You May be Closer to Buying a Home Than You Think
If you’re considering buying a home, keep reading to get the facts about common homebuying myths.
Myth #1:
"I need a 20% down payment to buy a home."
Fact:
You have options — some financing programs allow as little as 3% down, and in some cases, no down payment is required for qualified homebuyers. Plus, monetary gifts from friends or family may be allowed for all or a portion of a down payment and/or closing costs.
Myth #2:
"I need a perfect credit score to buy a home."
Fact:
There are financing programs available for homebuyers with less-than-perfect credit scores, or limited credit history. Some programs allow you to use rent, mobile phone, or utility payments to show credit history. And, you may benefit from a free financial coaching session through the Wells Fargo My Home RoadmapSM program.1
Myth #3:
"I need to make more money to qualify for a mortgage."
Fact:
Financing programs are available for a wide range of incomes. Other factors are also considered when you apply for a mortgage, including your credit score, credit profile, and your savings.
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 GiftSM 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.2 Keep in mind that parents and children of union members are also eligible for certain benefits.
Learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage program, talk to a Union Plus Mortgage Specialist at 866-802-7307 or request a personal consultation.
1The My Home RoadmapSM service provides up to four sessions (an estimated 2 hours) of free financial coaching with a National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) certified counselor from a NFCC member organization that will be paid for by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. At your option, you may purchase additional coaching sessions or services or decide to participate in another NFCC member agency program. Program may change or be discontinued at any time.
2Eligible individuals can receive the Wells Fargo My Mortgage GiftSM award approximately 6 weeks after closing on a new purchase or refinance loan secured by an eligible first mortgage or deed of trust with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (“New Loan”), subject to qualification, approval and closing, when identifying themselves as eligible. The My Mortgage GiftSM award is not available with any Wells Fargo Three-Step Refinance SYSTEM® program, The Relocation Mortgage Program® or to any Wells Fargo team member. Only one My Mortgage Gift award is permitted per eligible (“New Loan”). This award cannot be combined with any other award, discount or rebate, except for yourFirstMortgageSM. This award is void where prohibited, transferable, and subject to change or cancellation with no prior notice. Awards may constitute taxable income. Federal, state and local taxes, and any use of the award not otherwise specified in the Terms and Conditions (also provided at receipt of award) are the sole responsibility of the My Mortgage GiftSM recipient.
Information is accurate as of date of distribution. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2018 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801
EHL logo
Through the Union Plus® Mortgage program, with financing provided by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, union members, their parents and children have access to a wide range of home loan options to meet a variety of needs, plus access to special benefits designed for union families.
All About the AT&T Mobile Share Advantage Plan
Talk More, Worry Less
When you make the decision to buy a new phone, your excitement shouldn’t be overshadowed by concerns of expenses such as data fees and voice overages.
When you choose to purchase your new iPhone (or any device) from AT&T and get the Mobile Share AdvantageSM plan, you’ll get to enjoy your phone and all of its features without having to deal with concerns of overage charges. Share data with the family, and text and talk all you want – it’s included in the plan.
Not yet with AT&T? Switch to the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier and get up to $650 in bill credits2 when you trade in a smartphone, and buy a new one on AT&T NextSM.
Plus, with the AT&T wireless discounts through Union Plus,3 union members can save 15% on the monthly service charge of qualified AT&T wireless plans and 20% off select accessories from AT&T.
Learn more and shop online now, or download the coupon to take to your local AT&T retail store, where you’ll be helped by a fellow union member. Don’t forget: use the discount code 3508840 to ensure you get the discount.
1MOBILE SHARE ADVANTAGE: Prices are for service only and include monthly plan charge and per device monthly access charge. Devices: 10 per plan. Purchase additional.
Data: For use in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (“Domestic Coverage Area” or “DCA”). 10GB and higher plans also include usage in Mexico. Usage in Canada for select Connected vehicles only. Tethering and Mobile Hotspot use for up to five (5) simultaneous devices. Rollover Data: Unused data from the monthly plan allowance carries over for one bill cycle. Rollover Data automatically expires after one bill cycle and with any plan change (such as changing data amounts or termination). Rollover Data is used after your monthly plan allowance. Overage Charges and Data Speeds: No charge for overage. After all your high-speed data allotments are used, all data usage is slowed to a max of 128Kbps (2G speed) for the rest of the bill cycle. You will have basic data use for viewing a webpage or checking email. Audio and video streaming, picture and video messaging, as well as other usage, including sponsored data, will be impacted and may not be fully functional. See att.com/broadbandinfo for more details.
