Consumer Tips

The following article is presented for informational purposes only. If you have tax questions, please consult with a qualified tax professional.

Tax season is back again. If you’re expecting a refund this year, the last thing you want to do is make a mistake that costs you money. Sometimes that means an error that causes a delay in receiving your refund. Sometimes that means an oversight that results in you not getting the full amount owed to you.

So as you prepare to complete your tax return, do your best to avoid making the following common mistakes.

Simple Spelling or Mathematical Errors

You want to make sure that whatever names listed on your tax return match the tax identification record maintained by the Social Security Administration. If you’ve recently married or changed names, you want to make sure you’re using the name associated with your tax ID in order to avoid processing issues.

At that same token, errors in your math can cause returns to be held for review, causing a delay in your refund. Double check your math before you send!

Picking the Wrong Filing Status

For most people, selecting your filing status is one of the simpler elements to completing a tax return. But where there’s a little gray area (couples filing separately, anyone in the midst of a divorce, etc.) it’s best to understand the consequences of each choice. Finding the best status for your situation can make a sizable difference in your refund. Consider speaking with a qualified professional to help you decide which filing status is right for you.

Failing to Report Income

Failing to report income from secondary jobs or investment accounts can be costly, including potential penalties and interest on that unreported income. The IRS knows how much you made. Be sure to include all forms of income when completing your return.

Failing to Properly Document Your Charitable Giving

Charitable giving is great way to do something positive in your community and potentially reduce a bit of your taxable income. For tax purposes, at least, charitable giving won’t help if you 1) don’t remember how much you gave, and 2) don’t have any documentation of your giving.

Any small donation (under $250) requires at least a receipt from the recipient (unless a receipt isn’t obtainable), if you’d like to claim it on your income taxes. Large donations ($250 and up) require even more documentation, which you can find over on the IRS website.

Not Itemizing Your Deductions

In many cases, the standard deduction is just fine. But quite a few people avoid itemizing their deductions to their detriment. Take the time sort through all of your applicable deductions, especially if you had substantial medical or education-related fees the previous year. You can also deduct state and local taxes, which can make a big difference, especially if you live in an area with higher than average income tax rates.

Not Taking Advantage of Available Credits and Tax Breaks

There are some big tax credits out there, and you might be surprised to find that you actually qualify for one. The Earned Income Tax Credit, for example, is typically only claimed by about 20 percent of the eligible consumers. Check out this list from CNBC of the ten most popular tax credits to see if there’s one you may qualify for.

Neglecting to Amend Old Tax Returns

You’re allowed to amend prior tax returns for up to three years. If you discover, for instance, that you’ve been eligible for a certain credit all these years, you can submit an amended return and receive any additional refund owed to you. Don’t think that just because the return is out the door, that you can’t claim money that’s owed to you.

Union Plus Debt Management

Did you know that union members can get free budgeting advice from certified consumer credit counseling advisers? It's true! For union members who need additional assistance in eliminating debt, you can receive an enrollment fee waiver for a Debt Management Plan (DMP) available through Union Plus Credit Counseling.

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Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to offset these rising prices. Having your heating equipment serviced by a professional is the best place to start. From there, follow this step-by-step guide from the experts at Consumer Reports.

First the bad news. Homeowners who heat with oil will see the biggest increase in fuel prices, from $992 last winter up to $1,370 in 2016 to 2017. If temperatures are 10 degrees colder than expected, the cost increase could go from 38 percent to 56 percent. Natural gas households should expect to spend just under $900 throughout the season, a 22 percent jump from last year, and costs of propane will go up 26 percent, to between $1,272 and $1,991, depending on the region. Electric heat will see a modest 5 percent increase, to an annual cost of $995.

Step 1: Seal Air Leaks

If you add up all of the leaks around windows, doors, and other openings in your home’s envelope, it’s like having an open window. To stop your losses, plug those holes with a combination of weatherstripping, caulk, or expandable foam.

