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Debt-Free Retirement Now Within Reach for AFSCME Local Leader
LaVerne Washington, executive board member and steward of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 101 in San Jose, California is on her way to retiring credit card debt free.
Washington has been an AFSCME member for 18 years. As she started planning for retirement from her job as a paralegal, she researched ways to reduce her bills and high interest credit card debt. She remembered that Union Plus Credit Counseling is one of the benefits available to her through AFSCME Advantage.
“As an AFSCME member, you have benefits that others do not,” Washington notes.
She took advantage of a free consumer credit counseling session through Union Plus’s program partner, the non-profit Money Management International (MMI), and then she enrolled in a customized debt management plan.
After 12 months of successful participation in the program, Washington was eligible to receive a $360 Union Plus Debt Management Plan (DMP) grant to reimburse the monthly MMI program fees.
“[Applying for the grant] was actually a very easy process and it turned out to be a great experience,” says Washington. “Within less than a month, I got the check.”
She is a year and a half into her four-year plan to eliminate credit card debt. Then she can spend retirement without worry, enjoying time with friends and family.
“I would definitely recommend this program to other union members,” Washington says. “[Union Plus] recognizes we are working people and they provide us with really great benefits to help out in our everyday living and with our expenses.”
To learn more about the Union Plus benefits and discounts available for union members, visit unionplus.org.
When longtime AFSCME member LaVerne Washington retired, she turned to the Union Plus Credit Counseling Program to improve her financial health. She enrolled in a customized debt management plan and will be able to spend retirement debt- and worry-free.
Librarian Praises Fast Access to Disaster Relief Grant with the Union Plus Credit Card
In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy, also known as “Superstorm Sandy”, battered the east coast of the United States and caused billions of dollars in damage.
“We had never seen anything like it,” says Shileen Shaw, recalling the damage her East Orange, NJ, home suffered at the time.
Shaw’s home lost electricity for weeks and her roof endured severe damage. Luckily, she was able to turn to her union for help.
Shaw has been a member of Local 2298 (Council 63) of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for more than 20 years. She currently works at a branch of the Newark Public Library. She has also been a proud Union Plus Credit Cardholder1 since 2007, which came in handy when she was seeking financial relief in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Through a quick phone call, Shaw found out she was eligible for the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant—a $500 cash grant that does not have to be repaid.
“I applied for the grant and I got the check within days,” Shaw recounts.
The Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant2 provides financial assistance to eligible Union Plus Credit Cardholders facing hardship following a natural disaster. To be considered for a Disaster Relief Grant, Credit Cardholders must have had their card for at least three months.
“The grant came at the right time. I just thank Union Plus for that,” she says. “When you don't have anything, and the electricity is still out, $500 is a lot.”
For more information about getting access to emergency financial resources, visit unionplus.org/hardship.
1Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply.
2Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/disaster-relief-grants.
“The Disaster Relief Grant came at the right time. I thank Union Plus for that because I don't even know how we were going get by for those next days or weeks after Hurricane Sandy. When you don't have anything, and the electricity is still out, $500 is a lot of money.” – AFSCME Member Shileen Shaw
AFT School Bus Driver Using Free College to Strengthen Advocacy Skills
“I drive a 40-foot yellow hotbox on wheels,” says Sarah Cloud, a full-time contract school bus driver in Hurricane, Utah.
Cloud is a 20-year driving veteran. She loves kids and driving gives her the opportunity to interact with all kinds of students. She is a member of AFT Redrock 6032 and the Vice President of Transportation on the executive board.
“I work to increase our training and work on different aspects tied to challenges and needs drivers have,” Cloud says.
Outside of her job, she tends to her husband and her son, both of whom have a rare form of arthritis. Cloud is a prominent ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation and she has had to deftly navigate the medical establishment to ensure her family gets the care they need. It’s this latter role that ultimately attracted her to the Union Plus Free College Program.
“I was skimming a Union Plus email newsletter,” recalls Cloud. “I’ve been one of many moms out in the workforce for whom college was out of reach. I saw this offer, and I wondered if I could even do it. I decided to take a class and see if I liked it.”
