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Driving an enormous truck in and out of the Arizona copper mines does not leave Frances “Frankie” Estep much time to deal with personal finances. That is why she was so grateful to find the supportive team at Union Plus when it came time for her to finally purchase her first home. 

“I am a member of International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 104,” the 63-year-old Estep says proudly. “I have found the Teamsters to be excellent at protecting and defending their members.”

When it came time for Estep to purchase her first home, she turned to the Union Plus Mortgage Program.

“My then union president told me to check out the Union Plus website,” Estep explains.

While she was working with Union Plus (and their financial partners at Wells Fargo), Estep decided to enter the “Spring into Renovation” Sweepstakes.

“Entering the ‘Spring into Renovation’ Sweepstakes was easy,” she says. “I just filled out a form on the Union Plus website.”

Estep won $2,000, which she plans to use to take a vacation and do some work on the backyard of her new home. These are not the only benefits she has garnered from her relationship with Union Plus, however. In fact, she recommends the organization to everyone.

“I always suggest Union Plus to everyone who is a union member,” Estep says.  “It's well worth looking into, and the mortgage program is awesome!”

The Union Plus Mortgage program, with financing available through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, is available for all eligible union members. 

For qualifying members, special benefits include:

• A My Mortgage Gift^SM award from Wells Fargo after closing – $500 for buying a home, or $300 for refinancing a home – for use at participating retailers.¹ 
• Special hardship mortgage assistance from Union Plus in the event of income loss due to disability, unemployment or strike/lockout.²

For more information, visit unionplus.org/mortgage.

No one wants to come home to a disaster. Learn how you can reduce the risk of burglary, as well as fire and water damage, while you travel.

Before You Go

Before locking your doors and windows and hitting the road, there are several things you should do — and not do — to help keep your property and possessions safe. Here’s a helpful checklist:

Do

• Stop your mail service. Old newspapers and a bulging letterbox could tip off burglars that no one is home.
• Put your lights and television on a timer to cycle on and off. This helps create the illusion of an active household.
• Lock any valuables you don’t take with you, such as jewelry, in a safe or a safe-deposit box.
• To reduce the risk of a fire and save energy, unplug electronics and appliances that don’t need to be running.
• Shut off your main water supply to prevent leaks that could lead to damage.
• Arm your alarm system. If you don’t have an alarm, consider installing one — the investment could lower the cost of your homeowners insurance.

Do not

• Hide a spare key outside. If you must, be sure it’s hard to find.
• Lower your blinds. Instead leave them at their usual height and move visible valuables away from the window.
• Change your answering machine to let callers know you’re on vacation.
• Post your travel plans on social media. Learn more from MetLife Auto & Home® about protecting your home from social thieves.
• Leave your GPS in your vehicle at the airport. Someone could break into your car and get your home address.

While you’re away

You can feel confident your home is secure even if you’re miles away. Here’s how:

• Enlist the help of a neighbor, friend or family member: To help make your home look lived in, have them park in your driveway, take out the trash or mow the lawn.
• Talk to local authorities: If you let your local police know you’re out of town, they may drive by your house to check for signs of trouble.
• Use your smartphone: Download an app that allows you to link your smartphone to a webcam so you can watch your home from anywhere — even the beach.

As a union member, you have access to special discounts on auto insurance from MetLife Auto & Home®. We also offer a variety of other insurance policies including: home, renters, boat, motorcycle, recreational vehicle and more. To learn more about the program call 855-666-5797 and mention Union Plus discount code DJ7. For the most accurate comparisons, please have your current policies with you when you call.

Few pests are more irritating to our furry friends than fleas and ticks. Not only do these insects cause discomfort for our cats and dogs, but they can also cause a wide range of health problems. The best cure for fleas and ticks is prevention. Methods for preventing fleas and ticks include reducing exposure to environments fleas and ticks are known to thrive in, good pet hygiene, and preventative medications or treatments.