Professionals perform a blower door test to identify air leaks. You can try a low-tech version by turning on all of your home’s exhaust fans and holding an incense stick near windows, doors, and electrical outlets. If the smoke blows sideways, you have a leak that needs plugging.

Step 2: Set Your Thermostat

If you haven’t upgraded to a programmable thermostat yet, this is the winter to do so; see our thermostat ratings for the best models on the market. The device will automatically lower the heat when you’re asleep or away from home. That can lower your heating costs by as much as 20 percent, meaning the thermostat could pay for itself in a year or two, depending on which model you choose. For optimal efficiency, set the temperature to 68° F or lower when you’re home and awake, and set it back to 60° F all other times.

Step 3: Check the Filters

This tip applies to homes with forced-air heating. If you have the system professionally serviced, filter replacement should be included. But for optimal efficiency, you need to replace the filter every few months, so it pays to know how.

First turn off the furnace. Then remove the existing furnace filter, located just inside the furnace or return air vent. Note the furnace filter size printed on the cardboard frame. Purchase a replacement filter from a home center, hardware store, or online retailer. Check our whole-house air filter ratings for recommended models that are best at trapping dust, pollen, smoke, and other airborne particulates.

Slide the new filter into place; check for the markings that tell you which side of the filter should face the furnace. Keep a record of the date so that you’ll know when it’s time to change the furnace filter again. Replace any cover that goes over the filter.

This is also a good time to make sure the warm-air registers throughout your home aren’t blocked by furniture, because that will make the system run less efficiently, driving up your utility bills. 

These steps can combine to easily erase the price increase in home heating fuel. There are many other behavioral changes you can make, for example opening curtains on any south-facing windows during the day to allow the sunlight to warm your home, and keeping your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. 

More DIY Projects to Try

Around the House

• How to Get Your Snow Blower Ready for Winter
• How to Aerate Your Soil and Other Fall Lawn Care Tips
• How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower 
• How to Replace a Lawn Mower Blade
• How to Replace a Gas Grill Burner
• How to Clean a Deck With a Pressure Washer
• How to Stay Safe on a Ladder
• How to Paint a Room and Get It Right the First Time 

In the Kitchen

• How to Clean Your Coffee Maker
• How to Load a Dishwasher
• How to Get Rid of Funky Refrigerator Smells
• How to Organize a Refrigerator for Maximum Freshness
• How to Clean a Smoothtop Range or Cooktop
• How to Clean a Dishwasher
• How to Care for Your Kitchen Knives
• How to Clean a Microwave Oven

Laundry & Linens 

• How to Wash a Pillow to Keep It Smelling Fresh
• How to Iron a Dress Shirt 
• How to Clean Your Washing Machine
• How to Clean a Mattress
• How to Fold a Fitted Sheet
• How to Do Laundry Without Ruining Your Clothes

Copyright© 2006-2017 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission.

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Valentine’s Day has typically been regarded as a day for people in love to celebrate together, but that’s not the only way to do it! Valentine’s Day is also the perfect opportunity to express love in all forms – not just romantic. If you’re at a loss thinking of Valentine’s Day gifts for your family, here are a few ideas to let each loved one know how much you appreciate them:

Valentine’s Day Gift for Young Kids

Valentine’s Day crafts are a great way to celebrate the holiday with your young kids. Take the time as a family to decorate valentines for everyone in your child’s class as opposed to store-bought cards. When it comes to giving your children a Valentine’s Day present, you can’t go wrong with something small, like a stocking stuffer.  Another great option is a larger craft project to keep the kids busy on any snow days or cold winter weekends. We still have a few more months of bad weather to get through until school is out!

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Grown Up Children

If your kids are long moved out, you can surprise them by sending something in the mail! By Valentine’s Day, it’s probably been a couple of months since they’ve gotten to come home and visit, so they’d love to know you’re thinking of them. Consider baking a batch of cookies or cupcakes and mailing them to your child at school or in another state or surprise him or her with a bouquet of flowers. Teleflora’s Swirling Heart Bouquet is a great option to brighten up their room or desk!

