Consumer Tips

But there are a few things that aren’t worth the “deal” you may receive in December; you’ll do better to wait.

Bedding

Blankets, sheets, and pillows usually look like great deals on Black Friday or over the holiday season, but you can save more if you wait until January. Many stores like Macy’s, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Overstock have white sales in January and put all their bedding, towels, and other linens on sale. On average you can save as much as 50 percent, sometimes more, by waiting until January.

Jewelry

New bling always makes a great holiday gift, but December is not the time to buy. Just after the holidays and in the week or two before Valentine’s Day you’ll find the biggest sales.

Cruises

If you didn’t book it in the first week of December, wait until after the holidays. Cruise packages are at their lowest for the first few days of the month, but then the prices double, or even triple, the closer you get to the holidays. If you want to go somewhere warm over the winter, wait until January to book your trip.

Exercise

Equipment Black Friday and holiday deals may look good for expensive exercise equipment, but the prices are at their absolute lowest in the beginning of January when everyone is thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. If you want a new treadmill, wait until the first week of January.

Computers

Need a new laptop? If you can, wait until the summer. You’ll find some sales over the holidays, but the best deals will be late spring to mid-summer during the back-to-school season. By waiting a few months you can save anywhere from 30 percent to 50 percent.

Winter Clothes

Many retailers are offering great deals for gift giving, but if you can wait a little longer all those things you want will be on clearance. When the spring and summer clothes start to appear, all the winter clothes will be marked down as much as 70 percent off.

New Car

If you’re in the market for a new car, the best day to negotiate the best price is New Year’s Eve. Why? Dealers have monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales goal to meet and all those goals come together at the end of December. You’ll find dealers are in more of a negotiating mood when they have a goal they need to meet quickly.

Christmas Decorations

It may seem strange to avoid buying Christmas decorations near Christmas, but that’s when they are most expensive. If you can wait until anytime between December 26th and early January you’ll find all those decorations on sale for 50 percent to 70 percent off. Then just store them away for next year.

Mattress

If you’re in the market for a new bed, you’re better off waiting until Memorial Day weekend when you’ll find even deeper discounts than the holiday season. Labor Day weekend is a close second, with deals almost as good as Memorial Day.

Final Sale Items

While the prices may be great, you won’t be able to return or exchange it if it doesn’t quite fit. If you’re shopping for a gift, this is probably not the best option.

There are plenty of sales that are worth it in December, but avoid these ten items if you can. You’ll find a better bargain at another time.

Union Plus Credit Counseling 

Union members can get a no-obligation money and credit assessment from certified, experienced consumer credit counselors though Union Plus Credit Counseling. Powered by the non-profit Money Management International (MMI), your free session will cover a complete financial review, assistance in budgeting, advice for working with creditors, and more.
 

Of course, even if you budget each paycheck meticulously, things will go awry. Which raises a major dilemma: what exactly do you do if you’re in between paychecks and the money runs out?

Don’t panic

So there’s no cash available and you don’t get paid until Friday. Okay. Stay calm. It’s a naturally stressful situation, and it’s understandable to feel a little panicked.

The last thing you want to do, however, is make a rash decision. Rash decisions have a tendency to make things worse. So take a breath and let’s a find a way through this.

Review your bills

When are your bills due? Is there anything due before your next paycheck?

Failing to pay your bills on time will very likely result in fees and other penalties that will only make things more difficult going forward. If you have a bill coming due before your next paycheck, reach out and ask about the possibility of an extension. The more you can do to prevent your accounts becoming the delinquent, the better.

Plan ahead

Are there any expenses between now and your next paycheck? Consider all the costs coming up and put them in order of priority. Separate the “wants” from the “needs”. What can be skipped or delayed, and what absolutely cannot be put off until your next paycheck.You may need to make some difficult decisions - understanding your priorities can make those difficult decisions a little easier.

Consider your options

If your cash is temporarily dried up, your next option is usually credit. Do you have a credit card, and if so, how much credit do you have available?

You always have to be careful when using credit in emergency situations. Eventually, you will need to pay those charges off. You don’t want to simply push today’s problems into tomorrow and end up making a worse situation for yourself. It’s best to have a plan for repayment in place as soon as possible. Build it into your budget and do your best to avoid any interest charges if you can.