UNLIMITED TALK: For phones. Includes calls within the DCA (10GB and higher plans also include calls within Mexico). Service may be terminated for excessive roaming (see Wireless Customer Agreement at att.com/wca) or, for business customers, applicable wireless service agreement (“Business Agreement”). Unlimited Talk to Canada and Mexico: Included on 10GB and higher plans. For phones. Includes International Long Distance (ILD) calling from the DCA to Mexico and Canada only. You may be charged for calls to special or premium service numbers. Calls to Other Countries: Select plans also allow calling from the DCA and/or Mexico to countries other than Canada and Mexico. Per-minute pay-per-use rates apply unless an ILD service package is added to the line placing the calls. Rates subject to change without notice. For rates see att.com/worldconnect. UNLIMITED TEXT: Standard Messaging – For phones. Includes unlimited number of messages up to 1MB in size within and from the DCA (and for 10GB and higher plans also Mexico) to more than 190 countries for text messages and 120 countries for picture and video messages. AT&T may add, change, and remove included countries at its discretion without notice. Messages sent through applications may incur data or other charges. Details at att.com/text2world. Advanced Messaging – For customers with Advanced Messaging capable devices only. Both sender and recipient(s) must be AT&T postpaid wireless customers with HD Voice accounts, and both must have their devices turned on and be within AT&T owned and operated DCA only (third-party coverage and use in Mexico are excluded). Includes unlimited number of messages up to 10MB in size. Additional restrictions apply and can be found at att.com/advancedmessaging.
Mexico Service Restrictions: 10GB and higher plans also include plan usage in Mexico. Not available on WHP, WHPI, and Connected Devices. Pay-per-use roaming rates will apply. Plan usage or roaming in Mexico not available on Connected vehicles.
Connected Devices: Includes eligible connected vehicles, wearables, cases, connected wearables, and other select devices. Connected Wearable: A wireless phone designed to be worn that is capable of making/receiving calls without being connected to another wireless device. See list of devices at att.com/wearableslist.
Wireless Home Phone (“WHP”): Wireless voice service (Commercial Mobile Radio Service or CMRS). Wireless Home Phone and Internet (“WHPI”): Is a CMRS and mobile broadband Internet access service. Plan 10GB or higher required. WHP and WHPI General: Messaging excluded. For emergency calls, provide location to 911 operator. Devices have backup battery but landline equipment with separate power will not place/receive calls (including 911) during outage. Not compatible with landline dependent services like medical alert monitoring systems. Other compatibility limitations apply. For WHP details visit att.com/getwirelesshomephone and att.com/getwirelesshome for WHPI details.
GENERAL SERVICE TERMS: Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement (at att.com/wca) or for business customers the applicable Business Agreement. Service not for resale. Credit approval required. Deposit: may be required. Activation and other fees and charges apply. Other Monthly Charges: Apply per line and may include taxes, federal/state universal service charges, Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), gross receipts surcharge, Administrative Fee, and other government assessments (including without limitation a Property Tax Allotment surcharge of $0.20 - $0.45 applied to business customers per number) which are not government-required charges. Pricing, promotions, restrictions, and terms subject to change and may be modified, or terminated at any time without notice. Coverage and service not available everywhere. You get an off-net (roaming) usage allowance for each service. If you exceed the allowance, your service(s) may be restricted or terminated. Other restrictions apply and may result in service termination. Any service discount described in your organization’s AT&T wireless service agreement (“Business Agreement”) applies only to the monthly plan charge, and not monthly device access charges. For full service terms and conditions visit att.com/wirelessterms or applicable Business Agreement.
2SWITCH OFFER: Limited time (ends 3/31/17 in Puerto Rico). Each line requires an eligible port-in, trade-in, purchase, service, and final bill submission. Credits may not equal all costs of switching. Eligible port-in: From eligible carrier (excludes Cricket and select others) on their term agreement or device plan (excludes third-party agreements). Must buy eligible smartphone in same transaction. Eligible Purchase/Service: Smartphone on AT&T Next or AT&T Next Every Year Installment Agreement with eligible service (excludes prepaid, Lifeline, Residential Wireless, and select discounted plans). Account and service must remain active and in good standing for 45 days. Tax due at sale. Down payment may be required. If service is canceled, installment agreement balance (up to $950) is due. Limit: Purchase limits apply. Trade-in: Select locations. Must be smartphone on line ported, be in good working condition with minimum $5 trade-in value, and meet AT&T Trade-in program requirements. Trade-in Credit: Instant credit or private label AT&T Promotion Card issued by MetaBank™ or CenterState Bank of Florida NA, via license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. (may take 3 weeks to receive). Credit and Card valid for 5 months and for use only to purchase AT&T products and service in AT&T-owned retail stores, at att.com, or to pay wireless bill. At participating dealers get credit (with additional terms) for use at dealer. Final Bill: Must go to att.com/helpyouswitch and upload or mail final bill within 60 days showing Early Termination Fee (ETF) or device balance (including lease purchase costs) on number ported. Final Credit: Total amount equals device balance/ETF (excludes taxes, fees, service, and other charges) up to $650 minus trade-in. Get up to $640 for device plan balance or up to $340 for ETF. Within 4 weeks after meet eligible requirements, are mailed AT&T Promotion Visa Prepaid Card issued by CenterState Bank of Florida NA, via license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Not redeemable for cash and non-transferable. For use at U.S. locations where Visa cards are accepted through date printed on card (minimum 150 days). Additional cardholder terms and conditions apply and are provided with Prepaid Card. See att.com/switch for offer details.