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Parents

Your parents have done a lot for you over the years, treating them whenever you get the opportunity isn’t a bad idea! It’s a great time to surprise them with a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift – especially if it’s something that they can enjoy together. Consider sending your parents a gift card to their favorite restaurant or movie theater so they can have a night out together, or a bottle of wine to enjoy during a night in. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a Together at Twilight Bouquet, either. This subdued arrangement comes in a variety of purple shades – perfect for mantle decor!

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Siblings

Siblings are your partners-in-crime from birth, so why not surprise them with a Valentine’s Day gift? It’s always nice to get a nostalgic gift that is something the two of you shared, but also consider getting something you know they would never buy themselves. Both these options will make sure you make their day extra special. If he/she isn’t in a serious relationship or never get flowers for Valentine’s Day, send a Hugs and Kisses Bouquet with Red Roses right to the office so he/she can indulge in the traditions of the holiday for once. Plus, siblings like to embarrass each other, so why not show off how much you love them with a big display of affection? It’s a surefire way to get them to smile.

While Valentine’s Day seems like it is only meant for romantic relationships, it can actually be celebrated with anyone who is special to you. It’s the perfect day to remind loved ones how much they mean to you with thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts!

Any reputable tire retailer will have knowledgeable people behind the counter to help you when it’s time to choose new tires. They will look up your car in their database to check the wheel and tire size, then tell you what options they have in stock for your vehicle.

It helps to have some knowledge before you get to that point. You should know the type of tires you need, what you may sacrifice by buying cheaper tires and what you get by going up the price ladder.

1. If you’re not sure if your tires need replacing, use a penny. Tires with 2/32″ of tread are legally bald, resulting in severely reduced traction and making the car unsafe to drive. Insert the penny into the tire grooves. If Lincoln’s hair is covered, the amount of tread on the tire is fine. Otherwise, it’s time for new rubber.
2. Used tires are a common way to save money, but it’s hard to tell if they were improperly inflated or driven aggressively. These factors can accelerate wear and put you in dangerous situations.
3. When choosing a tire, consider the condition of the roads where you drive. If they’re in bad shape, talk to your retailer about tires with taller sidewalls to absorb potholes. Low profile tires look more aggressive, but can make for a harsh ride and be more susceptible to blowouts.
4. If you don’t know which tires you need, stick with your car manufacturer’s recommendation. Professional engineers typically choose tires that best match the car’s characteristics, taking into consideration handling, comfort and fuel economy. In most modern cars, this information is located inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Alternatively, you can get it by visiting a tire retailer’s website and entering your car’s year, make and model.
5. If you live in an area without snow, a passenger or touring tire should fit your needs. Otherwise, consider a set of winter tires you can use in winter until the snow melts. You may even want a dedicated set of wheels for these tires, so you can easily change them out as the seasons change.
6. Getting bigger or wider tires than the manufacturer’s original equipment may have consequences. The increased height may cause the tire to rub against the fender, and changing the shape of the contact patch may cause the car to hydroplane when driving over water.
7. How long should tires last? According to Consumer Reports, all-season tires typically last between 40,000 and 100,000 miles. To maximize the life of your tires, keep them properly inflated and rotate them according to the owner’s manual. Doing both will help your tires wear more evenly.
8. Low rolling resistance tires are designed to help you save at the pump, requiring less energy to keep them rolling on the road. According to the California Energy Commission, these tires can improve fuel efficiency up to 4.5%.

If you are ready to buy, don't forget your Union Plus savings! Union members can save 10% off Goodyear tires.

You can’t have a strong credit history or good credit score without having any credit history at all. And while this is a common problem for young adults and those just entering the work force, it can also be problematic for women.

