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Keeping You And Your Military Family Safe

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Keeping You And Your Military Family Safe 

As a part of a Military family I am aware of the chance of identity theft. It has happened to us in the past as well as finding out that one of our bank accounts was compromised. When someone steals from you it can feel surreal like it wasn’t supposed to be something that you would ever have to deal with. The reality is that it can happen and you should do what you can to keep you and your family’s information safe. You don’t want to end up in a situation where someone has gained access to your personal information or has been able to take money from you.

A few years ago I visited my bank online like I do every morning and saw a few charges that I was not familiar with. They were all for purchases from an online site. I thought this was strange because even though I do work online I was not aware of the company that my money was going to. It wasn’t a ton of money but I knew something strange was going on. I called my bank and we were able to get it figured out. I ended up having to open a new account and had to close out the old one. That took some time and was quite a hassle but it was the safest thing we could do.

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I hated the feeling that someone stole my card information and thought they could get away with it. Just like how you would feel violated if someone broke into your home, you feel that way when someone has broken into your bank account. Ever since that experience I have been a lot more careful about my information. I use a special card for online purchases and I make sure I am aware of who is getting my bank information.

It seems like the more that technology advances the more ways there are to steal someone’s information or their identity.

Identity theft can be a huge problem for military families. With all the moving around and traveling we military families might do, sometimes things get overlooked and it can make it easier for a thief to steal information. One way to to reduce the risk of identity theft use LifeLock. 

 

 

LifeLock offers three layers of protection:

  • Detect- They use advanced technology to constantly monitor over a trillion data points to help detect suspicious uses of your identity information to get loans, credit and services in your name.
  • Alert-LifeLock uses a very good alert system. LifeLock will send you a potential fraud alert by text, phone or email*. If you confirm that the suspicious transaction is fraudulent, your LifeLock team is on it.
  • Restore- LifeLock’s US-based Identity Protection Agents are ready to help with identity theft restoration. If your identity is ever compromised, an Identity Restoration Specialist takes charge.

 

As you can see, LifeLock will have your back! They understand what identity thieves do to gain information and how they plan to use it. 

If you are interested in signing up, LifeLock has a great special offer for Active and Retired Military personnel and their families.

Their military offer is 30 DAYS FREE, 15% OFF, PLUS A FREE AMERICAN FLAG. Promo code to take advantage of this offer is WESALUTE3.

Make sure you and your family’s information is safe and secure and go on over to LifeLock to sign up.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of LifeLock. The opinions and text are all mine.

Deployments and The Effect on Children

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Deployments and The Effect on Children

Deployments and The Effect on Children

After four deployments, our family knows what it is like to go long periods of time without Dad in the home. It can be so challenging for the parent at home to have to be mom and dad. It can also be really hard on the children who might not truly understand why their mom or dad has to be away from them.

Since the war in Afghanistan began in 2001, more than 2 million American children have had a deployed parent. Many of them have seen multiple deployments. This tells me that we are not alone and that all these children have gone through or are going through what my own boys have.

Our last deployment ended in 2013 and my boys were 9, 7 and 3. At those ages they only kind of understand what Dad was doing. It was a hard time for all of us as I helped them work through the time apart while trying to deal with the deployment myself. It can be difficult to know what will help them and what they are really dealing with.

The best thing to do is to keep the line of communication open with your children. Let them know it is okay to share with you how they are feeling or what they are experiencing. Encourge them to reach out to you if it becomes too hard. Sometimes young kids will act out when they are feeling frustrated about the deployment. It is important to keep firm boundaries in your home but be aware that some behavior could be because of missing one of their parents.

One idea is to have a recordable device that the deployed parent can set up to give to the child. Recordable teddy bears, along with other battery-powered devices such as recordable story books provide reliable comfort no matter when or where their parent is deployed.

Duracell has a great video out all about how a Teddy Bear can help a child through a deployment. This video made me cry because it shows us how hard it can be for a child to be without their dad. It is nice that we live in a time where technology can help that divide and allow the child to hear their parent’s voice whenever they want. The film was inspired by a real Military child who was showed Duracell a Teddy Bear she had during her father’s deployment.

Duracell would like to raise $100,000 for USO’s Comfort Crew for Military Kids. Share the film and find out how you donate to the cause through the USO at http://www.uso.org/donate.

You can also find Duracell on Facebook and Twitter.

 

This review was made possible by iConnect and Duracell. I was provided compensation to facilitate this post, but all opinions are 100% mine.

 

 

Finding Balance During A Military Deployment

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20120908-IMG_9336My next post for Blue Star Families will be about balance during a deployment.

