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Myth #1 — Flowers are too expensive.
Teleflora has arrangements to suit any budget including several choices under $40. Plus, your Union Plus discount gives you an additional 25% off ANY arrangement.

Myth #2 — Telefora only sells flowers and not everyone can enjoy flowers.
Teleflora’s selections include elegant plants and gift baskets of chocolate, fruit, and more.

Myth #3 — Valentine’s Day is too busy to send flowers.
Simply send flowers one or more days early so your arrangements can be enjoyed even longer.

Myth #4 — Sending flowers is cliché.
Think of all the love that goes into floral artists arranging and hand-delivering a beautiful arrangement with a heartfelt note from you. It’s a classic gesture that will always be appreciated.

Myth #5 — Flowers are only for your significant other.
Valentine’s Day is about love, not just romance. So send love to your friends, parents, siblings, or other loved ones. This unexpected gesture can go a long way to brightening someone’s day.

Save 25% on Teleflora Flowers and Gift Baskets

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.

• Get the latest smartphones for $0 down with AT&T Next  

  $0 down smartphones with AT&T Next¹ — and no finance charges.

  Tax on sale prices due at sale. Req’s well-qual. credit, installment agmt & svc. If svc cancelled, device balance is due. Activation/upgrade (up to $25), other fees, charges, limits& restr’s appy.

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  Each line req’s elig. port-in, trade-in, purch., & svc. $650= min. $5 trade-in credit/promo card (for AT&T products/svc only) + prepaid card (w/in 90 days) for device balance/early term. fee amount less trade-in. Fees, charges & restr’s apply.

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  Get the LG K20 for free — when you buy on AT&T Next with elig. Service (min $50/mo.)³

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Plus, with the AT&T Signature Program Discounts through Union Plus⁴, union members can save on qualified wireless plans, select accessories and get waived activation fees on new lines of service from AT&T.

Don’t forget: reference discount code 3508840 to ensure you get the discount.

Learn More 

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®.

Save hundreds of dollars with competitive rates and special discounts just by being a union member. Call 855-666-5797 and mention Union Plus discount code DJ7.

Fresh pine trees just add something to the season. But they can be fire hazards, so it’s important to take some precautions.

If live Christmas trees are your go-to, help keep your home fire-safe with these simple tips:

Measure Your Christmas Tree Stand so you Know how Large a Tree it can Handle

Freshness is key. A dry tree is more susceptible to catch fire. The best way to get the freshest tree is to cut it yourself. If that’s not an option, purchase one from a tree lot that sources trees.
Bounce the tree to test freshness. If a lot of needles fall, it’s likely too dry.
You also can crush a few needles in your hand — fresher trees have a strong pine scent.

Keep Your Tree Safe at Home

Trim a half inch off the tree’s trunk for the best water absorption, and water it as soon as possible.
Water your tree meticulously, especially in the first two days, when it can take almost a gallon of water daily.

Keep your tree at least 3 feet away from any heat sources, which cause one in six Christmas tree-related fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Remember Decorating Safety

Never use candles on or near your Christmas tree.
Inspect your lights before hanging them, and don’t connect more than three strings together.Turn Christmas tree lights off before you leave the house or go to sleep.

Know When to Say Goodbye

The drier the tree, the greater the fire hazard. Dispose of your tree no later than a month after Christmas. You’ll also spare yourself mounds of needles if you dispose of your tree shortly after the holiday.

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

Save hundreds of dollars with competitive rates and special discounts just by being a union member. Call 855-666-5797 and mention Union Plus discount code DJ7.

“Our experience with Union Plus Mortgage Company was one of the most pleasant experiences dealing with a lender we’ve ever had. Our agent was warm, responsive and professional, and never once did he promise anything he couldn’t deliver". 

Signs and Symptoms That Your Pet Ingested Chocolate

If a pet has ingested chocolate, the most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity (such as excitation, restlessness, or panting), tremors and convulsions, seizures, racing heart rate, and arrhythmia.