GENERAL WIRELESS SERVICE: Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement (att.com/wca). Services are not for resale. Deposit may be required. Credit approval, activation ($20), and other fees, monthly, overage and other charges, usage and other restrictions per line apply. Pricing, promotions, and terms subject to change and may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. Coverage and service not available everywhere. You get an off-net (roaming) usage allowance for each service. If you exceed the allowance, your service(s) may be restricted or terminated. Other restrictions apply and may result in service termination.
315% ON THE MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE OF QUALIFIED WIRELESS PLANS: Available only to current members of qualified AFL-CIO member unions, other authorized individuals associated with eligible unions and other sponsoring organizations with a qualifying agreement. Must provide acceptable proof of union membership such as a membership card from your local union, a pay stub showing dues deduction or the Union Plus Member Discount Card and subscribe to service under an individual account for which the member is personally liable. Offer contingent upon in-store verification of union member status. Discount subject to agreement between Union Privilege and AT&T and may be interrupted, changed or discontinued without notice. Discount applies only to recurring monthly service charge of qualified voice and data plans, not overages. Not available with unlimited voice plans. For Family Talk, applies only to primary line. For all Mobile Share plans, applies only to monthly plan charge of plans with 1GB or more, not to additional monthly device access charges. Additional restrictions apply. May take up to 2 bill cycles after eligibility confirmed and will not apply to prior charges. Applied after application of any available credit. May not be combined with other service discounts. Visit UnionPlus.org/ATT or contact AT&T at 866-499-8008 for details.
20% ON SELECT ACCESSORIES: AT&T will apply the Accessory Discount to the prices of select Accessories available through AT&T, which may be modified by AT&T from time to time. The term "Accessory" or "Accessories" means supplementary parts for Equipment (e.g. batteries, cases, earbuds). The Accessory Discount will not apply to Accessories purchased for use with datacentric Equipment such as modems, replacement SIM cards and car kits or to Apple-branded Accessories, and the Accessory Discount may not be combined with any other promotional pricing or offer.
With the AT&T Mobile Share AdvantageSM plan, you can enjoy unlimited talk and text and shared data with no overage charges -- all in one plan.1
Dealing With Cracked Screens Just Got a Lot Easier
Starting November 15, AT&T customers insured under any of the company’s device protection programs, will be able to get their screens replaced for just $891 – eliminating the need to shell out hundreds of dollars to repair a damaged screen or get a new phone.
The new screen repair option is included in all of AT&T’s device protection products as a part of the monthly charge. You only need to pay the $89 deductible to take advantage of the screen repair.
Eligibility for the new repair option is limited to select markets and phones – devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S7, iPhone SE and iPhone 6s are eligible, but others, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note3, are not. Still, for customers looking for a viable alternative to get their cracked screens fixed, AT&T’s new repair option offers a lot of benefits.
Benefits of AT&T's new screen repair option include the following:
- Same-day screen repair – get your phone fixed the same day the damage occurs, subject to appointment availability
- Convenient scheduling – schedule an Asurion-certified technician to come directly to you for repair
- One-year repair warranty – so you can feel confident about the service provided
Not yet with AT&T? In addition to the new repair option – as a union member, you can save 15% on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans2 and 20% off select accessories3 with the AT&T wireless discounts through Union Plus. You can also take advantage of other offers like getting up to $650 in bill credits4 when you switch to AT&T. Current AT&T customers can also take advantage of the AT&T wireless discounts through Union Plus.
Ready to start saving? Shop online, or download the coupon and head to your local AT&T store.
1Screen Repair: $89 deductible applies. Limited to eligible devices in select markets. Same-day repair appointments available between 9 AM and 7 PM local time, subject to technician’s availability in applicable service area. Claim must be approved by 2 PM local time to be eligible for same day repair. Repairs are performed by an Asurion-certified technician and come with a 12-month warranty. Repairs may use new or refurbished parts and may contain original or non-original manufacturer parts. Declining Deductibles not applicable to screen repair and selecting screen repair option will not impact customer’s Declining Deductible eligibility. Some colors of eligible devices are not covered. Eligible devices and available markets are both subject to change at any time.
