Make Sure Your Family Is Safe, Secure
Being assigned is a part of life for Military Families. Some families are financially not ready for deployment when it happens.
Make Plans in Writing. Make sure that you have thought about such issues as a will. Many people see having a will as something that they don’t need to worry about, or that having a will it tantamount to admitting their mortality. Nothing is further from the truth.
Some people search and find online sources of a basic will. Others consult an attorney. Either way, make sure you put down in writing what your wishes are in case something should happen. A well-written durable power of attorney is another issue. Does your spouse know what you wish to have happen if you should be incapacitated?
Consider a Joint Account Make sure that you have an account with your spouse or relative with access to funds. With the ease of online transfers, often this just means opening an additional joint account with the means to transfer funds into it.
Protect your Property If your home will be unoccupied, notify your insurance company. If for an extended amount of time, consider putting valuables into storage of some sort, such as a safe deposit box.
Take a look at your home security, and whether you would benefit from a Home Security Alarm System while you are away. Some systems also provide effective coverage against fire, and other threats to your family or property.
Talk to People Talk to your bank, your credit union, credit card companies, and businesses you do deal with. Often, there are specific programs geared toward Service Members who are headed for deployment.
Talk to others in your unit, what works for them? Share what works for you, your successes.
Often companies will excuse or forgive interest or other fees. Some companies will allow for principal only payments, other companies have other incentives to show support for your service. Don’t be shy, you won’t know till you ASK.
Examine Your Insurance Coverage Most Service members have some sort of insurance coverage. But, should the unforeseen happen, will your family be adequately provided for? Sometimes meeting with your insurance agent to discuss your coverage will help illuminate areas that may need changing.
By working together, most unforeseen events CAN be effectively planned for. Only by careful planning can we make sure our families, our most precious possessions, are cared for and kept safe.
