- Create a long-range budget to include once-a-year expenses
- Establish allotments, up to four months in advance if possible
- Checkbook maintenance: who will write checks, balance accounts
- Update or create a will
- Locate important records, what and when bills are due
- Insurance - car, life, renters, or home. When are premiums due
- Power of attorney - do you need a general or specific POA
- Telephone calls: length of calls, budget bills
- Duplicate calendars: note special events, birthdays, and school activities. Keep each other updated
- Establish rules regarding children's discipline, chores, curfew, etc.
- Gifts: buy in advance and leave with a friend or family member for anniversaries, birthdays and special events
- Recognize and accept the range of emotions you are feeling, talk about them with your spouse
- First sergeant's name and phone number: keep this information close at hand for emergencies and current and accurate information
- Airman and Family Readiness Center: find out how their programs and services can help you survive deployment
- Develop a good support system: family, friends, church, school, co-workers, family readiness support groups and hobbies
- Plan once-a-week outings for the parent manning the homefront
- Plan family days with quality time and no interruptions
- Establish a routine that can be maintained before, during and after deployment
- Plan family activities that help maintain the deployed parent's presence -- send photos, map your unit's itinerary, videotape everyday activities
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Family Deployment Checklist 