Mobile Insurance and Multi-Device Insurance are underwritten by Continental Casualty Company, a CNA company (CNA), and administered by Asurion Protection Services, LLC (in Iowa, Lic. #1001002300, in California, Asurion Protection Services Insurance Agency, LLC, CA Lic. #OD63161. In Puerto Rico, Asurion Protection Services of Puerto Rico, Inc.), a licensed agent of CAN.
215% ON THE MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE OF QUALIFIED WIRELESS PLANS: Available only to current members of qualified AFL-CIO member unions, other authorized individuals associated with eligible unions and other sponsoring organizations with a qualifying agreement. Must provide acceptable proof of union membership such as a membership card from your local union, a pay stub showing dues deduction or the Union Plus Member Discount Card and subscribe to service under an individual account for which the member is personally liable. Offer contingent upon in-store verification of union member status. Discount subject to agreement between Union Privilege and AT&T and may be interrupted, changed or discontinued without notice. Discount applies only to recurring monthly service charge of qualified voice and data plans, not overages. Not available with unlimited voice plans. For Family Talk, applies only to primary line. For all Mobile Share plans, applies only to monthly plan charge of plans with 1GB or more, not to additional monthly device access charges. Additional restrictions apply. May take up to 2 bill cycles after eligibility confirmed and will not apply to prior charges. Applied after application of any available credit. May not be combined with other service discounts. Visit UnionPlus.org/ATT or contact AT&T at 866-499-8008 for details.
320% ON SELECT ACCESSORIES: AT&T will apply the Accessory Discount to the prices of select Accessories available through AT&T, which may be modified by AT&T from time to time. The term "Accessory" or "Accessories" means supplementary parts for Equipment (e.g. batteries, cases, earbuds). The Accessory Discount will not apply to Accessories purchased for use with datacentric Equipment such as modems, replacement SIM cards and car kits or to Apple-branded Accessories, and the Accessory Discount may not be combined with any other promotional pricing or offer.
4Limited time (ends 3/31/17 in Puerto Rico). Each line requires an eligible port-in, trade-in, purchase, service, and final bill submission. Credits may not equal all costs of switching. Eligible port-in: From eligible carrier (excludes Cricket and select others) on their term agreement or device plan (excludes third-party agreements). Must buy eligible smartphone in same transaction. Eligible Purchase/Service: Smartphone on AT&T Next or AT&T Next Every Year Installment Agreement with eligible service (excludes prepaid, Lifeline, Residential Wireless, and select discounted plans). Account and service must remain active and in good standing for 45 days. Tax due at sale. Down payment may be required. If service is canceled, installment agreement balance (up to $950) is due. Limit: Purchase limits apply. Trade-in: Select locations. Must be smartphone on line ported, be in good working condition with minimum $5 trade-in value, and meet AT&T Trade-in program requirements. Trade-in Credit: Instant credit or private label AT&T Promotion Card issued by MetaBank™ or CenterState Bank of Florida NA, via license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. (may take 3 weeks to receive). Credit and Card valid for 5 months and for use only to purchase AT&T products and service in AT&T-owned retail stores, at att.com, or to pay wireless bill. At participating dealers get credit (with additional terms) for use at dealer. Final Bill: Must go to att.com/helpyouswitch and upload or mail final bill within 60 days showing Early Termination Fee (ETF) or device balance (including lease purchase costs) on number ported. Final Credit: Total amount equals device balance/ETF (excludes taxes, fees, service, and other charges) up to $650 minus trade-in. Get up to $640 for device plan balance or up to $340 for ETF. Within 4 weeks after meet eligible requirements, are mailed AT&T Promotion Visa Prepaid Card issued by CenterState Bank of Florida NA, via license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Not redeemable for cash and non-transferable. For use at U.S. locations where Visa cards are accepted through date printed on card (minimum 150 days). Additional cardholder terms and conditions apply and are provided with Prepaid Card. See att.com/switch for offer details.
GENERAL WIRELESS SERVICE: Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement (att.com/wca). Services are not for resale. Deposit may be required. Credit approval, activation ($20), and other fees, monthly, overage and other charges, usage and other restrictions per line apply. Pricing, promotions, and terms subject to change and may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. Coverage and service not available everywhere. You get an off-net (roaming) usage allowance for each service. If you exceed the allowance, your service(s) may be restricted or terminated. Other restrictions apply and may result in service termination.
Cracked the screen on your phone and worried about the cost to fix or replace it?
Tips for Packing Like a Pro
Here Are the Packing Supplies You'll Need:
- Boxes — Professional packing boxes are recommended. They are extra sturdy and come in a variety of stackable shapes and sizes made to hold everything from mirrors and mattresses to dishes and books.