Why and How is Chocolate Toxic

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, this chemical is the reason that chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats. The more theobromine found in a product, the more toxic it is to a pet.

Chocolate Types: From Most Toxic to Least Toxic

Baking chocolate is the most toxic, followed by semisweet/dark chocolate, then milk chocolate, and lastly white chocolate (which contains an insignificant amount of theobromine).

How Much Chocolate Will Poison My Dog or Cat?

Toxic doses of theobromine are 9 milligrams per pound. Meaning that a 20-pound animal would need to eat 8.2 ounces of milk chocolate, or just 0.9 ounces of baking chocolate to achieve a toxic dose.

Reduce the Risk

To help reduce the chance of your pet eating chocolate, be sure to keep chocolate-products in out of reach areas for pets. Cats are more finicky about what they eat and probably won’t eat chocolate that is left out but dogs actually like the smell and taste of chocolate, so you need to be much more careful with them.

What to do if Your Dog or Cat Eats Chocolate

If you suspect or know that your pet has eaten chocolate, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

"My career has taken me all over the U.S., and I’ve played so many great roles," said Schmidt. "Along the way, my union involvement has meant a lot, and when I was a part of the National Opera at the Kennedy Center, I was asked to sit in on negotiations with management. I’ve seen how unions can be such an asset to anyone making a living in the performing arts."

Along the way, Schmidt met his future wife on stage. They played respective lead roles in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. The couple eventually had children and decided to settle down in southern California so they could parent and continue doing the work they love.

"We were done with our lives as gypsies," said Schmidt, who has served as an Actor’s Equity Union Deputy on many of the sets he’s worked. "Over time, a house seemed like the best step for us as we became rooted in northern San Diego County, CA, and yet we also realized we were in a very expensive market and began looking for ways to make home buying more affordable."

Schmidt suddenly recalled a Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program email, reviewed his inbox, found it and clicked away. 

The Real Estate Rewards Program runs in partnership with SIRVA, which delivers customized relocation and moving solutions across more than 170 countries. Through it, home buyers and sellers can earn $500 cash-back for every $100,000 in home value when using a SIRVA-approved real estate agent.

"Our SIRVA-approved agent was incredible, especially given the tight market in our region. He actually helped us find a house by going into the neighborhood where we sought to settle – and where there were no homes for sale – created a flier to engage potential sellers, and when one emerged, he facilitated the whole transaction," said Schmidt.

Having purchased his home in the $500,000 range, Schmidt received more than $2,000 cash back. Between his agent experience and the money, he is an enthusiastic advocate of the program.

"I would recommend this program to anybody and everybody who is a union member,” he said. “If they are thinking about buying or selling a home, they should just do the math. Plus, it was so easy to apply and the process was entirely smooth."

For Schmidt, to find, buy and get cash back on a house while being supported by a pre-approved SIRVA agent made all of the difference.

"For a guy like me whose work is a freelance commercial yesterday and a major TV series tomorrow, the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards program was perfect," said Schmidt. "Cash back and a great agent made it so."

To learn more about the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program, visit unionplus.org/realestate.

Start pre-shopping early

Buying a house is no small feat. The more you can do to prepare, the better. One step to consider is pre-shopping a few years ahead of your target date. This means looking at listings and features for homes in your target location.
This is a great way to get a handle on the cost of homes in your area, while figuring out your home-buying priorities. How important is location? Size? Accessibility? As you begin to weigh these features against potential costs, you’ll get a much better sense of what you need versus what you want. You’ll also really begin to see how much you’ll need to start saving.

Set a spending cap and start saving for your down payment

You may not have to put a significant down payment on your new home, but the more cash you can bring to closing, the better off you’ll be. You’ll have more flexibility when it comes to mortgage terms, and if you have at least 20 percent of the home’s value available as a down payment, you can avoid costly PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) payments.

