Hurricane Season is officially here. While you focus on securing your home and ensuring your family's safety, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of preparing your finances for potential hurricane-related expenses. It is not too late to formulate a plan and take steps to be prepared.
Organize Important Documents: Compile all essential documents and store them in a secure, easily accessible location. Keep digital copies of financial records, insurance documents, and other relevant forms. Consider purchasing a fire and waterproof box for storing physical copies, or use encrypted online storage for digital files.
Utilize a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) for Supplies or Evacuation Costs: A HELOC can be a valuable financial tool to consider when preparing for hurricane season. A flexible HELOC is a loan you can access only when you need to. Tyndall’s HELOC includes a Visa credit card and allows you to do a cash advance at no cost by simply transferring the funds you need directly into your checking or savings account in Online Banking. Evaluate the potential supplies and prioritize essential supplies to avoid excessive spending.
Set up Bill Pay: Take advantage of Bill Pay to pay bills easily from your computer or phone. Set up automatic payments for recurring bills to ensure they are paid on time, even if you are unable to access your usual payment methods during the storm.
Use Mobile Banking: Ensure you have mobile banking apps installed on your smartphone. Familiarize yourself with the features and functionalities of these apps, such as checking account balances, transferring funds, mobile deposits, and paying bills. This will allow you to manage your finances remotely, even if you are unable to access a Tyndall branch during the storm or after a storm. You can refer to our FAQ page for assistance.
Set Travel Alerts in Your Tyndall Cards App: If you are evacuating, make sure to set travel notifications within your cards app so that you are able to use your debit or credit cards without interruptions.
Sign up for electronic statements, alerts, and notifications: You can activate these options within Tyndall Online Banking. This way, you will receive important updates, account statements, and transaction alerts directly to your email or mobile device.
Utilize Mobile Payment Apps: Mobile payment apps make transactions easier if cash or physical cards are not readily available during the storm. These apps allow you to link your Tyndall First Spend and Save account or Tyndall Credit Cards to make payments using your smartphone.
Protect Your Devices: Invest in surge protectors to safeguard your electronic devices from power surges during the storm. Additionally, keep your devices fully charged and have backup power sources like portable chargers or power banks available to ensure you can use them even during power outages.
Secure Your Online Accounts to Avoid Fraud: Regularly update and strengthen the passwords for your online banking and financial accounts. Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security. This will help protect your financial information from unauthorized access.
Keep Receipts and Records: Keep detailed records of your purchases, including receipts, invoices, and any relevant documentation. This will help you with insurance claims or potential tax deductions related to disaster expenses.
Planning ahead can minimize the impact of a hurricane on your financial well-being. Remember, Tyndall is here to support you and help navigate the financial challenges that arise during and after a hurricane. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance. Stay safe and prepared!
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