- Packing paper (clean, unprinted newsprint)
- Bubble wrap, tissue paper, or paper towels for delicate items
- PVC tape
- Tape dispenser
- Broad-tipped markers for labeling
- Scissors or sharp knife for cutting cartons
- Notebook and pen or pencil for listing contents of cartons as they are packed
- Labels or stickers for identifying boxes
How to Pack a Box:
Before packing cartons, wrap most items to protect them from scratching and breakage. There are a variety of materials available, including bubble pack, foam peanuts and tissue. However, most professionals use bundles of clean, unprinted newsprint (available at your moving supply store).
Start by placing a small stack of paper on a flat, uncluttered table or countertop. Round glasses and jars can be rolled up in two or three sheets of paper; always begin from a corner of the sheet and fold the sides in as you roll.
Large or odd-shaped items require a similar technique. Place them in the center of the sheet and bring the corners together. It may be necessary to flip the item over and wrap it again from the other side. If in doubt, use more paper! When the corners are brought together, secure them with tape.
Before packing a carton, line the bottom with a few inches of wadded paper for padding. Place large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on top.
Plates, books and things of similar shape, should be packed vertically to tap their structural strength. Don't overload cartons; keep them to a manageable weight. Fill voids and top off loaded cartons with wadded paper. Then tape cartons securely to avoid shifting while en route.
Labeling Tips:
- Label every carton or box. It makes unpacking easier.
- Use a broad, felt-tipped marker.
- Clearly mark room and contents.
- Indicate "FRAGILE" on delicates; "THIS END UP" where appropriate.
- If available, include your bill of lading number on every box.
More Tips from the Pros:
- Pack similar items together. For example, don't pack a delicate china figurine in the same carton with cast-iron frying pans.
- Keep all parts or pairs of things together. For example, curtain rod hangers, mirror bolts and other small hardware items should be placed in plastic bags and taped or tied securely to the article to which they belong.
- Wrap items individually in clean paper; use tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue for fine china, crystal and delicate items. Colored wrapping paper draws attention to very small things that might otherwise get lost in a carton.
- Pack small, fragile, individually-wrapped items separately or a few together in small boxes, cushioning with crushed or shredded paper. Place small boxes in a single large box, filling in spaces with crushed paper.
- Seal cartons tightly with tape except for those containing items that must be left open for the van operator's inspection.
- As you finish each carton, list the contents on the side of the carton (for easy viewing while stacked) and in a notebook. You may also want to number or code the cartons.
- Put a special mark (number 1 or letter A) on cartons you want to unpack first.
- Label with your name and the room to which each carton should be delivered at your destination. Tape a sign on the door of each room at your destination corresponding to the carton labels so movers can quickly and easily put the cartons in the proper rooms.
Is there a move in your future? If you're planning on doing your own packing — use these tips and you’ll be packing like a pro in no time!
Seven Ways Unions Have Changed Your Life
Unions like the one you belong to have long been a powerful force for improving the living conditions of working families. Consider how these impact your life.
- Weekends without work are the result of strikes in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries that led to shorter work weeks with weekends off. This gave workers time to take care of personal matters and spend time with their families.
- Child labor was condemned by unions as early as the 1800s, but it took until 1938 for the Fair Labor Standards Act pass. It federally mandates minimum age requirements for employees and working hours for children.
- Social Security provides payments to retired workers 65 or older. It helps ease the economic uncertainty created when workers retire from the paid workforce.
- 8-hour work days haven't always been the standard. In 1890, the average work week for a full-time manufacturing employee was 100 hours. It wasn't until decades later that union negotiations resulted in 8-hour work days.
- On-the-job health and safety issues are an ongoing concern of unions. Before the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created 43 years ago, an estimated 14,000 workers were killed on the job every year. Today, the number of fatal workplace injuries has dropped to 12 a day. Unions continue to work to lower that number.
- Health care benefits have always been central to union negotiations. Today, the Affordable Care Act and its provisions provide points for continued discussion and lobbying efforts.
- Employer-provided pension plans are more likely to be provided to unionized workers than to their nonunionized counterparts. Employers of unionized workers also contribute more toward pensions.
Unions will continue to play a pivotal role in improving and maintaining a better quality of life for America's workers and their families. Help get the word out--unions work for a better standard of living.
Love labor history? Text HISTORY to 22555, and we’ll send bimonthly labor history updates right to your phone. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply STOP to opt-out.
Union-Made Holiday Gift Ideas
Spread holiday joy with gifts that express your love and appreciation! We have a great guide of union-made holiday gift ideas whether you’re looking for Mom, Grandpa, or the kids. Also, these gift ideas are perfect for stay-at-home fun, like a good cookbook, board game, or football!
