Planning for a deployment is stressful for both servicemembers and their families. It comes with a lot of changes to responsibilities at home and decision-making for future events. While you’re deployed, your family will not only be separated from you, but they must oversee your household and finances without you — as well as handle unexpected events or emergencies.

Preparing for the unknown is never easy, especially when it means being away from loved ones. However, organizing your finances, documents, property, and emergency plans prior to deployment can help make the transition smoother and less stressful. It can help resolve any concerns your family may have about what they might need to handle while you’re away.

Our Deployment Checklist can help you make sure your family is ready. Here are answers to the questions you may be asking:

What Legal Issues Should I Handle Before Deployment?

Deployment planning should include taking care of any important legal matters that may come up while you’re away. You may want to:

• Assign Power of Attorney (POA). This gives your spouse or another designated person the legal authority to act on your behalf and sign documents while you’re gone. Your military installation legal office can help you understand the different POA options and advise you on the best choice for your situation. To find a list of military installation legal offices, check out online resources like Military OneSource and the Army JAGCNET website, which provide comprehensive information on military bases and installations, including contact details for legal services.
• Create and/or update your will — as well as your spouse’s.
• Review your life insurance policy, including your beneficiaries, and consider increasing your coverage if needed.
• Assign a guardian for your children in a special POA, in case of emergency.

Which Documents Will My Family Need During My Deployment?

Your spouse or the person you give your POA to will need access to several legal documents while you’re away. Keep copies of the following documents (if applicable) together in a secure place, both physically and digitally — for example, in your Digital Vault in the Member Center.

Documents to keep on hand:

• Power of Attorney
• Insurance policies (life, health, home, vehicle)
• Tax records
• Bank account numbers
• Court orders (e.g., child support, custody, divorce paperwork)
• Social Security cards
• Birth certificates
• Marriage license
• Passports
• Wills (for both the servicemember and spouse)
• Vehicle titles, registrations, and inspections
• A list of important phone numbers and email addresses
• A copy of your most recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• A list of usernames and passwords for important online accounts

What Financial Steps Should I Take Before Deployment?

In addition to legal matters, there are several financial considerations to address before your deployment begins:

• Notify your credit card companies and banks that you will be deployed so they will accept overseas charges.
• Contact all lenders and let them know you'll be deployed. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) limits the amount of interest that can be charged on certain financial obligations— including credit cards, mortgages, and vehicle loans — to no more than six percent.
• Consider opening a joint checking account (if you don’t already have one) so that bills can be easily paid and money managed.
• Set up direct deposits into the correct accounts. You may want some of your entitlements to go directly into your savings account.
• Create a list of all accounts — bank, credit cards, loans, utilities, etc. — with account numbers and payment due dates.
• Consider setting up automatic payments on applicable bills.
• Provide a copy of your household budget.
• Set up an emergency fund or credit card for unexpected expenses.
• If applicable, suspend your cell phone service while you’re away to reduce monthly fees.

How Can I Protect My Home and Property While I’m Deployed?

You’ve organized your finances and documents — now it’s time to focus on protecting your property and assets.

• Notify your homeowner’s insurance company if your property will be vacant or belongings will be moved to storage.
• If you rent and live alone, consider canceling your lease. You’re legally able to do so under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
• Let your car insurance company know you’ll be deployed. You may be able to suspend all or part of your coverage if your vehicle won’t be used.
• Set up roadside assistance so your family has access if there’s a breakdown. Also, make sure each vehicle has an emergency kit and that family drivers know how to use it.
• Create a vehicle maintenance schedule and list preferred mechanics or car shops for future issues.
• Make an extra set of home and vehicle keys and inform your spouse where they’re kept.

What Other Preparations Should I Make Before Deployment?

Here are some additional pre-deployment tasks to ensure you’re fully ready:

• Update your Emergency Data Form with your family’s current contact information.
• Ensure your family’s military IDs are up to date and won’t expire while you’re away.
• Contact your phone company to enable international calling and texting if needed.
• Set up a video chat or Facetime schedule to stay connected while overseas.
• Register your children with the Child Development Center, even if you don’t plan to use it — it may be needed if your spouse becomes ill or must travel.
• Provide contact numbers for rear-detachment and family support groups.

Taking these proactive steps ensures everyone is organized and ready to handle any challenges that may arise during deployment — and will help ease your transition home when you return.

Download the Armed Forces Mutual Deployment Checklist

Start your deployment planning by downloading our Deployment Checklist, with guidance to assist you as you go through the process.

The financial and benefits experts at Armed Forces Mutual can also help you prepare financially for deployment and ensure your family is cared for while you’re away from home. Call to speak with a Membership Coordinator anytime at 800-522-5221 or email [email protected] to learn more about how we can support you through deployment planning.

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This article was originally published June 15, 2021.