Pre-Deployment Checklist

Deployment comes with unique financial challenges. And if you have to mobilize quickly, things can get even more complex. Follow our financial readiness checklist to make sure you've got all the essentials covered.

Quick Readiness Checklist

• Prepare or update your will.
• Review your insurance and beneficiary designations.
• Complete a power of attorney to enable someone to make financial and health care decisions on your behalf.
• Set up automatic bill pay and register your accounts for easy online access.
• Notify service providers of your deployment/change of address. Suspend or cancel any unneeded services.

Extended Deployment Preparation Checklist

Financial: Review/set-up accounts and payments on-line, change contributions. Check expiration dates for credit/debit cards. Try and save move with any extra pay.

• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) (BRS members should contribute a minimum of 5%)
• Bank accounts
• Credit Cards
• Loans (mortgage, auto, personal, student)
• Brokerage/Investment accounts
• Emergency savings

Legal: (Contact JAG for support)

• Will
• Powers of Attorney-Financial and Medical
• Medical Directive/Living Will

Insurance: Review coverage amounts, deductibles, payment due dates

• Life insurance (SGLI/Individual)
• Auto insurance
• Renter's/Homeowner's

Medical: : Make sure Defense Eligibility Enrollment System (DEERS) is current for TRICARE benefits

• Medical power of attorney
• TRICARE status and procedures for family
• Prescriptions
• Eyeglasses

Other

• Keep legal documents and records in a secure place
• Create or update your monthly budget to reflect changes in income, expenses and savings. Use our online Monthly Budget Planner.
• Notify creditors who may offer deployment discounts or increased payment flexibility under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
• Consider freezing your credit or setting up an Active Duty Alert to minimize identity theft.
• Contact insurance providers. If your car is not in use or in storage you may be eligible for an insurance discount. Check insurance coverage on personal property, jewelry, electronics, and firearms.
• Set-up an emergency communication plan.
• Ensure family military I.D. cards are current and won't expire while deployed.
• Keep a list of emergency contacts and important email addresses.
• Notify your children's school of your deployment.
• Secure care for any pets. Make sure pet records are up-to-date and provide pet's caretaker with veterinary contact information.
• Prepare your home for any maintenance needed, put possessions in storage during deployment.
• Become familiar with the programs and services available to help spouses and other family members manage the challenges of deployment.
• Check with your finance officer for eligibility and set-up requirements for the Savings Deposit Plan (SDP).

A few friendly reminders.

• Include your significant other in all financial decisions. Working together gives you a better chance of meeting shared goals.
• Revisit your financial goals and adjust as your priorities change. See how.
• Take good care of yourself along with important financial matters. Stay connected with friends and family, and ask for help when you need it.

Stay safe. Thank you for your service.