Apparel and accessories
| Algoma Bag Company | Majestic Athletic |
| Brooks Brothers | Naturalizer shoes |
| Crystal Springs Apparel | Nunn Bush shoes |
| Graybear | Red Wing shoes |
| Joseph Abboud | Timex watches |
Beauty products
| Avon | Dove beauty products |
| Caress skin care | Halo |
| Cashmere Bouquet | Lady’s Choice |
| ChapStick | Old Spice |
| Cosmepak | Revlon |
Games
| Barrel of Monkeys | Mouse Trap |
| Battleship | Operation |
| Candy Land | Pictionary |
| Chutes and Ladders | Risk |
| Clue | Scrabble |
| Connect 4 | Sorry |
| Game of Life | Taboo |
| Hi Ho! Cherry-O | Twister |
| Monopoly | Yahtzee |
Sports equipment
| American Athletic | Spaulding |
| Bell Sports | Standard Golf |
| Louisville Slugger | Top-Flite golf balls |
| MacGregor golf clubs | Wilson Footballs |
Stocking stuffers
| Allan peppermint candy canes | Jelly Belly |
| AMSCO magazine and books | Martin Weber art supplies |
| Ghirardelli chocolates | Roaring Spring art supplies |
| Harper Collins magazines and books | Tootsie Pops |
| Hershey chocolates | Walden Books |
Wine
| Charles Krug | Le Domaine |
| Chateau Ste. Michelle | Marcelina |
| C.K. Mondavi | Oakridge Vineyards |
| Columbia Crest | St. Supéry |
| Gallo of Sonoma | Via Firenze |
This original article was published by the AFL-CIO.
This list is compiled from Union Plus, the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department (UL&STD) and the BCTGM website. Check them out for even more gift ideas.
It’s holiday gift-giving season and we’re all on the hunt to find gifts for our loved ones! We’re here to help you find the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list.
Real Estate Rewards Takes the Stress out of Relocating for 20-Year Union Member
Moving has to be among the most stressful of life events — from the house hunting and home buying process to the packing (some purging) and physical relocation of your worldly possessions. There are change-of-address notices to send out, and often new jobs and new schools take a social, even psychological, toll.
When 20-year BRS-member, Howard Forte, and his wife first started shopping around for a different address several months back, it was with great apprehension. Real-estate agents weren’t high on their list of favorite people.
“We’ve owned before — this was our second time purchasing a home,” said Forte. “We’ve just always had a difficult time with real estate in general.”
His expectations already abysmally low, Forte found a local real estate agent through the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program, powered by SIRVA.
“Rosemarie Cazzorla and her associate agent at Century 21 have been absolutely amazing,” said Forte. “She helped us purchase our home in North Bellmore, N.Y. We just moved in a few days ago and she’s still helping us with stuff now. They’re the most amazing agents we’ve ever worked with.”
The Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program features:
- Union members receive $50 for every $10,000 in home value after closing when they use a Real Estate Rewards agent to buy or sell a home,
- Over 4,600 agents participate in the program throughout the U.S. which means a local agent is easy to find,
- And every SIRVA agent is pre-screened as the best, based upon performance, service and coverage around you.
A long-time signalman for the Long Island Railroad, Forte is looking at a daily commute of about 30 minutes from North Bellmore into the city, where his wife also works. While the couple and their three children are still getting settled, they’re already enjoying their new home — though the kids would prefer it came with a dog! “Maybe in a few years,” said Forte.
Union Plus is here to help our fellow union members navigate any residential move. Check out our tips and offers and make your move a lot less stressful and expensive.
Find a real estate agent and save some money. By leveraging our relationship with SIRVA –one of the world’s largest moving and relocation companies – and their network of preferred real estate agents, SIRVA Home Benefits is able to connect you with real estate agents that are trusted by FORTUNE® 1000 companies and offer you cash back after closing.*
Learn more or Call 800-284-9756
When you search for a mortgage, don't forget to consider the Union Plus Mortgage program. The Union Plus Mortgage program can help you purchase a home while also receiving special benefits by virtue of your union membership.
*Certain state restrictions apply to the real estate cash back program. To qualify for cash back reward (in cash back states), you must use a SIRVA-referred real estate agent. Program designed as a referral service to provide you the opportunity to select a real estate agent to meet your needs. You must evaluate the brokers, agents and their services and make selections and decisions based upon your best judgment, interest, priorities and concerns. Call 800.284.9756 or visit UP-RealEstateRewards.com for important program details and state restrictions. The minimum home value required for cash back or reduced commission is $75,000. There is no monetary reward for members, who use the program to buy a home, in non-cash back states. You must use a program-referred real estate agent in order to qualify for the cash back reward.