By understanding your spending threshold, you can decide how much you’ll need for a down payment, which will then allow you to start planning out your budget.

Figure out the monthly cost of homeownership

We all know that housing costs don’t end with the mortgage payment. There are a ton of other costs and considerations unique to homeownership. You need to have a sense of these costs and where they fit into your future budget, because the last thing you want is to buy your dream home only to discover that you can’t actually afford it.

Property taxes – This is one of your most significant costs and it can catch you off guard if you aren’t prepared for it. Property taxes vary wildly depending on where you live, so you’ll want to do your research. This calculator from Smart Asset can give you a rough estimate of your yearly tax bill based on ZIP code and home value.

Homeowners’ insurance – Your homeowners’ insurance premium will depend on a range of factors from the age of your home to the type of materials used to build the home. It’s difficult to get an accurate estimate without speaking directly with an insurer, but this list of average premium prices across all 50 states is a good starting point. Just keep in mind that if your home is in a flood-prone area, you’ll likely have to purchase additional flood insurance.

Energy and heating bills – It’s probably no surprise to learn that a house usually costs more to heat and power than an apartment. How much it will cost is tricky to pin down ahead of time, since it depends so much on your plan details and usage rates. Your best bet may be to check with utility companies in your target area to see if they have cost calculators available, like this one from Reliant. If you’re the outgoing type, you could also just ask someone in the neighborhood how much they spend on heating and energy.
Home repair – A popular rule of thumb is to set aside one percent of the value or purchase price of your home each year for potential repair costs. Obviously, the likelihood of your home needing repairs changes greatly depending on age and location, so if you’re buying an old home or a fixer-upper, you’ll want to prepare for a bigger spend.

What don’t you have?

Lastly, you’ll want to consider what you don’t already have. Will you need to purchase furniture? A washer and dryer? A refrigerator? These are all things you’ll probably want to have as soon as you move in, so be sure to set aside funds for any necessary appliances or furnishings.

Train yourself to live on your house budget

Once you understand the upfront and ongoing costs of homeownership, you’ll be able to plot out a budgeting course that 1) saves you the necessary amount of money, and 2) prepares you for the monthly costs of owning a home. Luckily, the two objectives can go hand-in-hand. As you work towards buying a home, take the money you’ll eventually be spending on property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and the rest, and put that money into savings – which you’ll then use to help purchase your home. Now you’ll have the money you need to buy your first home, plus the proven ability to comfortably manage and stay in that home!

1. Check your current data usage
   
   With the rise of unlimited plans, you might feel pressure to change your data bucket and opt for an unlimited plan. But if you’re not a heavy data user (less than 4GB a month), chances are you’re better off skipping the plan upgrade — and sticking to a lower tier data plan. 
    
2. Consider your lifestyle 
   
   Have a large family that needs coverage? You’ll want to look into family plans that enable several people to stay connected at a rate that provides economic flexibility. 
   
   Similarly, if you’re just looking to cover yourself, you’ll want to consider how much talk, text and data you truly need — and amend your plan where appropriate. Make plans to look at your current carrier account to assess where you can make changes.
    
3. Determine your deal-breakers
   
   Plans that don’t offer free roaming probably won’t work for those who travel a lot — and similarly, if you’re an avid music streamer, you’ll want to avoid plans that limit your data to 1GB a month. 
    
4. Evaluate your daily phone habits 
   
   Do you talk on the phone for hours, but spend very little time texting or using data? Look for a plan that gives you more hours to talk — and imposes limits to your text and data. That way, you’ll pay only for what you’ll truly use.
    
5. Look for discounts 
   
   Wireless can be costly  — so taking the time to find out if your carrier offers any special discounts is important. You may be able to score major savings with your wireless carrier simply by way of your union membership.
   
   Research what plans are eligible for discounting pricing, and consider your savings opportunities. The discount plan may come with less data allowance than the one you had before, but you'll save more money in the long run.