In some cases, women can be both the primary spender and the sole bill-payer for their families, yet have almost no credit record of their financial responsibilities independent of their spouse. Credit history is reported separately for each debt holder, and if you are listed as an additional cardholder rather than an account owner, all of the hard work you’re putting into paying your household’s bills on time may not show up on your history. And whether you’re just out of college, newly married, long married, divorced or widowed – you need your own solid credit history.

Without a credit history, lenders are unable to evaluate your credit worthiness. How will they know that you’ll pay back the loan on time if there’s no history showing that you’ve paid loans on time in the past? If you are unsure of your credit history, it’s time to do some research. Use the following steps to help determine if you have built a strong credit history:

1. Review all of your family’s accounts, including mortgages, loans, and credit cards. Check to see if you are listed on these accounts as an authorized user, or if it’s a joint account.
2. Request a copy of your free annual credit reports from the three credit reporting bureaus to see if all of your accounts are listed. Any account where you are a joint account holder should be included on your credit reports.
3. If you are an authorized user, not a joint account holder on some accounts, ask the primary account holder to contact the creditors to see if you can be added as a joint account holder or a responsible party.
4. If you’ve ever had credit under a different name, such as a maiden or married name, send a letter to each credit agency explaining your name change. Then, request the free copies of your credit reports to make sure that your reports reflect all of your credit history, including everything under your prior name.
5. After taking these steps, if you are still light on credit history, find a way to establish credit under your own name, but make sure you start small. Open new cards or credit lines gradually. Make sure you do your research and read the fine print before applying for a credit card. And if you do sign up for a credit card, remember to consistently pay down the balance each statement period. Using credit and paying debts consistently will go a long way toward improving your credit history.

Learn more about the importance of credit scores and credit reports with MMI's free eBook, Getting the Credit You Deserve.

Here are five steps to take now, while you’re still working:

1. Schedule your annual checkups and recommended screenings.
   Regular screening can help you avoid health problems in retirement. Early detection can identify health problems at the onset — and either eliminate them or make them more manageable. Talk to your doctor about recommended screenings, based on your age and health history.
2. Eat healthy and exercise.
   Staying active and eating right as you age reduces your risk of many chronic diseases. And it can improve your mood and boost your energy. Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. Limit your intake of saturated fats, added sugars and sodium. If you haven’t exercised in awhile, schedule your physical before your begin.
3. Choose your health care providers.
   Take the time to find health care providers with whom you feel comfortable. Select a primary care physician, specialist for any existing conditions or special needs, an urgent care provider, and a full service hospital. Ask your friends and relatives for recommendations. Then see if the physicians and facilities you select will accept the insurance you’ll have when you retire. Planning up front lets you control the quality of care you receive — and manage you costs.
4. Understand your health insurance options.
   Health care in retirement is expensive — even with Medicare and private insurance. A study by Fidelity Investments estimates a 65-year old couple will need $240,000 to cover their out-of-pocket health care costs if they spend 20 years in retirement.
   
   Take the time to understand how Medicare works. Medicare covers a lot of your expenses, but it doesn’t cover them all. So in addition to the cost of your Medicare coverage, you’ll probably want to purchase supplement insurance to fill in the gaps.
   
   If you plan to retire before age 65, you’ll need to look for health insurance outside of Medicare. You may be able to continue your current employer coverage under COBRA. If married, switching to your spouse’s plan may be an option. Or you could purchase a policy on your own through your local broker on the healthcare exchange.
5. Don’t wait to replace your life insurance.
   Once you stop working, it’s likely you’ll lose the life insurance benefits your employer provides. The longer you wait to replace them, the more difficult it may be — especially if you develop health problems. The cash payment life insurance provides can help your family get by without your financial support or help a child you love with the cost of a good education. It can help a spouse offset Social Security and pension payments that reduce at the death of a husband or wife.