SIRVA is an independent provider of services. Union Plus is not affiliated with SIRVA and does not manage SIRVA or its programs.
SIRVA is paying Union Plus for advertising services including dissemination of information about SIRVA and its programs to participating unions and their members as well as participation in Union Plus events and programs. No referral, recommendation, service representation or exclusivity requirement is intended by the Union Plus’s mention or dissemination of the SIRVA name and delivery of this information to participating union members. It is important that you evaluate the information provided and make decisions based upon your own best interest, priorities, and concerns.
Union Plus is here to help our fellow union members navigate any residential move. Check out our tips and offers and make your move a lot less stressful and expensive.
Contest Winner Won a Free Mortgage Payment
One year into home ownership, Carrie Comer already knows the countless benefits to no longer renting. A longtime apartment-dweller, she bought her first home last year.
“It’s about security, peace of mind, safety, confidence,” said Comer, a member of AFT Local 1 in Chicago, Ill. “I have a son; for him, it’s stability. Home ownership means a lot.”
The sweetness of the security and stability just got a little sweeter for Comer, who was a second-place winner in the Union Plus Home Sweet Home contest.
Homeowners with a Union Plus Mortgage were eligible to win either a first-place prize of two monthly mortgage payments or a second-place prize of one monthly mortgage payment (up to $1500 each). Contestants simply needed to upload a photo of their homes and submit an essay explaining what home ownership means to them.
“I was on the Union Plus website looking for car rental discounts and just came about it, so I decided to apply,” Comer said. “The process was simple as far as uploading the picture and the statement was genuine about what being a homeowner means. It made it pretty easy.”
Perfect timing
Comer, who teaches preschool special education, said the timing of the prize money was perfect.
“I’m a teacher, so we don’t get paid in the summer,” she said. “They allowed me to choose the month, but June was the perfect month.”
One payment may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things, but Comer said it goes a long way.
“It makes a huge difference, regardless of whether I was working in the summer or not,” she said. “There’s always something that can be done with extra money. I’m a homeowner now, so I’m finding projects; that’s what I’m going to put it toward. Everything helps in this economy.”
More security, more freedom
Comer was introduced to the Union Plus Mortgage program through her mortgage officer, who explained the program to her.
“The process of obtaining it was simple as far as getting someone to sign the paperwork verifying that I am a union member,” she said. “Moving forward, there wasn’t anything that hindered my ability to obtain it.”
That meant freedom from apartment living.
“I had some bad experiences with renting,” Comer said. “You don’t control who’s in your building; you can get a bad tenant below or above you. And I just didn’t feel safe anymore. There are so many more benefits to home ownership as opposed to renting.”
Moreover, the Union Plus Mortgage program meant additional peace of mind.
”My interest rate won’t change; it’s a fixed rate,” said Comer.
The benefits of a union mortgage program
The Union Plus Mortgage program, with financing provided by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, has provided $43.6 billion in mortgages to help more than 260,000 union members and their families buy or refinance a home. It is packed with special benefits tailored to meet the needs of active or retired union members, as well as their parents and children, who want to buy or refinance a home.
Some of the other benefits of the Union Plus Mortgage program include:
- Hardship Assistance – Union Plus Mortgage Assistance1 helps members and their families who are unemployed, recently disabled, on strike, or locked out make their mortgage payments with interest-free loans and grants. Mortgage Assistance has provided more than $11 million to help members keep their loans current and stay in their homes.
- Award Card – Union members and their families may receive a Wells Fargo My Mortgage GiftSM award card after closing on a purchase or refinance loan2; $500 for buying a home or $300 for refinancing a home.
Click here to learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage program >>
And if you have a home to buy or sell, look into Union Plus Real Estate Services, which provides discounts to union families, over 4,600 experienced, pre-screened agents nationwide, and even offers a cash-back rebate program, available in most states.
Your union and Union Plus are looking out for you.
1. The Union Plus® Mortgage Assistance Program is provided and administered through the AFL-CIO Mutual Benefit Plan (“The Plan”), which is not affiliated with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Additional information about this program and eligibility criteria can be obtained at www.unionplus.org/assistance.
Home equity financing is not eligible for the benefits of this program. Union Plus® is a registered trademark of Union Privilege.
Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice.
