The 10 Things You Should Do Before You Deploy
The most important things you need to do to keep your family's finances stable while you are away.
- Make a checklist of all your bills and expenses — know how much money your family needs.
- Think about additional expenses your family might incur during active duty.
- Prepare for deployment by creating a special savings fund for your family.
- Research different savings account options so you can get the most out of your money.
- Be open about your finances — talk to your spouse and your children.
- Research lenders and service providers to find the one that best suits your needs. Ask if they have a special discount or programs for military families.
- Ask family, friends or your financial institution for help in planning for active duty.
- Take advantage of financial literacy courses and resources.
- Keep track of your credit card payments — always pay on time and pay more than the minimum.
- Before deployment, make sure your spouse has access and control of all your accounts.
*Source: "Military Families: Money and Mobility." Published by the National Endowment for Financial Education in
conjunction with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and the National Military Family Association.
www.saveandinvest.org