Military Lifestyle

DEPLOYMENT PLANNING
Manage Your Next Military Deployment

It's not always easy on your family, but you can prepare yourself and your family for a successful military deployment way before it happens, so that deployment need not be overwhelming when it finally occurs.

In fact, it can be simple, when you approach military deployment as a fact of life, and with a strong military attitude. Being proactive and creating a plan that prepares your family to manage all the home-base details of military life once you're deployed, reviewing and finalizing your deployment plan well before your deployment orders are ever issued, can make all the difference.

START AT THE TOP, BY REVIEWING YOUR MONEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Chart which bills get paid monthly and when they're due, how much money is in savings and checking accounts, how much debt you owe and how much you have for emergencies. Sign up for online banking services or automatic payment plans. Remember: paying bills on time preserves your credit rating.

Find out now if your military life insurance, auto and homeowners or renters insurance policies need to be changed due to military deployment. Make sure your life insurance covers a combat-related death.

Make sure you're joint account holders on credit cards, checking accounts, etc., both authorized to make changes and get information. A marriage license doesn't always guarantee legal access to your military spouse's financial accounts, assets or belongings.

Through your local JAG office, create or update a durable power of attorney which allows you to manage legal matters for both of you. Create or update legal wills and healthcare directives now.

Take advantage of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which gives active military - including mobilized Guardsmen and Reservists - exclusive benefits such as reduced interest rates on credit cards, mortgages and auto loans (on debts prior to active duty).

Write a will that includes the appointment of a guardian for your minor children, outlines your asset distribution, and names an executor. Invest in the help of a lawyer, preferably one familiar with the needs of a military family.

Maintain your savings, even while you're deployed. If your credit card debt is under control, grow your money in a savings or money market account at the best possible rate.

Knowing your military family finances - your income and your expenses - makes you better able to create a financial management plan that will work smoothly while you're deployed. Knowing that your family is covered at home allows you to focus fully on your military mission overseas.

Planning now helps you anticipate a happy military homecoming - as well as situations that may arise unexpectedly while you're away.