Military

  • 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.

    1. Make a checklist of all your bills and expenses — know how much money your family needs.
    2. Think about additional expenses your family might incur during active duty.
    3. Prepare for deployment by creating a special savings fund for your family.
    4. Research different savings account options so you can get the most out of your money.
    5. Be open about your finances — talk to your spouse and your children.
    6. 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.
    7. Ask family, friends or your financial institution for help in planning for active duty.
    8. Take advantage of financial literacy courses and resources.
    9. Keep track of your credit card payments — always pay on time and pay more than the minimum.
    10. 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