In Crisis - 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

Are You Prepared If a Natural Disaster Strikes?

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:11:33 EDT

It seems as though there's always a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, fire, blizzard, or mudslide happening somewhere in the United States. A storm or other natural disaster could destroy your home, business, or workplace and put you in financial straits, but there are things you can do both before and after the event to help you recover quickly.

Organizing Your Finances After Your Spouse Has Died

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:33:42 EDT

Losing a spouse or partner is a stressful event. Yet, during this time, you must complete a variety of tasks and make important financial decisions. You may need to make final arrangements, notify various businesses and government agencies, settle your spouse's estate, and provide for your own financial security. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make dealing with these matters less difficult.

Insurance Concerns of Divorcing Couples

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:42:58 EDT

Divorcing couples face many changes (both financial and emotional), and planning for these changes should take place before the divorce is final. To protect alimony and child support payments, the custodial parent may want to insure the life and the income stream of the noncustodial parent. A noncustodial parent may want to insure the former spouse's life in case that parent dies and custody of the children must change. Life, disability, health, and property insurance policies should all be reviewed and modified or rewritten to reflect the divorce.

Health Insurance and Divorce

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:39:01 EDT

Examine your family's health insurance coverage before your divorce occurs. Some divorce decrees stipulate who will pay for health coverage for the other spouse and the children. Neither an employer nor an insurer can deny court-ordered coverage if children are involved. If coverage is not part of the decree, you'll have to scramble for coverage if your ex-spouse is the insured on the family policy. Federal law provides for a court order to secure the children's continued coverage if the noncustodial parent, insurance company, or employer refuses to cooperate. COBRA is another option.

Flood Insurance

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:38:47 EDT

Your homeowners policy won't cover your home against damage from flooding. For such protection, you'll have to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. from a company that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Fire Prevention and Safety Tips

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:38:42 EDT

Taking preventive measures and knowing what to do if there's a fire in your home can save lives. For example, you can install smoke detectors throughout your home (also test them at least twice a year), and plan an escape route so everyone knows what to do and where to meet outside. Practice fire drills with your children. Don't overload electrical circuits, and take care when cooking or when using matches, lighters, and a fireplace or wood stove. Keep a fire extinguisher in your home. If there is a fire, get out first and then call for help.

Earthquake Insurance

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:38:20 EDT

What are the chances of an earthquake occurring near your home, and how much damage might it do to your home? Find the answers to these questions before you buy earthquake insurance. Some earthquake insurance covers the loss of your home and possessions and also the costs to minimize further damage after the earthquake. Report any claims to your agent or insurance company, but be patient--many others will also file claims. An adjuster will assess the damage to your home and assign a dollar value to it.

Disaster Preparedness

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:43:21 EST

Disaster Recovery: A Guide to Financial Issues

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:06:34 EST

Disasters also take a financial toll. This booklet is written to help you regain a sense of financial balance following a disaster by offering suggestions on steps to take immediately, what to do in the initial weeks and months, and how to begin planning again for the future.

Disasters and Financial Planning: A Guide for Preparedness

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:04:18 EST

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, usually strike quickly and without warning. You and your family may have little or no time to decide what to do next. That’s why it is so important to plan for the possibility of disaster — and not wait until it happens.