Flea and Tick Prevention Tips

Follow these flea and tick prevention steps to reduce the risk of your pet becoming infested:

• Regularly inspect your pet’s coat for fleas
• Comb pets regularly with a flea comb
• Wash all bedding once a week
• Keep your home clean and vacuum carpets frequently
• Use flea prevention products after consulting with your pet care professional

Flea and Tick Treatments

Luckily, there are also various types of safe flea and tick prevention products available. These come in different forms that can reduce the risk of infection and include:

• Shampoos
• Collars
• Sprays
• Oral medication in the form of pills or chews
• Ointments
• Topical insecticides

There are also sprays that can be used on bedding, carpet and around the house. Talk to your veterinarian to identify the best products for your pet and home.

So next time you are out adventuring with your furry family members, don’t get “ticked” off. With a little prevention, the right treatments, and a sharp eye fleas and ticks won’t stand a chance when it comes to your fur baby. Pet insurance can also help keep your pup or kitty flea and tick free with optional routine care coverage. Learn more about the discounted Union Plus Pet Insurance program to find the right plan for you and your pet!

More Pet-Related Articles

• Top Three Dog Heat Stroke Questions
• Pet Accidents Increase in Summer Months

Want more spending money and financial freedom? A cash-out refinance may be the right
choice. You can consolidate any high-interest debt into one new primary mortgage using the
equity you’ve built up in your home.

Fast Facts

What is equity, and how can it help me?

If the current value of your home is greater than your current mortgage balance, you have home equity. The more equity you have, the more money you may be able to get from a cash-out refinance.

Can a cash-out refinance lower my monthly debt payments?

Yes! You can make one low monthly payment instead of several and pay less overall every month.

What about closing costs?

It’s possible to add the costs associated with getting a new mortgage into the total refinance amount to avoid paying anything out of pocket at closing.

Cash-Out Refinance Advantages

Streamline Your Bills

With a cash-out refinance, you can pay off high-interest debt like credit card balances and student loans. By paying off your high-interest debts faster, you can improve your credit rating.

Stay at Home Longer

Planning on staying in your home? Use the cash for renovations that can add value to your home. Bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor decks – now is the time to do it.

Explore More Options

Want to pay for college tuition, add to your retirement fund or invest in a summer home? With a cash-out refinance, you get the freedom you need.

For more information about a cash-out refinance, visit unionplusmortgage.com or call 855 UNION 53 (855-864-6653).

With a knowledgeable home mortgage consultant by your side and these resources at your fingertips, you’ll have the support you need to navigate the home loan process. Enjoy all of these helpful features and more from Wells Fargo, the lender voted best digital mortgage experience.¹

Prepare and Plan with Interactive Tools

• Find details on loans and programs
• Watch videos to help you plan your home purchase, understand the mortgage process, and more
• Access specialized resources like My FirstHome^® — an interactive online program to help you prepare for successful homeownership

Compare Loan Options

Find the mortgage that’s right for you. Compare loan features, interest rates, monthly payments, closing costs, and more with our home loan comparison tool.

Track your Mortgage Application

With yourLoanTracker^SM, you can:

• See your loan status and upcoming tasks
• Upload documents
• Get text alerts when you reach key milestones²

To determine if a home loan is available with yourLoanTracker features, talk to a home mortgage consultant.

See all Your Accounts in One View

Wells Fargo Online^® provides you with the simplicity of managing your mortgage and other Wells Fargo accounts all in one place.

Your Mortgage On-the-Go

Quickly view your mortgage balance, make payments and more from your Wells Fargo Mobile^®app. Plus, receive free alerts about account activity that’s important to you.²

Personal Support by Your Side

Your local home mortgage consultant will help you navigate the mortgage process and keep you updated on what’s next.

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 Gift^SM 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.3 Additionally, qualifying union member veterans can also complete an application with Union Plus to receive a $1,000 Mortgage Veteran’s Grant within 90 days of closing on a new primary home purchase through the program. Terms and restrictions may apply. Keep in mind that parents and children of union members are also eligible for certain benefits.