You might consider using a payday loan. If so, be cautious – payday loans can be disastrous in certain circumstances. The best advice is to never use a payday loan unless you can definitely pay back the entire loan in one cycle. In any event, payday loans have significantly high interest rates and should generally only be used as a last resort.

A better, though sometimes painful alternative may be to borrow money from a friend or relative. If you do need to ask a loved one for money, do your best to set reasonable expectations (when you plan to repay) and follow through. If you face a setback, let them know and make every effort to pay them back as soon as possible.

Being broke is challenging and deeply unpleasant. However, if you’re proactive, organized, and diligent, you can minimize a lot of that unpleasantness and avoid making a bad situation even worse.

Union Plus Credit Counseling 

Union members can get a no-obligation money and credit assessment from certified, experienced consumer credit counselors though Union Plus Credit Counseling. Powered by the non-profit Money Management International (MMI), your free session will cover a complete financial review, assistance in budgeting, advice for working with creditors, and more.

Learn More 

Here are four things to keep in mind when you’re considering an offer in a car ad:

1. The fine print is important. Read the entire ad. The small print shouldn’t contradict the big print.
    
2. Compare offers from multiple dealers. If you don’t understand what an ad is offering, you can look for an offer from another dealer.
    
3. Speak Spanish? All of the ad should be in the same language. A company should give you all the important information in the same language, so you can understand the entire offer. Be skeptical if the ad you see is in Spanish, but parts of it are in English. The FTC recently announced a case against a dealership that advertised attractive terms in Spanish, but had other important information in English.
    
4. Asking questions is important. When you visit the dealer, you should ask many questions. If you decide to buy, be clear on the terms you’re agreeing to before signing anything.

When you see a car ad, keep a critical eye. If the ad offers, for example, low monthly payments or 0% rates, and if the fine print at the bottom of the ad contradicts the offers in large print on the same ad, the ad may not be telling the whole story.

To find the best car deal, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare offers from different dealers. Also, consider various financing sources like banks or credit unions. Learn more about buying and owning a car at www.FTC.gov/cars.

1. Use “Pet-Friendly” Antifreeze
   
   Thankfully, it’s well publicized that antifreeze is tempting to pets, as well as a detriment to pet health. Accidental ingestion is a big reason why pet owners are so thankful for the services of their pet insurance company every year.
   
   Some antifreeze brands have an added bitterant to keep pets and children from ingesting it, and others, like Prestone LowTox Antifreeze Coolant, are less toxic blends. You should still be careful to keep your pet away from it, but if accidental ingestion should occur, results may not be fatal.
    
2. Bang on Your Car Hood Before Starting the Car
   
   Feral and loose cats know how to find warm sleeping spots, often including wheel wells and warm car engines. Too often, these cats are run over or maimed by rotating fan belts or engine components. Get in the habit of always banging on the hood as you approach your car, and then honking the horn before you start it, to scare away potential heat seekers.
    
3. Screen Your Fireplace
   
   Cats love to use fireplace soot as cat litter, but should never be allowed to get in the habit of entering an open fireplace. Secure screens or glass doors to fireplaces. Here’s a helpful video showing how. Another option is laying something undesirable in front of the fireplace, like double sided tape or a “scat mat.”
    
4. Microchip or Invest in a GPS Collar
   
   Microchipping is a great way to ensure your pet always has identification, but the chips only work if your pet is found and scanned correctly. A GPS pet tracking collar is a great backup, especially in the winter. Of course, leash safety should be of prime concern year-long, but microchips and GPS collars can really pay off if your dog becomes lost.
   
   If a winter-related accident or illness occurs with your pet, be sure to call your veterinarian immediately so they can help you determine what to do next. Unexpected veterinary visits can be expensive but that’s where pet insurance can help, by reimbursing on veterinary bills.

Learn more about Union Plus Pet Insurance 

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.

When my uncle’s union went on strike in the early 1980s, members of other organizations rallied around him and his co-workers until they went back to work. Christmas still happened. No meals were missed. The union kept all of the electricians comfortable during a very uncomfortable time.

It’s that sort of protection and camaraderie that draws people to employee unions in the first place. In fact, 14.6 million Americans were part of a union in 2016. After all, you can never have too much insurance in case of injury, disability, strike, or loss of employment.

