5 Financial Steps To Undertake For Military Personnel Before Deployment
A job with the military is a rather prestigious one, no doubt. However, since you are deployed and are living away from your family, you would want to ensure that they remain safe and financially secure.
If you are a military personnel, the last thing you would want on your mind while spending time with your loved ones before you are deployed to duty would be financial stress about the future of your family.
Organize all your legal documents
All your legal documents like your will, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy need to be well organized before you set off on duty. This is because if in case of your absence, there is a financial emergency, your family will have the backing required. Similarly, if the family decides to buy a new home or car, the power of attorney documents will be required. Also, check on your insurance, its time limit, and its beneficiaries before you are deployed.
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Set your financial records straight
This is an important step for everyone and more so people in the military. This should be your go-to book for all your financial planning. In your absence, this should be the go-to book for either your spouse or your parents. Your closest family member, along with your will and power of attorney, should also be given access to your financial information in your absence.
Build an emergency fund
An emergency does not warn you before it comes, and this is why it is known as an emergency. Ensure that before you are deployed you have created an emergency fund that will be able to sustain the needs of your family until about the next six to eight months while you are away.
Manage your bills before you go
While you may not be there in person to do so once you are deployed, it would be a great idea to set up an automated bill payment plan before you go off on duty. This will ensure that no bills are forgotten to be paid in case your family members are unable to do so. It would also be a great idea to inform your bank, insurance provider, and any other financial institutions that you are affiliated with about your deployment. This is important because if in case your bank or insurance provider is unable to reach you, they should not end up freezing your accounts.
Save on vehicle insurance
Letting your vehicle insurance provider know of your deployment is also a smart move to make. This is because since you are away, the insurance provider will know that your car is not going to be driven, and this could help you lower your premium fees to as much as about 75%. However, it is suggested to let your car continue to have comprehensive coverage, in case it is stolen or damaged due to unforeseen circumstances.
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