Here are a Few Reasons to Consider Life Insurance:

• Estate Taxes
  Many consider life insurance as an estate planning tool. Benefits can be used to pay estate taxes rather than selling assets. If your liquid assets aren't enough to pay your estate taxes, consider purchasing a life insurance policy to cover them. Federal Estate taxes kick in for estates above $2 million.
• Final Expenses
  Some people buy a small life insurance policy, just to cover their final expenses. Funeral costs alone average now more than $8,300, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. And you may leave some medical expenses not covered by health insurance.
• Pension Replacement
  Many traditional pension plans pay benefits that are based on the life of the participant only. So when that participant dies, the surviving spouse no longer collects pension payments. Consider, too, that Social Security benefits will reduce at the death of a spouse.
• Outstanding Debts
  For married retirees, having enough coverage to pay off large debts, such as a mortgage balance, can ensure the surviving spouse can stay in the home they love.
• Gift for a Loved One or Charity
  Life insurance is a way to leave a legacy for a special person or charity. If you intend to leave a small sum of cash to either, consider using that cash to purchase a much larger amount of life insurance instead. Take the amount you plan to leave and use it to pay premiums. This could result in a much more generous gift over their lifetime.
• Dependent Children
  If you had children later in life or have a child with special needs, ongoing support or medical care may become costly and last many years. If you have children who will be attending college, consider life insurance to help with tuition. In 2014, average public in-state academic institution tuition was $9,913, while out-of-state tuition was $22,958. Average private college tuition was a whopping $31,231.*
• Still Working?
  If you continue to work after retirement – and your family relies on your income – consider life insurance for income replacement. Make sure your dependents are able to stay afloat financially without your salary.

If it makes sense to make life insurance part of your overall retirement strategy, it makes sense to purchase coverage now. The younger you are, the less it will cost and the less likely you are to be turned down for purchase due to health conditions.

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If you’re considering buying a home, keep reading to get the facts about common homebuying myths.

Myth #1:  
"I need a 20% down payment to buy a home."

Fact:
You have options — some financing programs allow as little as 3% down, and in some cases, no down payment is required for qualified homebuyers. Plus, monetary gifts from friends or family may be allowed for all or a portion of a down payment and/or closing costs.

Myth #2:
"I need a perfect credit score to buy a home."

Fact:
There are financing programs available for homebuyers with less-than-perfect credit scores, or limited credit history. Some programs allow you to use rent, mobile phone, or utility payments to show credit history. And, you may benefit from a free financial coaching session through the Wells Fargo My Home Roadmap^SM program.¹

Myth #3:
"I need to make more money to qualify for a mortgage."

Fact:
Financing programs are available for a wide range of incomes. Other factors are also considered when you apply for a mortgage, including your credit score, credit profile, and your savings.

And after closing on a loan through the Union Plus Mortgage program, you’ll be eligible for special benefits that include receiving a My Mortgage 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.² Keep in mind that parents and children of union members are also eligible for certain benefits. 

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

The different types of travel insurance and what they cover

Montezuma's revenge? Broke your arm bicycling through the Swiss Alps? Wear your travel misfortunes like badges of honor -- your friends will call you a hero just for coming home alive.

As for the financial details of your troubles while on the road, that's the job of travel insurance. If you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, or if you become ill during your journey, travel insurance will reimburse you for the expenses you incur due to your bad luck.

Many travelers, however, purchase insurance that they do not need. Many standard homeowner's or health insurance policies, for instance, cover lost luggage or accidents abroad.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance are generally the most useful types of travel insurance, because they cover losses that are usually not covered by most travelers' existing coverage. These two types of insurance are often bundled and sold as a package.

• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Interruption Insurance
• Other Types of Travel Insurance

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance covers you for the period of time before you travel. It reimburses you for any prepaid, non-refundable expenses, such as airline tickets or hotel rooms, that you cannot use because you had to cancel your trip.

Trip cancellation insurance generally kicks in if the cancellation is due to an unforeseen accident, illness or other specified event that affects you, a close family member or your traveling companion. Obviously, many terms are open to interpretation: "unforeseen," "other specified event," and "close family member" are not always self-explanatory.