That’s the thinking that has made Union Plus benefits a mainstay in the lives of more than 12 million members nationwide. Created by the AFL-CIO in 1986, the nonprofit Union Privilege supports the labor movement with financial and lifestyle products (called Union Plus benefits) designed for union members and their families. Among the original, and most popular, offerings are a trio of Mastercard-branded credit cards issued by Capital One that meet a host of needs.

Whether you’re looking to rebuild credit or earn cash back on purchases, there are ways to get even more from a Union Plus Credit Card. And since Union Plus has been involved with the labor movement so long, it has learned the needs of union members change over time.

That same knowledge was used when developing a package of hardship benefits that offer grants to meet many needs, all at no extra cost.

“The goal was to create non-employment-based benefits that enhance the experience of being a union member,” said Roger Pollack, Head of the Union Plus Credit Program. “The credit card program was one of the first products established. Most of our employees have worked with the labor movement in some capacity before moving over to Union Plus. We’re proud of our work every day, to be able to work with and serve the millions of people who are lucky enough to have the union on their side.”

Current and retired union members are automatically eligible to apply for and use their union’s Union Plus benefits — no membership in Union Plus is required. Benefits range from discounts on entertainment options, like theme parks and movie tickets, all the way up to price breaks on monthly bills, like insurances and cell phone plans through AT&T, the country’s only unionized mobile carrier.

Hardship Grants Provide Relief During Strikes or Disability

Strikes happen — as do medical issues, job loss, and other types of financial hardship. While nobody wants these things to happen, they are a part of life and a key reason why millions of Americans join unions. To help keep your life intact when things get tough, Union Plus curated a package of benefits that includes single-use grants for financial assistance when you need it most.

“We have a special cardholder assistance program that offers the opportunity to apply for small- to medium-sized grants,” Roger said. “These help if you were to lose your job, become disabled, or if you were to incur a hospital or medical bill that you don’t have any coverage for. That’s just one of the special benefits designed for union members.”

The grants for eligible credit cardholders include a $300 strike grant, a similar job loss grant, or as much as $1,200 in hospital grant money.

“Those grants are paid directly to the cardholder,” Roger said. “They come from a trust that we established as a reserve to cover the grant program. If one of our cardholders is in trouble, we help out in a very direct way.”

Get the Credit You Deserve with the Benefits You Require

Union Plus has more than one million credit cardholders spread throughout all 50 states. The three cards offered are similar to regular consumer offerings through Capital One, but with the added layer of union benefits not seen through other issuers.

Those benefits are part of the reason why 90% of surveyed cardholders said they’d recommend the cards to others.

“We have a lot of folks who have been in the program for a really long time,” Roger said. “They’re people who support their union and are proud to be union members. They’re proud to be able to show their union card. Plus, our service is strong. What tends to yield a high satisfaction score is when people call up, they get their problems resolved quickly. We work hard to do that every day and for all of our cardholders.”

The Union Plus credit cards come in three options, each serving very particular needs.

Build Your Credit Profile Via Responsible Use with the Primary Access Card

The first tier of Union Plus’ credit card offerings is the Primary Access Card. This card has credit limits between $300 and $3,500, and a 24.24% variable APR. Credit limits may increase after making your first five payments on time, and the card does not come with an annual fee.

This card, along with the benefits and hardship grants that all of the cards carry, is a great starter for building — or rebuilding — credit over time.

Eliminate Balances with the Help of the Rate Advantage Card

If you have a balance on another credit card with a higher-than-average APR, Rate Advantage might be the card you need to eliminate that debt without overpaying on interest. Starting with a 0% APR for the first 15 months on all purchases and transfers, this card is ideal for anyone that wants to carry, or will likely build, a balance that can’t be paid off immediately.

Based on creditworthiness, a variable 11.9%-to-21.9% APR follows the introductory period. Credit limits range between $500 and $7,500, and the card comes with no annual fee.

“This card is definitely for people who are likely to be revolvers,” Roger said. “The idea is to have a competitively priced card, in terms of retail APR, that allows our cardholders to save on interest by transferring higher-rate balances and to use their money on things that are important to them.”

Earn 1.5% Cashback on Every Purchase with No Annual Fee

With a 0% intro APR for 12 months on all purchases and transfers, and rates of either 13.9%, 19.9%, or 23.74% afterward, depending on creditworthiness, the Union Plus Cash Rewards Card is packed with the perks most people look for in a go-to rewards card. The Cash Rewards Card earns an unlimited 1.5% in cash back on every purchase with no annual fee, and credit limits that extend as high as $10,000.

