Both Congratulations and Prayers go out to you during this stressful time in history and YOUR LIFE!
Ok let's get down to somethings that worked for me during my 3 deployments. ......
First I made a folder that I could take with me of ALL the debts I had current, pending and reoccurring. Make sure you make note in your folder what all the payoff balances are , account numbers , addresses and other pertinent information.
Before leaving I took the time to sit down and create online bills on the USAA website of everything that I pay myself monthly and I also sat down at each payee's website to investigate/ set up automatic payments so I wouldn't have to worry about missed payments.
What I love about USAA you can request and setup new checking, savings and IRA accounts by digital online signatures. I setup a second checking account for myself and labeled one for bills only and the other for miscellaneous. This system I continue to use today; I had had my military direct deposit split into these two accounts. For the bills only account I made certain all my bill payments came from this account. In my folder I double checked to make sure all my bill pay addresses, account numbers and phone numbers were updated so no mishaps happened when payments posted from my account. I also insured that my online automatic billing systems had my current USAA banking information (either checking or debit card info) on file so none of my payments would be missed during my deployments. This should basically run it's self without having to be managed more than monthly (once you get a feel of what does or doesn't work for you). The reason to have the folder with you during your deployment is just in case you have to use snail mail to make payments or call the agency on a discrepancy on either your behalf or theirs. Once you feel confident you may want to pay accounts completely off so when you return you've done a few things for yourself paid debts off, increased your credit rating and freed yourself from DEBT!
Now the miscellaneous account is
play money for buying gifts for family (every few months I sent flowers home to my mother, step mother and grandmother for being supportive), buying personal hygiene items while abroad at the PX/BX, cleaning supplies for my bunk area/room, an occasional montly snack/treat from AAFES food court, school supplies for my college courses and occasional cash withdrawals. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't use your debt card in any area not managed by the PX/BX! Your PII (personal identification information) will be at risk along with your hard earned money. This miscellaneous account needs to be monitored closely if and when you get to use the internet. Don't spend your valuable work time worrying about your money! Deployments are stressful enough! USAA is great at
monitoring our accounts and stopping fraudulate activity, that's why I still rely on USAA for their service to the military. It's a beautiful relationship we have with USAA, you'll see!
Best Wishes and Stay Safe!
A. Venning
SSG, USA
Retired Disabled Veteran