The Union Plus Free College Program partners with AFSCME and Eastern Gateway Community College to offer online courses and degree programs with no out-of-pocket cost to active or retired union members and their eligible family members, including spouses, domestic partners, children (including stepchildren and children-in-law), dependents and grandchildren.
Cloud is studying to receive a Patient Navigator certificate.
“I’ve learned a lot about access issues,” she said. “Navigators improve disease outcomes. They help the individual and the public.”
Cloud continues, “I recommend this program to all union members I meet. Your family can go to school, and it’s huge.”
Outside of her job as a school bus driver, AFT member Sarah Cloud has long been an advocate for her husband and son, who both have a rare form of arthritis. She’s now enrolled in the Union Plus Free College Program and taking classes towards a Patient Navigator certificate to enhance her advocacy abilities.
Free College Program Gives Librarian’s Son Storybook Beginning
New Jersey CWA Member Cheryl Conselyea’s son, Ryan, is a plumber’s assistant. He tried traditional college, but the schedule didn’t work for him.
“When I got the Free College email from Union Plus, he was so excited. He was just like, ‘Wow, this is for me!’ He had about a week to apply,” Conselyea remembers.
Conselyea works as a supervising library assistant at Passaic County’s Clifton Public Library, a particularly busy branch.
“I love my staff and working with the public is great. We organized with CWA 12 years ago. They introduced us to Union Plus and all the special programs they provide,” she recalls.
The Union Plus Free College Program partners with AFSCME and Eastern Gateway Community College to offer online courses and degree programs with no out-of-pocket cost to active or retired union members and their eligible family members, including spouses, domestic partners, children (including stepchildren and children-in-law), financial dependents and grandchildren.
Conselyea says her son has had to pinch himself—he couldn’t believe that he could take classes for free and on his own time.
“Ryan is thriving,” Conselyea says. “The whole process for his enrollment was pretty seamless. His classes are so flexible, and most importantly, the program just calibrates right with his schedule.”
Ryan is pursuing his associate degree and hopes that learning about business will equip him as he gets deeper into his trade career and potentially starts his own venture.
“This Free College program is such an opportunity for adults and the children of union members to get a free education. I tell everyone I know about it,” says Conselyea.
CWA member Cheryl Conselyea was thrilled to discover that her son Ryan was eligible to enroll in the Union Plus Free College Program. Ryan has been able to take advantage of the program’s flexible schedule to take business classes while he continues working as a plumber’s assistant.
Teamster Credit Cardholder Turns to Union Plus Job Loss Grant
“I’m a driver, and I was injured on the job,” begins Glen Kozubal, an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 89 member from the Louisville, Kentucky metro area.
Kozubal was a pick-up and delivery driver until his workplace injury made it impossible to work. When his worker’s compensation claim was delayed, he initiated grievance proceedings with the help of his local union.
Kozubal has been without a job for nearly a year, but he realized he could turn to Union Plus in the meantime. As a Teamster Privilege Credit Cardholder1, he knew that he could apply for the Union Plus Job Loss Grant2.
“I’ve always liked my Teamster Privilege Credit Card, and for this—applying, hearing back, getting the money—it was all a smooth process,” recalls Kozubal. “It makes standing up to the type of situation I’m in a whole lot easier.”
The Union Plus Job Loss Grant is available to eligible union members who have carried either the Union Plus Credit Card or Teamster Privilege Credit Card for at least three months. It provides them with $300 to help cover bills and living expenses.
“Union Plus is a great organization,” Kozubal says. “This Job Loss Grant opportunity really gave me a way to pay some immediate bills and stay afloat through this incredibly long and stressful process.”
Kozubal said he’s let his fellow union members know about Union Plus at every opportunity, and he believes every local should promote Union Plus programs.
“Union Plus really helps members in their daily lives,” says Kozubal. “Nowhere is that truer than the Job Loss Grant.”
For more information about Union Plus Hardship Help Benefits, visit unionplus.org/hardship.
1Teamster Privilege Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.
2Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/job-loss-grant.
AFT Member Finds Financial Relief with Union Plus
When AFT Local 1766 member Tammy Clark needed some financial help, Union Plus had her back.
