Financial preparedness information helps you protect your money and records when a crisis strikes. Whether you face a natural disaster, medical emergency, or sudden job loss, having the right documents and plans in place allows you to recover more quickly.
Your emergency financial aid kit should contain the most essential information for you and your family. Use FEMA’s EFFAK toolkit to guide you.
Include:
Keep copies secure, both physically and digitally. Your emergency financial aid kit should exist both physically and virtually.
Stay organized and prepared with these financial preparedness tips:
Review and update your kit each year.
Knowing which records to include in your emergency financial aid kit is key. Use the CFPB disaster checklist to find what’s important: tax documents, property deeds, pay stubs, and insurance details. These will help you prove ownership, re-establish bank accounts, and access emergency financial services.
Start an emergency savings fund to build a financial safety net. Even saving a little over time makes a difference. For help starting your fund, check out this guide from Credit.org.
Having mobile banking set up means you can:
This keeps you connected to your financial information, even if local branches are closed.
Not all insurance policies include disaster coverage. Consider purchasing flood insurance if needed. To speed up claims, create a home inventory of your possessions and store photos with your financial and personal records.
Unexpected events may lead to lost income. Be ready to access:
Track what you’ll need to access necessary financial resources, begin receiving economic impact payments and other temporary support.
Never email sensitive personal financial information. Use password protection and encryption for digital files. Be sure a trusted contact knows how to access your aid kit if you’re unavailable.
September is National Preparedness Month. Share financial preparedness information from Ready.gov with friends and family. Encourage others to gather documents and build their own emergency kit.
If a crisis has affected you, Credit.org’s Disaster Recovery Services offer one-on-one help. Our certified counselors provide guidance on creating or using your emergency financial first aid kit, managing debt, re establish financial accounts, and getting back on track. Don’t wait; get the support you need today.
