Military deployment can be a stressful time for you and your loved ones. Eisenhower Bank understands your situation and is committed to helping you and your family through this difficult time. Planning ahead can help your family members with access to all the information they need and can give you peace of mind. In order to relieve some of the burden of rapid preparation for deployment, especially if you play a major role in paying your bills, servicing the car and home repairs, we have come up with a helpful Pre-deployment checklist.
FAMILY POINTS
Discuss your feelings on your deployment and your return with your family.
Talk with your children about where you are going, when you are coming home, and why you have to leave.
Look into the services available to your family through your unit, Family Service Center and the American Red Cross, in case of an emergency involving a family member.
Discuss how often you will call or write, and get a calling card with international access.
DOES YOUR FAMILY:
Have your complete mailing and e-mail addresses?
Know your unit information?
Have your commander and supervisor’s names and telephone numbers?
FINANCIAL POINTS
Review the status of your financial accounts such as your checking account, savings account and your credit cards. If any of these accounts are in your name only, you may want to consider your spouse or another responsible and trusted party having access to these accounts. We suggest you update your signature card on file, in case a financial issue occurs in your absence.
Have you provided a Power of Attorney? This will give your responsible party the authority to act on your behalf in your absence, depending upon the guidelines and terms of your document.
Analyze your current financial situation and have a plan in place to pay bills, receive your mail, and stay in touch with your employer. If you anticipate a need for a loan in the near future, make arrangements in advance with an Eisenhower loan officer. Some creditors may offer deployment benefits.
Document all your financial account numbers and passwords and make sure you keep them in a safe place such as a safe deposit box.
Try to save at least one month’s pay in a savings account to use in case of an emergency.
Discuss household and personal budgets that may be affected by your absence.
Discuss how you will handle your income taxes.
Automatic deposit and bill pay services are most convenient methods of banking while you are deployed. Eisenhower Bank offers an easy and flexible Online bill pay service.
Call your legal office about qualifications for reduced interest rates on loans and credit cards under The Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act (SSCRA).
PROPERTY POINTS
Give your home a security check inside and out.
Document when car registrations, inspections and oil changes are due.
Get names of a trusted mechanic and repair contractor.
Review your Insurance needs; for example, home, auto and life.
Some of these premiums may be lowered while you’re deployed.
Document your household inventory by video taping, and record serial numbers.
Keep this information in a safe place such as a safe deposit box.
If you don’t have a will, or have not reviewed it in the last year, contact your legal assistance office.
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2302 Stanley Road, San Antonio, TX 78234