“I had some high credit card bills I was trying to minimize,” she says of her decision to seek outside support.
Clark first learned about Union Plus Credit Counseling while thumbing through a benefits brochure from her local.
AFT members are eligible for a free consumer credit counseling session through Union Plus, offered in partnership with the non-profit Money Management International (MMI).
After her free initial session, Clark enrolled in a customized debt management plan designed by a certified consumer credit counseling advisor. Union Plus offers a Debt Management Plan (DMP) through the Credit Counseling program and pays for the enrollment fee on behalf of the member.
“Everything was easy to set up,” Clark continues. “The people I spoke with were very helpful and explained everything.”
With her plan in place, she could take debt management off her mind.
“Now I have everything set up so it’s easy. [The debt management plan] has been lowering my credit card debt significantly.”
After one year of successful participation in the program, Clark was eligible to receive a $360 Union Plus Debt Management Plan (DMP) grant to reimburse the monthly MMI program fees.
“I [filled] out a simple form and got a check within a few weeks,” she notes.
Clark believes the program will help her pay off her debt 10 to 15 years faster than she was originally projecting.
“It’s a great program that helps lower payments for credit cards to get the interest down and help you get them paid off sooner. I definitely recommend it,” she says happily.
Learn more about Union Plus Credit Counseling and other Union Plus benefits and discounts for union members, visit unionplus.org.
Tammy Clark, an AFT member in New Jersey, sought financial relief in the face of intimidating credit card debt. Enrolling in a customized Debt Management Plan through the Union Plus Credit Counseling program paid off.
New Car, No Problem: AFSCME Member Enters Retirement With Ease
Eleanore Wise-Goldman, a retired member of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 843 in Washington State, reflects on her years as a social worker and active union member fondly.
“Getting kids adopted and moved into a ‘forever family’ I knew would love them—that was the highlight of my work,” Wise-Goldman says of working for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
As a perk of her AFSCME membership, Wise-Goldman and her husband are consistent users of AFSCME Advantage benefits, including purchasing a car through the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. However, after her husband totaled their vehicle, they needed to return to the drawing board.
“This time, I got to choose the car and I wanted a hybrid,” remembers Wise-Goldman.
Using the Union Plus Auto Buying Service website, she researched and narrowed down her choices. She then called the dealer they had worked with the first time around.
“We came out of it with a Ford C-MAX. It’s an amazing car. We set up an appointment at the dealer and it was all handled very quickly.”
The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar or Union Auto Program depending on your state of residence, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck at a great price and offers additional savings and benefits. The member benefits differ between the two program providers.*
Wise-Goldman recommends the Auto Buying Service to all her union friends.
“It’s so great,” she enthuses. “You don’t have to haggle or negotiate. And we got our car for an even better price than we originally saw online.”
By purchasing a hybrid vehicle through TrueCar, Wise-Goldman also received the Union Plus union-made green car** rebate that totals $200.
*Members purchasing through TrueCar receive either a $100 or $200 rebate directly from Union Plus when purchasing a new union-assembled vehicle. Members purchasing through the Union Auto Program have their choice of a lifetime drive train warranty or a three-year $5,000 buyers protection policy to cover any losses arising from strike or layoff. Visit unionplus.org/autobuying to learn more.
Between 7/1/17 and 9/30/17, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers to users of TrueCar powered websites, based on users who configured virtual vehicles and who TrueCar identified as purchasing a new vehicle of the same make and model listed on the certificate from a Certified Dealer as of 10/31/2016, was $3,383. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer. TrueCar does not sell or lease motor vehicles.
Report the purchase of your new or used car from a Certified Dealer within 45 days and receive additional benefits that could be worth more than $2,000. Instructions on how to report your purchase from a Certified Dealer will be provided in your welcome email when you request your Certificate(s) for new cars, or in your Used Vehicle Certificate
**EPA Green Car Make and Models Include: Chevrolet Bolt, Volt, Cruze* and Sonic*; Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid; and Ford Focus.
*Models are made in both the US and Mexico. Vehicles with VIN beginning with the number 3 are ineligible
Eleanore Wise-Goldman, a retired member of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) wanted to buy a hybrid after her husband totaled their car. Both vehicles were purchased with the Union Plus Auto Buying program.
