Consumer Tips

Pro: No More Gasoline

For many people, ditching gasoline is plenty enough reason to go electric. It’s the most obvious of ways to save money with an EV, with a much lower cost per mile—regardless of whether you charge at home or at a public charging station. According to Consumer Reports, the average EV owner can save $800 to $1,000 each year on fuel costs alone. There are other side benefits to a vehicle that doesn’t run on gasoline. EVs are driven by an electric motor and battery, which means fewer moving parts for mechanics to worry about. Historically, that means less maintenance for powertrain-related components. You won’t have to worry about replacing your oil or transmission fluid, so you can expect to spend less time at the dealer and less money on maintenance.

Con: Finding a Charging Station

Have access to a charging station where you live or work? You may not need to think much about finding a place to plug in, especially when it comes to your daily commute. But you may also want to take the occasional road trip or run a few errands. When you’re low on battery, you’ll need to find a public charging station. That can take some planning and coordination. Especially compared to the early days of electric vehicles, it’s now easier to find a charging station. If you live in a major metropolitan area, you may already be used to seeing stations around town. Other areas may have fewer charging stations, so it’s smart to plan ahead if you’re driving long distances. We recommend using an app like PlugShare, which can help you find charging stations near you or along your intended route.

Pro: Lower Carbon Footprint

Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions produced from transportation. And with new vehicles such as the Hummer EV and Ford Mustang Mach-E, you can find EVs in more shapes and sizes than ever. You can go even further if your home is powered by renewable energy. Solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable and efficient, making them a perfect pairing for EV owners. It’s true that building a vehicle produces emission, regardless of whether it’s powered by gas or electricity. Buying used is a great way to help offset any product’s carbon debt, which helps give it a second life. It’s certainly applicable to cars, and there are plenty of used and certified pre-owned electric vehicles to choose from. And if you’re worried about the battery, know that most automakers provide a warranty of at least 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Con: Slower to Charge

Filling up a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle takes just a few minutes at the pump, assuming you don’t have to wait in line. In comparison, electric vehicles are much slower to charge. The most commonly found Level 2 chargers provide up to 20 miles of range every hour spent charging. That may be acceptable if you’re at work or at dinner, but it may be challenging if you’re in a hurry. While slower charging speeds can be a downside to EV ownership, technology is advancing quickly and narrowing the gap. Most modern electric vehicles sold today are compatible with DC Fast Charging, which can provide up to 80 miles of range for every 20 minutes the vehicle is plugged in. These public stations are designed to provide fast speeds until the battery has reached 80% capacity, which helps limit degradation.

Pro: Tax Credits, Rebates and More

The perks of driving an electric vehicle run deep. When you buy new, you may qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500, assuming the automaker hasn’t already sold 200,000 vehicles across their lineup. You may also qualify for state rebates, ranging from $500 to $5,000. So while you may spend more at the dealership, there are plenty of ways to lower the overall cost of ownership. In addition to these savings, your state may offer other incentives that make life on the road a little easier. That includes HOV lane access and exemption from emissions testing. Also, some utility companies offer rebates with the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle. This could help offset the price of installing a charging station in your home, which can otherwise be cost prohibitive.

Con: Higher Initial Costs

While electric vehicles are quickly becoming more affordable, they are still priced at a premium compared to their gasoline counterparts. You may make up for it by driving on electricity instead of fuel, and the average MSRP of electric vehicles is getting lower each year. But today, there’s no denying that the sticker price of an EV can make it a less compelling option. Working with a tight budget? Used electric vehicles can offer an incredible value, with many options available at a fraction of their original MSRP. This includes first-generation EVs such as the Nissan Leaf, Fiat 500e and BMW i3, which offer more limited range compared to modern examples. But if you just need something to handle commutes and short trips, going pre-owned can be the perfect gateway into an electrified lifestyle.

Thinking About Going Electric?
Electric vehicles are steadily becoming mainstream, and automakers are committing to building more of them across the board. We’re always keeping tabs on the best electric cars and best electric SUVs available today. And when you’re ready to buy, you can use the Union Plus Auto Buying service to shop and get an upfront, personalized offer from a Certified Dealer.