If you’re a regular credit user who doesn’t often keep a revolving balance, this card allows you to accrue rewards for purchases you’d already be making. You can let that money accumulate over time to put toward a larger purchase, use it toward lowering your balance, or as a bonus to treat yourself on a rainy day. The possibilities are whatever you want them to be.

Make Your Union Plus Credit Card Work for You

No one ever wants to think about the worst-case scenario, but smart workers always make sure they’re protected — just in case. Be it through a union membership or as part of the Union Plus benefits program, you can never have too much protection.

With the trio of credit card offerings from Union Plus, you may have access to the credit you need while adding the hardship benefits and discount packages at no extra cost.

If you or a loved one are a member or retired member of a union, the advantages of Union Plus extend beyond credit cards into all sectors of your financial well-being.

“We have a wide array of products,” Roger said. “Credit cards are one of our oldest and strongest, but we’ve always had a really good mortgage program and a strong discount benefits program with AT&T. We also have a new program where we’re partnering with eHealth to help members figure out what the best Medicare products are. We’re continuing to innovate in areas like that to meet the needs of union members.”

It may seem strange to suddenly be having these problems again, but in fact it is very common for you to experience cavities again as you get older. They don’t just affect children! Children and seniors are the two highest at-risk groups for tooth decay.

One common cause of cavities for older Americans is dry mouth, which is often a side-effect of medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, allergies and more. So how can you prevent this?

First, you should speak with your dentist about any medications you are taking and get their input. Here are some other tips for keeping your teeth healthy:

• Keep your diet low in sugar
• Drink more water
• Add more calcium to your diet
• Make sure you’re getting enough fluoride – try using fluoride toothpastes or mouth rinses

With these tips and regular cleanings, you can keep your teeth healthy. Scheduling regular cleanings (2 each year are recommended) can help your dentist catch and treat the early stages of cavities or other issues before it becomes more serious.

• Make a list and a budget. Include incidentals, like cards, wrapping paper and eating out. 
• Check out websites that compare prices for items sold online, and at stores in your area.
• Look for rebates. Some can be redeemed at checkout, but most require you to send documentation to the manufacturer to get your rebate.
• Make sure the scanned price is right. Overcharges cost you money and time, especially if you don’t notice them right away.
• Consider customer reviews carefully. The law says reviewers should disclose their connection to a company, but not all of them do. Before you buy anything based on a review, search online for information from sources you trust. Compare reviews from a variety of websites.
• Giving jewelry? Take some time to learn the terms used in the industry so you can get the best quality and value.
• If you use a mobile device or computer to shop for deals, be aware that some unexpected emails, texts or posts may lead to fraudulent sites claiming bargains on brand name products.
• Save receipts. When you’re shopping online, keep copies of your order number, the refund and return policies, shipping costs and warranties.
• Billed for merchandise that wasn’t received? Here’s what to do.
• If money’s tight, consider layaway. You typically make a deposit and pay over time; the retailer holds the merchandise until you’ve paid for the item in full.

For instance, a group operating as Tarr, Inc. settled FTC allegations that it ran a deceptive internet marketing campaign to sell weight-loss, muscle-building and wrinkle-reducing products. The FTC says Tarr used phony news stories and magazine reports, phony celebrity endorsements and customer testimonials, false claims, and sham “free trials” to sell the products. People agreed to pay the shipping costs for the trials, but Tarr allegedly didn’t make it clear that it would charge consumers for the trials and automatically enroll them in a subscription program unless they cancelled within a couple of weeks. In all, consumers paid about $180 million over five years for products that the FTC claims Tarr sold through deceptive marketing.

Avoid getting scammed by deceptive product offers:

• Read the fine print for a “low cost” or “free” trial offer. Look for terms such as enrollment in an ongoing subscription. This often means automatic debits or charges to your accounts. If you don’t understand the terms of the offer, don't sign up.
• Watch for pre-checked boxes, which the company may claim gives it permission to keep billing you after the trial. Be sure to set a reminder of when the free trial period is over to avoid getting billed if you no longer want the product.
• Learn how to spot phony news sites. These actually are elaborate ads created by marketers to look like news sites.
• Be skeptical about products that promise miraculous results. And just because a celebrity or a believable-looking “customer” appears to be praising the product doesn’t mean it’s trustworthy.

Tell the FTC if you experience a deceptive product offer.