their members. You’ll even get up to a 10% discount.

LEARN MORE AND GET A QUOTE 

If you’re looking to learn more about pet health insurance in general, here are some great resources to check out:

• The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). To help educate pet owners in researching pet health insurance options, they created a buying guide.
• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a list of nine things pet insurance should do/include.

If you’re about to go down the road of selling your home, you’ve probably heard that it’s not for the faint of heart. Especially in a buyer’s market or during the winter months — patience, creativity and persistence will be essential tools you’ll need in order to find the right buyer.

Avoid some common mistakes by checking out this list.

Know Your Market

If you decide to go “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) — you’ll need to educate yourself on your market. The best way to do this is to subscribe to sites like Trulia and Zillow by creating profiles and then saving a search for comparable homes for sale in your area. These sites will send you any new listings that become available in your area. You should also search for homes recently sold that are comparable to your home — this will help you to gauge where your home should be priced. Look at trend reports for your area to get a sense for your market — are homes selling? Where are they selling? When are they selling? And, at what price point? You’ll notice that in some areas certain neighborhoods, price points or types of homes might be selling quicker than others. Look for these trends so that you can better position your home when you list it.

Not Getting on the MLS

Whether you’re FSBO or using a realtor, getting your home on the MLS is extremely important. Adding your listing to ancillary sites like Zillow or Trulia is also a good idea — but, typically your real estate agent will manage this for you. If you are FSBO, be sure to look at MLS listing options that include other site listings in the purchase price. Once your listings are added — be sure you have ownership over it. Log into these accounts and update your listings to include as much media (pictures/videos) and information as you can. The more the better! And, if you decide to change your price, make sure to update all sites.

Not Even Considering a Real Estate Agent

If you’re looking at the dollars and cents, you might be apprehensive about hiring a real estate agent. But, before you make a final decision consider this:

• You will most likely have to pay for the buying agent out of pocket, so your listing agent would (typically) only be a 3% commission on the sales price.
• Calculate 3% of your home price and think about the hours it might take away from your work or home life to market and show your home.
• If you don’t have a real estate agent, you might need to pay for a lawyer to double check your contracts (which will cost some money).
• Agents have access to numerous marketing tools and sites, not available to the public

If you’re ready to sell or purchase a home, check out the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards program. You could get $500 for every $100,000 in home value if you use a real estate agent approved by SIRVA.*