Click here to learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage program, talk to a Union Plus Mortgage Specialist at 866-802-7307 or request a personal consultation.

Taff is a proud Union Plus Credit Cardholder. Recently, Taff took advantage of one of the benefits offered by Union Plus when he earned a $100 AT&T Smartphone Upgrade Rebate.

“Union Plus is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, and that’s most important to me,” Taff said. “I always try to use union-friendly companies.”

As a Union Plus Credit Cardholder, you may be eligible to receive a $100 rebate on an upgrade or new purchase of a smartphone, and if you switch to AT&T from another provider, you may be eligible for up to a $250 rebate when switching to AT&T (qualifying monthly data plan required).¹ 

Additionally, union members and retirees can save 15 percent on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans from AT&T through Union Plus.² (Requires valid proof of membership with an AFL-CIO member union by the account holder. Additional restrictions apply.) Visit unionplus.org/att for details.

"I highly recommend AT&T, and not only for cell service,” Taff said. “We’ve had AT&T landlines at my residence as long as I can remember, and AT&T cell service is second to none. I’m very happy with AT&T.”

Taff found the AT&T Smartphone Upgrade Rebate application process to be easy. He simply filled out the form and returned it to Union Plus.

“The person who received my application walked me through the process and made sure I had the correct identification number on my account,” Taff said. “Once that was squared away, there was no problem. I received my rebate in a very timely manner.”

Taff said he receives monthly email updates about Union Plus rebates, discounts and other benefits.

“When other union members ask about Union Plus, I always tell them that this is the credit card program your union supports,” Taff said. “There is a link to Union Plus on the union’s website, and all the benefits are explained there. I’ve always tried to support the union in everything I do.”

Stay connected with Union Plus and learn more about the more than 25 programs and discounts available for union members and their families. Follow Union Plus on Facebook or register to receive updates on Union Plus programs at unionplus.org.
 

Though he spends a great deal of time making sure that his fellow educators feel at home, Florida Education Association (FEA) staff member Dr. Kerr Fazzone waited a while before purchasing a home of his own. When he did, however, he knew just who to call.

“I found out about Union Plus from one of my colleagues,” Fazzone says of the Union Plus Mortgage Program. “I reached out immediately after we decided to begin actively looking for a home.”

Since that first phone call, Fazzone says the Union Plus service has been “impeccable.”
“Our loan officer made the entire process simple,” he recalls. “He found the best mortgage for us and helped us decide the best time to lock in the interest rate.” 

Fazzone notes that his Union Plus representative also walked him through every step of the process and remained in close contact with his realtor, insurance agent, and the title company.

Fazzone was so impressed, in fact, that he has already recommended the Union Plus Mortgage Program to others. 

“I work for the Florida Education Association,” Fazzone says, “which is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the AFL-CIO, and the National Education Association (NEA). I’m pleased with the experience of using the Union Plus program.”

“The union experience is unlike anything I have experienced before moving to Florida,” he maintains. “It is comforting to know that you belong to an organization that advocates for better working conditions for its members.”

Qualifying AFT members are eligible for special benefits for first-time homebuyers as well as:

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

For more information, visit unionplusmortgage.com.

As a part of International Association of Machinists Local 727N member Yvette Sheehan’s job as executive assistant to the president at Guide Dogs of America, she orders flowers or gifts.

The Union Plus Flower Discount Program—and the Teleflora website—has helped make her job easier.

“Part of my job sometimes includes ordering flowers and Union Plus is my bookmark for flowers,” Sheehan said.

Since GDA is a nonprofit that supplies guide dogs free of charge, every dollar counts.

“It is good to know that Union Plus has negotiated rates with discounts giving union members the best bang for our buck,” she said.

She enjoys seeing ideas for floral arrangements from the Teleflora website because they show her the latest in arrangements. She especially appreciates the “deal of the day,” which showcases flowers that are in season at a great price. 

But perhaps nothing beats the online ordering convenience.  

“I have received exceptional customer service,” she said. “If I order something and the local vendor doesn’t have it, I get an email. And if I don’t respond to the email, then I receive a phone call asking for an alternative.”

