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A dedicated team — just for you

Wells Fargo has a team of financial professionals who have been specially trained to meet your specific needs. Their understanding of military and veteran culture makes them uniquely qualified to help you achieve your short-term and long-term financial goals.

Programs and options that put you first 

• VA Loans – Wells Fargo's VA loans for eligible military, veterans, and surviving spouses have features that fit your homeownership needs, including¹:
  • Up to 100% financing may be available for qualified borrowers
  • The ability to use gifts or grants to help cover your down payment and closing costs
  • A maximum entitlement amount that may make you eligible for more than one VA loan
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) – Wells Fargo has a specialized relocation team that is familiar with PCS transfers and understands how to navigate Federal Travel Regulations (FTR).
• Worldwide Military Banking – Offers valuable discounts and benefits plus convenient access to your checking account with services, tools, and resources to help you manage your finances — even if you are deployed.
• Hands on Banking^® for Military – A free, fun financial education website tailored to the needs of active duty service members, veterans, and their families, ranging from the basics of banking to planning for retirement.

Helping you make a smooth transition 

Wells Fargo has a number of innovative programs and initiatives to assist you and your family through your transition from the military:

• Career transition – Wells Fargo values the leadership, discipline, and service record of military members and veterans, employing more than 8,000 team members today who self-identify as veterans. They are committed to increasing our veteran team member population.
• “Hiring Our Heroes’ Military Translator” tool – Helps veterans translate their military skills into job skills.
• Educational support – Through renewable scholarships, we provide education funding to veterans and spouses of disabled veterans.
• Disabled veteran support – Wells Fargo is a proud sponsor of No Barriers Warriors, a series of expeditions that provides a grueling, yet rewarding mental and physical challenge for disabled veterans who want to make a change in their lives.
• Home awards for disabled veterans – Wells Fargo has donated, or is in the process of donating, more than 400 properties valued at more than $60 million to wounded warriors.

Learn more about Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Georgia Veiga has been a proud member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) C 63, Local 3440 in New Jersey for the last 17 years. She regularly seeks out opportunities to support companies that employ union workers.

She was happy to do just that when she switched to AT&T for her family’s smartphone service after receiving an email about the Union Plus AT&T Discount Program. She learned that Union Plus offers an AT&T switch rebate and smartphone upgrade rebate to Union Plus Credit Cardholders¹. The email came at the right time for Veiga, who was an unhappy customer of another cell phone carrier at the time.

"AT&T’s service is better, which is one of the reasons why I wanted to switch," Veiga says. In addition, AT&T employs more than 94,000 union members as the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier.

"They’re a family, they seem happy," Veiga says of the customer service she’s experienced with AT&T.

Because Veiga switched carriers and upgraded to a new smartphone, she qualified for $250 in rebates².

The rebate money quickly came in handy when Veiga added her tween daughter as one of the four lines on her AT&T phone plan and the family’s data usage increased dramatically.

"It has been glued to her head," Veiga says of her daughter’s phone.

According to Veiga, the AT&T Smartphone Upgrade Rebate application process was easy. Union members and retirees also save 15 percent on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans³ and get 20 percent off eligible accessories⁴, among other AT&T benefits.

"I appreciate all the benefits made available through the union," she says. "It’s a wonderful program."

To learn more about the Union Plus AT&T Discount Program, visit unionplus.org/att.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Company has programs and services that may help you overcome common first-time homebuyer obstacles, such as a modest income, limited credit history, or limited funds for a down payment.

Buy a home with little to no money down 
Wells Fargo has several loan programs that provide flexible income qualifying guidelines, and low down payment and out-of-pocket costs:

• yourFirst Mortgage^® could help you become a homeowners with as little as 3% down payment on a conventional fixed-rate mortgage
• FHA and VA loans — Most low down payment programs require mortgage insurance, which will increase your monthly payment and the cost of the loan. Talk to a consultant about loan amount, type of loan, and property type eligibility.

Get dedicated support 
Wells Fargo has dedicated home mortgage consultants, who knows your local area and can provide you with one-on-one guidance and help you understand how different loan programs work, so you can make informed decisions.

Enjoy convenient tools and resources
Learn about the financing process by watching educational videos and using shopping tools and calculators found on the Wells Fargo website. Plus, you can track your loan’s progress from a computer, smartphone, or tablet with yourLoanTracker℠.
 

Learn more about Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

MetLife Auto & Home’s claim organization stands ready to assist their customers impacted by the recent wildfires in California, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

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.

Report Property Damage Losses

If you need to report property damage losses:

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

Tips for Staying Safe

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

• CA.gov Daily Reports
• 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

The coronavirus pandemic stalled the start of the traditional spring buying season, and has many buyers and sellers wondering what to do next. If you’re in that group and wondering whether to move forward with your buying plans, here are a six things to consider:

1. Take stock of your personal homebuying goals and finances. 
   Did the pandemic change what you’re looking for at all? Is a home office more important than a backyard patio? What about your finances? Do you feel secure in your job? Do you already have savings set aside for a down payment as well as for a rainy day fund?
    