AFSCME Member and Prison Psychologist Finds His Commuter Cool
Anthony Ngo, AFSCME Local 2620 member, commutes every day to Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California, where he provides psychological counseling and group therapy to inmates.
“It’s a great job—great pay and benefits, and I love the staff,” says Ngo. “I also like the work I do.”
Ngo describes his union as supportive, and he has been a regular attendee at meetings.
“They help us out a lot,” he says of his local.
It was through AFSCME Advantage that Ngo first discovered the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. When his car started acting up, he knew it was time to start shopping.
“I have a pretty serious commute, and I really wanted to find an electric car,” says Ngo. “That’s when I decided to explore Union Plus.”
The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar or Union Auto Program depending on your state of residence, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck at a great price and offers additional savings and benefits.
Because he purchased a new electric vehicle through TrueCar, Ngo received the Union Plus union-made green car** rebate that totals $200. Union members who purchase new union-made cars—no matter their environmental designation—receive a $100 rebate directly from Union Plus.
“I already had a new car that I love, and then I received the rebate. I was really caught by surprise,” said Ngo. “I had no idea I had that coming. All AFSCME members should be using the Union Plus Auto Buying Service.”
Between 7/1/17 and 9/30/17, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers to users of TrueCar powered websites, based on users who configured virtual vehicles and who TrueCar identified as purchasing a new vehicle of the same make and model listed on the certificate from a Certified Dealer as of 10/31/2016, was $3,383. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer. TrueCar does not sell or lease motor vehicles.
Report the purchase of your new or used car from a Certified Dealer within 45 days and receive additional benefits that could be worth more than $2,000. Instructions on how to report your purchase from a Certified Dealer will be provided in your welcome email when you request your Certificate(s) for new cars, or in your Used Vehicle Certificate.
**EPA Green Car Make and Models Include: Chevrolet Bolt, Volt, Cruze* and Sonic*; Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid; and Ford Focus.
*Models are made in both the US and Mexico. Vehicles with VIN beginning with the number 3 are ineligible.
Anthony Ngo, AFSCME Local 2620 member, purchased a new Chevy Volt with the Union Plus Auto Buying program. Because he purchased a union-made green car** he was eligible for additional savings through Union Plus.
IUOE Member Saves with Union Plus Auto Buying Service
Claire Chang, a member of International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 3 in Santa Clara County, California, loves leading her technical support team at a local hospital.
Chang’s husband works in nearby Mountain View. His arduous daily commute – nearly an hour each way in rush hour traffic – recently prompted the couple to get a new car.
“It was time for our family to invest in an electric vehicle,” says Chang, who remembered seeing a mailing about the Union Plus Auto Buying Service.
“We worked with the great people at Union Plus to identify where we could get our car from a union-friendly dealer at a great price,” she recalls.
Chang and her husband had selected a Chevy Volt, an electric vehicle. Throughout the process, Chang applauded the prompt, ongoing support from Union Plus.
“The correspondence with Union Plus was very smooth and it made the whole transaction super easy,” says Chang. “We went to our pre-identified dealer lot, test drove the vehicle and bought it. We got a great deal.”
The Union Plus Auto Buying Service, administered by TrueCar, a leading price comparison service, helps union members and their families find the right new or used car or truck. With the Auto Buying Service, union members save an average of $3,402 off MSRP* on new cars.
Because Chang bought an electric vehicle, she also received the Union Plus union-made green car** rebate that totals $200. Any union-made car– no matter its environmental designation – is eligible for a $100 rebate.
“I would absolutely recommend the Union Plus Auto Buying Service to all union members – both Union Plus and this specific program have made such a difference in our lives. In short, Union Plus is wonderful,” Chang concludes.