Here are six of the most important factors that come into play.

1. What Is the Vehicle’s Condition?
   Everyone wants a used car in the best condition possible—it’s usually the first thing a buyer notices. Outside of normal wear and tear, the exterior won’t have any major scratches, chips or dents. There should be no rust on the vehicle, including the underside. Don’t forget about the inside of the cabin. The seats, carpet and headliner should be free from heavy wear. If the vehicle has a leather upholstered interior, it should be well-maintained without any cracks or peeling. The electronics should also work as intended, including the stereo and climate controls.
2. What Is the Mileage and Age?
   Mileage is the simplest way to judge a used vehicle, and it plays a big part in determining its resale value. Vehicles with lower mileage typically cost less to maintain in the near future, especially if the car isn’t approaching a major service interval. It will also be less likely to require major engine or transmission work, which can be costly. But at the end of the day, the number on the odometer doesn’t tell the whole story. Age puts mileage into context—letting buyers know how much a vehicle was driven annually. For reference, the average person drives over 13,000 miles each year. You can use this as a starting point to determine whether a used vehicle has low mileage for its age.
3. How Many Previous Owners?
   When shopping for a used car, conventional wisdom suggests that it’s best to find a single owner vehicle. It’s far easier to get a true picture of the car’s history when it has only had one owner, whether it’s newer or older. You’ll typically have a better idea of how it was maintained, and you’ll be aware of its accident history, if applicable. This makes one-owner vehicles more desirable, and it’s something that often shows up as a benefit in the listing. If you bought your vehicle new, you’re naturally in a good position to sell or trade. Three or more owners are viewed as less desirable, especially if turnover occurred during a short period of time. If you want to double check your vehicle’s ownership history, consider purchasing a CarFax report.
4. Does It Include Maintenance Records?
   A car that’s been taken care of will always command a premium, especially if the owner can provide the receipts to document the history of maintenance. This applies to oil changes, tire rotations and regular maintenance—ideally based on the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. After all, vehicles that aren’t properly serviced can lead to costly repairs down the line. The more documentation a used vehicle has, the more confident people will feel when buying it—bonus points if it was serviced at the dealership or a reputable mechanic. And if the vehicle is still under warranty, having all the paperwork in one place will make things easier for the next owner.
5. Is It Rare?
   Some vehicles are harder to find than others. They may have been produced in low quantities, discontinued by the manufacturer or just too popular to meet demand. These vehicles are especially desirable on the used market, with certain enthusiast vehicles maintaining and sometimes increasing in market value over time.
   
   Although the most desirable and rare vehicles are often sports cars, rarity isn’t limited to this class. Certain trims, colors and configurations can be difficult to track down. This also applies to special and limited-edition models, which are made specifically for collectors. Some cars also have rare variants, such as a hatchback or even an electric vehicle.
6. Where Are You Located?
   The location of your vehicle can have a huge effect on its value, just like real estate. Terrain and weather influence the kind of lives people lead—and the cars they want to buy. If you live in a warm climate near the coast, rear-wheel drive sports cars may command a premium. Drivers in mountainous areas prefer utility vehicles with four-wheel drive, especially if the area sees heavy snowfall.
   
   Timing can also go hand in hand with location. A convertible may be seen as less desirable during the winter months, when it may spend more time in the garage. And when gas prices go up, commuters tend to flock to hybrids and electric vehicles. It all comes down to supply and demand, which is always changing with the times.

Find Out How Much Your Vehicle Is Worth

Thinking about your next car? You’re probably wondering how much you can get for your current vehicle. TrueCar Trade makes it easy to see the value of your car and get a cash offer in minutes—all without leaving the comfort of your own home. Simply enter your car’s information to get an instant estimate.

You’ll also be able to see how features like color and mileage affect your car’s value. Then you’ll receive a True Cash Offer™. That means you get a check directly from a TrueCar Certified Dealer. No need to deal with online classifieds, because getting paid just got a whole lot easier. 