2. Know what you can afford. 
   The recent health crisis reinforces the reality of economic ups and downs and the fact that disasters can happen. It reinforces the importance of not overextending yourself in buying; you want to be able to weather any economic cycle. As you consider this, know that a bright spot is that mortgage rates are very low right now, which helps stretch your dollars when you decide to buy.
    
3. Start your house hunt from home.
   If you’re worried about venturing out, rest easy in knowing you can do a lot of the groundwork from home. As a result of coronavirus, virtual tours and agent-led video walk-throughs and video chat tours have all been added to the mix of showing homes. Lenders are available to serve you remotely, too, and are always available to have conversations about the lending process by phone.
    
4. Understand your down payment options.  
   There are still financing options available that don’t require you to put 20 percent down. Low down-payment options include our own yourFirst Mortgage^® program and government programs like VA and FHA. How much you put down is a financial decision to weigh as you look at your own finances and personal situation. It’s important to note that putting more down can reduce your monthly payments, which can free up dollars for other parts of your budget, including savings.
    
5. Double down on your rainy day fund. 
   It’s always been a good idea to have a little to fall back on. Owning a home means you’ll have expenses for repairs and updates. The economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic also reinforces the importance of having money to fall back on if you have an unexpected expense or loss in income.


6. Embrace digital tools. 
   Just like shopping for your perfect house, you can apply for a home loan from your kitchen; you never really need to step into a bank. Many tasks can be handled online, from starting the loan applications to signing disclosures and uploading needed documents during the loan process.

The current crisis has many Americans reflecting on their living spaces and thinking about their long-term financial goals. While no one knows exactly what will happen in the economy, if you are weighing whether buying is right for you, take a minute to focus in on your own unique goals, opportunities and circumstances and make the best decision for you.

Learn MORE ABOUT
WELLS FARGO MORTGAGE

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

The tragic, violent death of George Floyd at the hands of police has devastated so many of us. It is hard to talk about. And, it is hard to find words to describe our anger and sadness. However, we know that silence gives consent and that silence makes us complicit — so we will not be silent.

We will start by saying this:

We value the lives of black people.
We believe Black Lives Matter.
We denounce racism, in all its forms.
We stand against hatred.

To our friends and neighbors in the black community, we say,

We hear you.
We value you.
We stand with you.
We will not be complicit.

We stand in support of protestors across our country as they exercise their constitutional right to peacefully assemble in protest against the injustice that resulted in the death of George Floyd.

We stand with those also protesting and mourning the loss of so many others that have been killed due to systemic racism and injustice, including, but unfortunately, not limited to:

Ahmaud Arbery
Breonna Taylor
Trayvon Martin
Tamir Rice
Michael Brown
Eric Garner
Philando Castile
David McAtee

We humbly stand in the sunshine of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream — a world where race and color does not separate us, but unites us, equally, as we move towards building a more perfect union. We are hopeful that the conversation that has awoken in the nation this week leads to meaningful change.

We stand ready to listen and learn the best ways to support our friends and neighbors in the black community.

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.

Chicago-area resident Sherri Miller has been an Illinois state employee and an American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31, Local 1006 member for the last 20 years.

She says, "I really love my union!"

Last year, Miller got a Union Plus email about Union Plus Mortgage Company in the middle of her home search and ended up choosing them as her mortgage provider.

"It was great timing," Miller recalls. "It was like someone was reading my mind."

The Union Plus Mortgage Program, with financing available through Union Plus Mortgage Company, is available for all eligible union members. The Union Plus Mortgage Company is union-owned and staffed by knowledgeable loan officers.

For qualifying members, there are special benefits for first-time homebuyers as well as:

• A $500 gift card after closing for purchasing or refinancing a home
• Special mortgage payment assistance from Union Plus in the event of income loss due to unemployment, disability, strike, lockout or furlough.

"This was my first home purchase, and it was a great experience," Miller says. "The process was really, really easy. They were patient, they were helpful, and whenever I had questions, they were always available."

Miller was especially appreciative of the flexibility of communicating with her Union Plus Mortgage Company contacts.

"They were really considerate of my time," she says. "With my job, I have to be on the phones all day. If they needed me, they would text me or email me. It made it all a lot easier and took a lot of stress off this whole process."

Now that she's settled into her home and has even refinanced it once – again through Union Plus Mortgage Company – Miller is spreading the word.

"I've been telling everybody about Union Plus Mortgage Company," she says.

To learn more about Union Plus Mortgage Company, call 855 UNION 27 (855-864-6627) or visit unionplusmortgage.com.

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.