*Between 7/1/17 and 9/30/17, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented by TrueCar Certified Dealers to users of TrueCar powered websites, based on users who configured virtual vehicles and who TrueCar identified as purchasing a new vehicle of the same make and model listed on the certificate from a Certified Dealer as of 10/31/2016, was $3,383. Your actual savings may vary based on multiple factors including the vehicle you select, region, dealer, and applicable vehicle specific manufacturer incentives which are subject to change. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price ("MSRP") is determined by the manufacturer, and may not reflect the price at which vehicles are generally sold in the dealer's trade area as not all vehicles are sold at MSRP. Each dealer sets its own pricing. Your actual purchase price is negotiated between you and the dealer. TrueCar does not sell or lease motor vehicles.
**EPA Green Car Make and Models Include:
- Chevrolet — Bolt, Volt, Cruze***, and Sonic***
- Chrysler — Pacifica Hybrid
- Ford — Focus
*** Check the VIN number of these vehicles. Some are assembled in Mexico and begin with the number 3. These are not eligible for rebates.
IUOE member Claire Chang knew it was time for her family to invest in a new vehicle. When she was ready to make a purchase she went online, found the vehicle they wanted, and connected with the Union Plus Auto Buying Service. They were able to get a great deal on their new vehicle and were eligible for additional rebates from Union Plus.
Retired AFM Member Takes Advantage of Union Plus Rebate
“The cost savings and the incentives that were provided through Union Plus made it an easy decision,” Williams, a member of AFM since 1967, says. “Our previous carrier gave us no incentives to stay with them and switching to AT&T allowed us to upgrade our phones.”
When Williams and other AFM members choose AT&T, they support more than 150,000 union members at the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier. In addition to rebates, Union Plus offers AFM members and retirees exclusive discounts on qualified AT&T wireless plans through the AT&T Signature Program.
Additionally, Union Plus Credit Cardholders may be eligible to receive a $100 rebate on an upgrade or purchase of a new smartphone, as well as up to a $150 rebate to help cover any cancellation fees or related costs when switching from another wireless provider.1
Since retiring from being a music teacher, Williams derives fulfillment from serving as the secretary treasurer for his AFM local in Lewisburg, West Virginia. He was thrilled to learn he was eligible for the AT&T smartphone rebate and said the promotion came along at exactly the right time, especially in a holiday season that stresses the wallets of most.
“It’s quite beneficial; every dollar is important,” he emphasizes. “I’m retired, and we live on a fixed income. Union Plus has always provided great opportunities to save and be thrifty. And I’m glad that Union Plus has the affiliation with a union-based wireless company in AT&T.”
“The process of obtaining the rebate was very easy,” Williams recalls. “We have been very happy with the service provided through AT&T.”
Williams says that being an AFM member is what made his career complete. He has been a Union Plus Credit Cardholder since its inception, and he regularly tells other AFM members about services provided through Union Plus.
“As soon as I learned of the Union Plus Credit Card and Union Plus’s partnerships with the unions, I took advantage of it,” he said. “Using the Union Plus card has been important for me.”
The Union Plus Credit Card2 program offers several card choices; whether you want rewards, a low intro APR for purchases, or an introductory rate for balance transfers, there is an option for you.
“As a union, we have quarterly meetings, and I always update them on services provided by Union Plus,” Williams said. “We have always expressed the benefits of being a Union Plus Credit Cardholder.”
Find the Union Plus Credit Card that is right for you at theunioncard.com.
To learn more about AT&T’s partnership with Union Plus, visit unionplus.org/att.
1You must be using the 15% AT&T Wireless Discount through Union Plus. You must use your Union Plus Credit Card when purchasing your new smartphone and data plan features. Your rebate will cover the costs of your qualifying smartphone upgrade and one month of the qualifying data plan services up to $100. You must be a Union Plus Credit Cardholder in good standing. You can only receive one AT&T smartphone and change of service rebate per union member per lifetime. Rebates are for union members only. You may need to submit further proof of your union membership upon request by Union Plus. Rebates are only available while funds last, so checks will be sent on a first-come, first-served basis.
2Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. See www.theunioncard.com for details. Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One, N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.
When Gary Williams began shopping for new cell phones as holiday gifts for himself and his wife Dena last year, he quickly realized it was time to switch carriers. Williams is a retired member of American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 674 and a Union Plus Credit Cardholder, which gives him access to AT&T® discounts and benefits. When he learned about the AT&T smartphone rebate available to him, choosing AT&T was a no-brainer.