MetLife Legal Plan network attorneys are able to provide document review and consultations for many issues you may face, at no cost through MetLife's Emergency Response Legal Assistance. These include:

• Reviewing documents related to federal aid and insurance claims
• Providing assistance with identity theft issues due to lost personal documents
• Answering questions about damaged property for renters or homeowners
• Providing advice on dealing with creditors and bill collectors

If you need assistance call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-821-6400.

You will need to identify you are with Union Plus, the last four digits of your Social Security Number and indicate that you are interested in the document review and consultations services being offered as part of the Emergency Response Legal Assistance.

There are over 73,000 students enrolled in the Union Plus Free College and Union Plus Bachelor’s Degree Completion programs - a number that is growing every semester. Both programs are now enrolling for classes starting August 16, 2021.

The Free College benefit team is offering two July information sessions for union families who want to learn more about how to enroll - at no cost - to earn a degree in Teacher Education, Business Management, IT or a wide array of other fields.  Register for one of the online "Back-to-School" info sessions today!

Register for July 13, 2021 8pm ET info session

Register for July 14, 2021 6pm PT info session

 Current and retired union members and their families are eligible to enroll in the Free College program, including spouses and domestic partners, children (or stepchildren), grandchildren (or step-grandchildren), financial dependents, siblings and parents. Unemployed, furloughed, and laid off union workers and their extended family are all eligible to enroll.

Let your fellow union members know that you've found a great fit with MetLife Auto & Home^®. When you refer another union member and he/she gets an auto insurance quote, we'll mail you a $20 gas card to say thanks.*

Spread the word. Tell your fellow union members to call us at 844-219-0292.

Here's how it works:

1. Refer a fellow union member.
2. He/she mentions your name and group code DJ7 when he/she calls for an auto insurance quote.
3. We mail you a $20 gas card.*

How does a down payment work?

A down payment is an upfront payment toward the total cost of a home you plan to buy. You typically pay a percentage of the home’s cost, with the mortgage you get making up the difference. For example, if you put down 20% on a $400,000 home ($80,000), you would get a mortgage to finance the remaining $320,000.

If you’ve stashed away some cash for your down payment, great. But make sure you set a realistic budget when considering how much to put down.

Why your down payment amount matters

• It's one of the factors in lending decisions. Your lender will consider your down payment along with your credit score, credit history, total debt, and annual income to see if you qualify for a loan.
• The size of your down payment can affect your mortgage options. What you put down on your home can affect what financing options and interest rates you’re offered.
• The more you put down, the less you may pay in interest. Because you’re borrowing less money, a larger down payment may reduce the interest you pay over the life of your loan and lower your total mortgage costs. Plus, your monthly payment may be lower.

Mortgage options for low down payments

You don’t have to put down 20% to get a mortgage. The following are common types of loans that offer low down payment options.

• Conventional loans: First-time homebuyers might qualify for a down payment of just 3% of the purchase price.
• VA loans: If you qualify for this loan, which is backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, you won’t be required to make a down payment at all.
• USDA loans: If you qualify for a loan backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, your down payment could be 0%.
• FHA loans: First-time homebuyers might qualify for a down payment as low as 3.5% of the purchase price.

But, if you do choose make a lower down payment, you may have to pay mortgage insurance. This insurance provides protection for the lender in the event you are unable to make mortgage payments. Mortgage insurance increases the cost of the loan and will increase your monthly payments.

It's also a good idea to keep a little cash handy. After you pay all closing costs, most lenders want you to have enough money left in savings to cover your mortgage payments for a few months. You might also want to have some cash set aside for any unexpected expenses that might come up after you move into your new home.

There are many types of mortgages with different down payment requirements available. The down payment that’s right for you is the one that fits your budget and loan selection. Your Wells Fargo Home Mortgage consultant can help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions.

The 2021 Share My Lesson Virtual Conference will feature high-quality professional development for educators as well as a lineup of webinars is built around supporting the needs of educators (and parents too) during these extraordinary time.