Order beautiful flower arrangements and gift baskets through the Union Plus discount program and make someone’s day. Flowers are perfect for birthdays and holidays, and is a lovely way to say, "Get well," "Thank you!” or “Congrats.” Union members, retirees and family members save 20% to 25% by visiting unionplus.org/flowers or calling 888-667-7779.

Fire up a Union-made Grill

• Weber (made by International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers)
• Thermador (IBB-made)

Union-made Food for Grilling 

• Butterball burgers and franks
• Johnsonville brats and sausage
• Wenzel's sausage
• Smithfield sausage
• Oscar Meyer hot dogs
• Boars Head hot dogs
• Ball Park Franks
• Hebrew National franks
• Foster Farms fresh chicken
• Hormel Red Franks
• Nathan's Ball Park hot dogs

Union-made Fun in a Bun

• Wonder brand
• Ball Park buns
• Alfred Nickles Bakery
• Stroehmann
• Arnold
• Francisco

Union-made Fixin's

• Heinz Ketchup
• Open Pit
• French's
• Gulden's Mustard
• Frank's Red Hot
• Vlasic brand pickles
• Horizon Cheese
• Kraft Cheese
• Mission salsa & dip
• Burnham & Morrill Baked Beans

Union-made Snacks on the Side

• Munchos
• Frito-Lay
• Funyuns
• Doritos
• Rold Gold
• Chex Mixes
• Sara Lee snacks
• Planter’s Peanuts
• Utz Pretzels
• Mission chips
• Entenman’s snacks 

Alcoholic Beverages

• Union-Made beers
• Bacardi rum
• Gallo Estates wine
• Corbett Canyon wine
• Almaden wine

Beverages

• Welch's Juices
• Minute Maid
• Hawaiian Punch
• Mott's
• V8
• Sprite
• Mountain Dew
• Pepsi, Diet Pepsi
• Coke, Diet Coke

Treats

• Breyers ice cream
• Good Humor ice cream
• Prairie Farms ice cream

Containers

• Solo cups, bowls, and plates

Receive Union-made Shopping Lists on Your Phone

• Text AIRLINE to 22555 for union-friendly airlines
• Text APPLIANCE to 22555 for union-made appliances
• Text BEER to 22555 for union-made beer
• Text CARS to 22555 for union-made vehicles
• Text CANDY to 22555 for union-made candy
• Text HOTEL to 22555 for union-friendly hotels
• Text PETS to 22555 for union-made pet products
• Text TOYS to 22555 for union-made toys

Though she has been a financial analyst for some time, when it came time to buy a first home, Sharon, Mass. native Stacey Sullivan knew just where to turn.

“My husband is a member of AFSCME Council 93, Local 362 and we both value the discounts and programs available to us through his union,” Sullivan explains, noting that she has followed the AFSCME Advantage and Union Plus Facebook feeds for some time and had heard about the financial support offerings. 

“There was a Union Plus advertisement for mortgages. I clicked on it and reached out to them.”

Within a matter of weeks, the Sullivans had found a new home and had the mortgage in place. 

“Our experience with everyone at Union Plus Mortgage Company was wonderful,” she asserts, praising the website (www.unionplusmortgage.com) which was easy to deal with and helpful throughout the process.

“The ease of the online portal to upload the documents was super convenient,” Sullivan says.

Working with UPMC made Sullivan even more pleased and proud to be part of a union family.

“The Union Plus experience has been great,” she maintains. “My family really enjoys all of the benefits that it has to offer as well as all of the support.”

Though Sullivan had been aware of the possible perks of her husband’s union membership for some time, she observes that many others may not be aware, even if they are part of a union.

“I think that not everyone is aware of the Union Plus member perks,” she says. “This was definitely one that I am so glad we utilized!”

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

Qualifying members are eligible for special benefits for first-time homebuyers as well as:

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

For more information, visit unionplusmortgage.com or call 855 UNION 53 (855-864-6653).