For instance, if your chronic back problem flared up and forced you to cancel your trip, your policy might not reimburse you because your illness was foreseeable. Many policies, in fact, specifically exclude pre-existing conditions. Injuries sustained during high-risk activities such as sky-diving are also usually excluded. And, strangely enough, almost every insurer excludes pregnancy from coverage. Be sure you know what reasons for cancellation will be accepted.

Similarly, be aware that your insurer may define "close family member" differently than you do. If you plan a trip with your live-in partner, for instance, and your partner falls seriously ill before you leave, you might not be covered for canceling your trip if only spouses are included in the definition of close family member.

Terrorism or political unrest in the country where you are headed may be an allowable reason to cancel, but they are sometimes specifically excluded from coverage.

Finally, keep in mind that trip cancellation insurance covers you before your departure, not during your trip. But when does your trip actually start? Be sure that your policy covers you while you are on the way from home to your departure point. If you have a car accident on the way to the airport, for example, your insurer might consider you to have already departed and refuse tocover your cancellation. Make sure you are covered for the entire period of time before you actually set sail, so to speak.

Trip Interruption Insurance

Trip interruption insurance covers you during your trip. If, while you are travelling, an injury, illness or other event prevents you from continuing, trip interruption coverage will reimburse you for expenses you incur because of the accident. Some policies also reimburse you for any unused prepaid expenses. Most commonly, trip interruption coverage is used to cover expenses for returning home early. Or, if you are delayed during your trip and wish to catch up to your original schedule, this type of coverage will often pay the economy fare to rejoin your itinerary. Additional living expenses may also be reimbursed if caused by a coverable delay.

Many trip interruption policies also cover medical evacuation costs, such as transporting you by helicopter to the nearest medical facility if you are injured while mountain climbing. Like trip cancellation policies, however, these policies generally exclude pre-existing conditions, so be careful not to aggravate your chronic back problem while hundreds of miles away from civilization.

Finally, some trip interruption policies cover expenses in the event that you die during your trip. If you like to prepare for every possible contingency, you might inquire about this coverage.

Other Types of Travel Insurance

Other kinds of travel insurance are generally unnecessary because standard health, homeowner's or renter's insurance covers the same ground. For example, travel accident insurance covers medical expenses stemming from accidents during a trip, but the coverage is usually quite small and is often already covered by your health or automobile insurance. The same is true for sickness-hospitalization medical insurance. (But check your health insurance policy if you plan to travel in a foreign country. Not all policies cover medical expenses incurred abroad.) And with both, beware of pre-existing conditionexclusions.

Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance covers injuries that result in severe maiming or death. Again, most standard accident, disability or life insurance policies cover these accidents, which rarely happen during travel.

Finally, baggage insurance is usually unnecessary if you already carry homeowner's or renter's insurance. And it usually contains a significant number of exclusions, so the amount of coverage is usually quite limited.

Source: Reprinted with permission from the publisher, Nolo, Copyright 2002, http://www.nolo.com

Talk More, Worry Less

When you make the decision to buy a new phone, your excitement shouldn’t be overshadowed by concerns of expenses such as data fees and voice overages. 
 
When you choose to purchase your new iPhone (or any device) from AT&T and get the Mobile Share Advantage^SM plan, you’ll get to enjoy your phone and all of its features without having to deal with concerns of overage charges. Share data with the family, and text and talk all you want – it’s included in the plan.

Not yet with AT&T? Switch to the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier and get up to $650 in bill credits² when you trade in a smartphone, and buy a new one on AT&T Next^SM.

Plus, with the AT&T wireless discounts through Union Plus,³ union members can save 15% on the monthly service charge of qualified AT&T wireless plans and 20% off select accessories from AT&T.

Learn more and shop online now, or download the coupon to take to your local AT&T retail store, where you’ll be helped by a fellow union member. Don’t forget: use the discount code 3508840 to ensure you get the discount.