Keynote Addresses:

• Roadmap for Excellence in History and Civics for all Learners
  Presented by Dr. Danielle Allen, Director of Harvard's Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics
  Share My Lesson and iCivics 
• The State of Public Education 2021
  Presented by Randi Weindarten, President, American Federation of Teachers and Share My Lesson
• Priorities to Support our Students
  A conversation with U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona

Webinar topics Include:

• Anti-Bias Education and Culturally Responsive Teaching
• Civic Engagement, Current Events and Social Studies
• Classroom Management, Restorative Practices and Support for ALL Students
• Distance Learning, Reopening Schools and Learning Recovery
• Instructional Strategies for the Arts, ELA and STEM
• Mental Health, SEL and Trauma-Sensitive Practices

Register for the free 2021 Share My Lesson Virtual Conference 
March 23-25, 2021 1-9 pm ET
Register for all Virtual Conference 2021 webinars

More from Share My Lesson

• Sign Up for Share My Lesson
  Get free access to 400,000 lesson plans, classroom activities and professional development resources
• Share My lesson AFT Member Community
• Earn Continuing Education Credits
  Share My Lesson’s live and on-demand webinars are eligible for continuing education credit and professional development points.

Limited Time Offer: Billing Accommodations for Texas Policyholders

MetLife Auto & Home is here to help Texas customers experiencing hardship and having difficulty paying their premiums during this time. Accommodations are available through March 24, 2021.

Bill holds and accommodations:

Customers in need of special billing accommodations can contact MetLife Auto & Home at 800-438-6381 (1-800-Get-Met1) for assistance.

One-time payment options:

• Pay-by-phone: 800-438-6381 (1-800-Get-Met1). Customers can pay by electronic check (preferred) or by debit or credit card.
• Online payment: Customers can sign up for online policy access and pay bills electronically by bank account or card at online.metlife.com or MetLife.com (click "Login" and select "Personal Account").

Automatic payment arrangements:

Automatic payment plans help avoid issues that can come up when natural disasters strike. Customers can set up recurring payments via checking account, from a credit or debit card, or payroll deduction (if available through your employer).

Filing a property claim:

Available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year:

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

MetLife Auto & Home is here for you during this difficult time and appreciates your patience.

Most of us know we need important estate planning documents like wills, advance directives and powers of attorney, but finding the time to complete these documents can be a challenge.

With MetLife Legal Plans' new digital estate planning solution, it's easy for you to complete estate planning documents. This allows you to designate your wishes for healthcare, as well as protect your family and assets quickly and easily from the comfort of your home.

Use the digital estate planning solution to create:

• Last Will and Testament – Leave property to loved ones and choose guardians for minor children.
• Advance Directive – Plan for a medical emergency and select medical care preferences.
• Durable Financial Power of Attorney – Choose someone to manage finances in case of an emergency.

How does it work?

MetLife's digital estate planning solution is available to all enrolled legal plan members at members.legalplans.com. You will need to create an account here using the email and password of your choice to use the digital estate planning solution.

To get started:

1. Once you’ve created an account and logged in, choose “Wills and Estates” from the main menu, and then click on “Estate Plan Bundle” from the coverage page.
2. Answer a few questions to find out if the digital estate planning option is right for you. If it is, click on “Do it Online” to continue.
3. Begin creating your documents by providing some information about yourself, your family and your healthcare wishes.
4. Review the documents to ensure your wishes are correctly stated.
5. Print the documents and review the instructions for notarization. You can find a notary at most banks or UPS stores.

The process is designed to work for most people, but if there are aspects of your estate that are more complicated, you might be directed to reach out to one of MetLife's network attorneys instead of using the online process.

Get started

Stay strong, Texas — our hearts and thoughts are with you.

Union Plus Disaster Relief and Partner Assistance

You may be eligible for a $500 Disaster Relief Grant from Union Plus
If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by the severe winter storms in Texas, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief program.*

No-cost legal help for Texans through MetLife's Disaster Relief Plan
MetLife Legal Plans has activated its Disaster Relief Plan for union members who have been affected by the recent severe winter storm in Texas.

MetLife network attorneys are able to provide document review and consultations for many issues that these individuals may face, at no cost to them through their Disaster Relief Plan. These include:

• Reviewing documents related to federal aid and insurance claims
• Providing consultation for identity theft issues due to lost personal documents
• Answering questions about damaged property for renters or homeowners
• Providing advice on dealing with creditors and bill collectors

This service will be available through July 31, 2021. Members that need assistance can call the Customer Service Center at 800-821-6400. ​​They will need to identify they are with Union Plus, the last four digits of their Social Security Number or membership number and indicate that they are interested in the document review and consultations services being offered as part of the Disaster Relief Plan.