2. Eligible individuals can receive the Wells Fargo My Mortgage GiftSM award approximately 6 weeks after closing on a new purchase or refinance loan secured by an eligible first mortgage or deed of trust with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (“New Loan”), subject to qualification, approval and closing, when identifying themselves as eligible. The My Mortgage GiftSM award is not available with any Wells Fargo Three-Step Refinance SYSTEM® program, The Relocation Mortgage Program® or to any Wells Fargo team member. Only one My Mortgage Gift award is permitted per eligible (“New Loan”). This award cannot be combined with any other award, discount or rebate, except for yourFirstMortgageSM. This award is void where prohibited, transferable, and subject to change or cancellation with no prior notice. Awards may constitute taxable income. Federal, state and local taxes, and any use of the award not otherwise specified in the Terms and Conditions provided at receipt of award are the sole responsibility of the My Mortgage GiftSM recipient.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has a services agreement with Union Privilege in which Union Privilege receives a financial benefit for providing agreed upon services. You are encouraged to shop around to ensure you are receiving the services and loan terms that fit your home financing needs.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2016 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. 7/16
Homeowners with a Union Plus Mortgage were eligible to win either a first-place prize of two monthly mortgage payments or a second-place prize of one monthly mortgage payment (up to $1500 each).
Union Member Saves Big by Refinancing With a Union Plus Mortgage
When much of your job requires you to live from a suitcase, time spent at home is cherished. That was certainly the case when Paul Moore traveled the world as a stage manager and scenic artist for theater, television, and movies for some 17 years.
But now Moore, Eastern Executive Director of the Motion Pictures Editors Guild, International Association of Theatrical, Stage Employees (IATSE), Local 700, doesn't travel as much and home is an inviting, rustic, cabin-inspired cedar getaway, about 90 miles from the heart of New York City in the town of Forestburg.
For any homeowner, mortgage payments, home association fees and property assessments are monthly reminders that your dream home comes at a price. After refinancing three times previously, Moore didn't think it was worth the hassle of massive paperwork to try to whittle away at his mortgage payment. Fortunately, a phone call from the Union Plus Mortgage Program, convinced him to give it a shot.
"I didn't want the headache of refinancing. I travel a lot and when I'm home, I want to enjoy my time," says Moore. "But I'm glad I went through with it. It was a very good, streamlined process. The information was turned around quickly and the savings were significant."
Situated in a community that boasts 1,100 acres of protected woodlands, Moore's home provides a quiet refuge from bustling city life. He and his wife Cassandra, a former ballerina who is now an American Federation of Teachers (AFT) member and high school dance teacher, have lived in the home for 12 years.
The Union Plus Mortgage makes buying or refinancing a home easy and affordable with competitive pricing and special protections. Moore's refinance through Union Plus Mortgage Program saved him about $350 per month.
Moore believes in the core values of the labor movement and as a union leader, he is proud of the value of union membership. "I'm proud to work for the men and women of Local 700. At the bargaining table, the union fights to make sure that wages and working conditions are good and that every creative member has a voice on the job," Moore says. " But the commitment to union members doesn't stop at the bargaining table -- the discounts offered by Union Plus to union members save money on everything from home refinancing to vacations to health care services."
Union Plus Mortgage offers union members and their families a unique mortgage assistance program. Union Plus Mortgage Assistance offers safety-net protections to help union members who might have trouble making their mortgage payments due to an unexpected loss of income due to disability, strike, lockout or layoff.
The Union Plus Mortgage makes buying or refinancing a home easy and affordable with competitive pricing and special protections.
Union Member Finds Union Plus Mortgage Pushes All the Right Buttons
Darrell Roybal of Lakewood, CO, is an elevator mechanic member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 25. When Roybal decided to buy his first house, he chose the Union Plus Mortgage Program with its unique benefits exclusive for union families.
"Union Plus offered interest-free assistance in case I'm injured on the job or in the event of a strike Cutor lockout," Darrell says.
Roybal says that the service that he experienced made the process of buying his first home less intimidating. "It was a scary decision, just thinking of all the closing costs and everything you need to buy your first home," he says. "Union Plus made it easy."
Even after 15 years in IUEC and 20 years as a union man, Roybal says he's still discovering all the benefits of going union. "This was my first experience with Union Plus," he says. "But once we got a Union Plus mortgage, I immediately went online to learn about other Union Plus programs. I discovered we could get a 15% discount on wireless service from AT&T that's been a big savings. And now I'm looking into applying for Union Plus scholarships for the kids."
Roybal and his family are definitely making themselves at home in the new place. "My children are so happy to have a place of their own and room to play," he says. "We're really enjoying having a house with a yard."
And he's making sure his union brothers know about the benefits of the Union Plus Mortgage Program. "I've told a bunch of guys at work," he says. "If you're considering buying a house, you've got to look into Union Plus."
Considering the purchase or refinance of a home? The Union Plus Mortgage Program offers a full-range of mortgage products.
When Darrell Roybal decided to buy his first house, he chose the Union Plus Mortgage Program with its unique benefits exclusive for union families.