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I will be deployed overseas for the first time in the near future. This was short notice. I have an idea of what I should pack, but my unit has not provided much guidance on what a service member ought to do before they leave. This is where I rely on your help. So far I am making a will, addressing a power of attorney and leaving some cash for my family. Any recommendations on cell phone carriers? I live in the northeast so I'm afraid my car will be snowed in/plowed on, and I cannot park in the barracks. Should I renew my vehicle registration and/or suspend my car insurance? I've also alerted my banks and got a credit card with zero foreign transaction charges. Thank you all.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 16
Will and power of attorney is great, just make sure it's people you trust entirely (seen it bad with family before sadly). A medical power of attorney is also worth looking into.
The cash for your family could be put into a bank account that you control and you transfer it as needed. Rights of survivorship on the family member of choice just in case the worst happens.
For the car, can you leave it with family? Is there a place you can park it off the street and out of the weather? For the insurance, it would be best to call your insurance company and inform them you are deploying. Generally you can lower your insurance to collision insurance at the minimum to meet legal requirements. Also speak to the DMV as they might suspend the need to renew your car until you get back or something similar (my wife renewed mine).
Alerting the banks is good, make sure you save as much of that sweet tax free money as you can.
Where will you be going?
The cash for your family could be put into a bank account that you control and you transfer it as needed. Rights of survivorship on the family member of choice just in case the worst happens.
For the car, can you leave it with family? Is there a place you can park it off the street and out of the weather? For the insurance, it would be best to call your insurance company and inform them you are deploying. Generally you can lower your insurance to collision insurance at the minimum to meet legal requirements. Also speak to the DMV as they might suspend the need to renew your car until you get back or something similar (my wife renewed mine).
Alerting the banks is good, make sure you save as much of that sweet tax free money as you can.
Where will you be going?
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SFC (Join to see)
You are spot on about having money in a controlled account and transferring what is needed. I've seen so many Soldiers have their bank accounts cleaned out by their spouse while deployed. Nobody thinks it will happen to them until it does.
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Sgt (Join to see)
Sir, due to the guidelines in NY State, I have to keep my coverage unless I choose to forfeit my plates. Because of the way Mother Nature is here, I have decided to keep my coverage just to be sure. I switched over to USAA. While I can't say where I'm going on a public forum, it will be in support of Inherent Resolve.
SSg, you're right. I don't have dependents yet so I'm glad I won't have too much to worry about.
SSg, you're right. I don't have dependents yet so I'm glad I won't have too much to worry about.
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CPT Zachary Brooks
Sgt (Join to see) - Keep the insurance for sure, but can you lower it to only collision insurance or something similar?
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They should have a secured lot on post for you to leave your car (exposed to the elements and no one checks on it). You might want to keep your insurance just incase.
I kept my phone plan, but left my phone in storage with my other possessions.
My only advice is to save your money and don't make any large unnecessary purchases when you get back.
I kept my phone plan, but left my phone in storage with my other possessions.
My only advice is to save your money and don't make any large unnecessary purchases when you get back.
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Make sure that all of your ducks are in a row here in the states before you head out. Make sure that your belongings are safe and that whatever bills might need to be paid are set up to be taken care of. Make sure that whoever might need a Special or General POA have them and make sure that you REALLY trust that/those people. The less stuff that you have to worry about back here the more you can focus on the mission and, more importantly, staying alive.
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