LifeWorks Grief Counseling from MetLife
LifeWorks has resources available for you and your members to provide emotional support and referrals for community resources to help during this difficult time. LifeWorks has opened its 24/7 crisis support hotline for anyone affected by the severe weather and power outages.

The Crisis Support Line is available by calling: 1-877-757-7587. This hotline is available for anyone in the community impacted by this event. Callers will receive professional emotional support and/or referrals to community resources.^**

MetLife Auto & Home Catastrophe Response Team and Claims
MetLife stands ready to assist Texan customers experiencing property losses due to the recent extreme cold, including damage from burst pipes. Assistance includes:

• 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

MetLife Auto & Home Auto property damages
Phone: 1-800-854-6011
Email: MET_CAT@metlife.com

MetLife Auto & Home Flood policy claims
Phone: 1-877-254-6819
Email: metlifecs@torrentcorp.com

Ways to get or give help

Texas Workers Relief Fund
The Texas Workers Relief Fund has been established by the Texas AFL-CIO to assist workers and their families in their time of need.

Texas Freeze Resources from the Texas AFL-CIO
The Texas AFL-CIO has compiled a broad list of resources by region/city, that include shelter and food based resources.

Texas Mutual Aid Organizations

Here are some of the largest Mutual aid organizations in major Texas cities:

Austin
Donate to Austin Mutual Aid via the Venmo accounts @austinmutualaid and @austinmutualaidhotels.

Note: Do not donate to @austinmutualaidhotel (similar to the legitimate handle, just without an S.) this is a fraudulent account not associated with Austin Mutual Aid.

Dallas
Feed the People Dallas  is a Black/Latinx female-led network that serves the Dallas–Fort Worth area. You can Venmo it at @feedthepeopledallas or donate via it’s website: https://feedthepeopledallas.com/.

Houston
Community Care - Mutual Aid Houston has been overwhelmed by generous support and has recommended donations to the below organizations to help those in need in the Houston area:

• Crowdsource Rescue (@cs_rescue on Twitter) is a 100% volunteer organization using next-generation technology to quickly connect professional first responders and vetted civilian rescue teams with people in the community who need help after disaster strikes. Distributing food, water, generators, and heaters to people without power or water.
• Houseless Organizing Coalition (@HocHtx on Twitter) is a revolutionary coalition fully operated by BIPOC organizers building dual power within Houston's houseless community. Distributes supplies and addressing needs for those in our houseless community.
• West Street Recovery (@weststreetrecovery on Instagram) is a horizontally organized grassroots non-profit organization which aims to use efforts toward recovery after Hurricane Harvey to build community power.
• Houston Food Bank (@HoustonFoodBank on Twitter) serves more than 1.1 million people in the 18 southeast Texas counties and distributes food and other essentials to those in need through a network of 1,500 community partners.
• Texas Jail Project (@TxJailProject on Twitter) is a grassroots advocacy project that listens, informs, and advocates for people trapped in Texas county jails. Amidst the Texas Winter Storm, they set up a rapid response helpline for folks and their families to report on-the-ground conditions in jail facilities where thousands have no clean drinking water and are experiencing neglect.  They have been distributing funds to people's commissaries for those who are able to purchase food, water, and hygiene products through their jail's commissary stores. They also posted money to folks' phone accounts and covering the cost of all collect calls from jails.
• Community Fridges in Houston
  • HTX Community Fridges x Third Ward Community Fridge | Instagram
  • Alief Community Fridge | Instagram
  • Baytown Free Fridge | Instagram
  • Cloverleaf Community Fridge | Instagram
  • Stafford Community Fridge | Instagram
  • Tomball Community Fridge | Instagram

San Antonio

Para Mi Gente Mutual Aid is asking for donations via Cash App ($pmgmutualaid) and Venmo (@pmgmutualaid).

As always, double-check before donating to ensure you’re doing it safely and effectively and thank you for being good neighbors to our friends in Texas.