Balance is something I think most people try to achieve in all areas of their life. They want to balance work with home and family. It is no different for us Military families. The issue for us is that it can be more difficult to find that balance, especially during a deployment. When a spouse is gone it is up to the other spouse to fill in the gaps. This can be quite difficult.

I know for myself I work towards balance but I always feel like I am falling short. For example, we might have a day where the kids have a lot of fun but I just can’t get to everything that needs to get done in the house. We might eat a yummy meal but the laundry doesn’t get done. It can be frustrating but I do try hard to let things go. I try to tell myself that I am doing the work of two parents right now. Not everything is going to be perfect.

I also try not to take on too much. Right now we are getting used to 1st and 2nd grade homework. It is taking quite some time each day. By the time we are done, it is time to make dinner. I simply can’t see how we could add in a sport or another afternoon activity right now. I just don’t have the strength to juggle that. I know that about myself so I try to make choices based on what I think I can handle.

I think balancing everything perfectly is such a hard thing to do. I think for most of us we just try to do out best with what we have. We try to make time for everything that needs to get done. We try not to ignore parts of our lives that might need our attention.

How do you achieve balance as a Military spouse?

 

Follow Blue Star Families on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ and build a support network so you can keep your family and personal community strong throughout the duration of the entire deployment life cycle.

Flying With Children When You Are By Yourself

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If your spouse is in the Military, you have probably had to travel somewhere by yourself. If you have had to do this with children, you know how challenging doing so can be. I have had to do it too many times. I am not a pro at flying with my children and I get through the challenge by preparing a little and praying a lot. Here are just a few tips that you might find helpful.

Flying With Children When You Are By Yourself

1) Don’t book a super early morning flight. If you can, make the flight later in the morning or later in the day. Waking up at 3am to get to the airport in time has never ever worked for me. What usually happens is that I don’t sleep the night before or only get an hour or two. It is just not good to start a day of travel that way. So if you can, don’t book early morning flights.

2) Media is your friend. When we were flying back from California the last time my son played with the Kindle Fire. I didn’t have to worry about him at all. Now for the younger kids, this might not work but I will never not fly with some type of media for my kids again. The only reason we survived trips overseas and back was because the kids were able to watch movies. You do have to remember that they are not allowed to use them on take off and when you land. It is a good idea to talk to your kids about that rule beforehand.Flying with children

3) Prizes. Before flying I tell my boys that they will get a prize once we are seated on the airplane and they have their seatbelts on. This really works for my son with Autism as he does really well when you plan ahead like that. I usually give them a small Lego or something I know they would love and that will keep them entertained. You can go to the dollar store or even a thrift store to find little toys they have never played with before. Give them out throughout the flight.

4) Don’t try to be supermom. I think there is this idea that if you are a good mom, your kids will be perfect angels when they fly. The reality is, kids are kids. You do what you can as a Mom to get everyone on that plane and to make it through the flight. I don’t mean ignore your kids if they are being loud or acting up, but give yourself a break. You are traveling alone with children. Your husband might be deployed and you might be at the end of your rope. People might stare and people might comment but don’t let it get to you. You know you are a good parent but you are being tested and it is okay if it doesn’t go the way it should. Some people are rude, some people have no idea what it is like to fly with kids and some people have forgotten what traveling with small kids is like.

5) Accept help when it comes. I am bad about this. I want to do it all myself. But there are nice people out there. Someone might ask if they can help you carry a car seat, let them. Someone might ask if you need help getting into your seats, let them. Be polite and ask the flight attendants if you need something. They should be understanding.

What tips would you have for traveling along with children?

Too Many Years of War

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On March 19th, 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom began.  My husband and I went to downtown Santa Rosa, CA where we were living and took part in a support the troops rally. My husband was not active duty Army at this time. He didn’t re-join until the end of 2005. During this rally we saw a lot of patriotic signs. I was very much for what we were doing and supported it fully. I also supported the troops and wanted them to know that people out there stood behind them and supported them. War in Iraq

At the time I had no idea what the words, “War on Terror,” “Afghanistan” or “Iraq” would mean to my personal life. I had no idea how supporting the troops would go from holding up signs, to sending my own husband off to war. I really had no inkling that TEN years later we would be getting ready for a fourth deployment.

The war in Afghanistan started October 7, 2001. That is 11+ years ago. 11 years of war!

My husband has been to Afghanistan before, but just for a few months. His upcoming deployment he will be there for a lot longer. He has been to Iraq twice for a total of 26 months. I hope this next deployment is the last time he has to go to Afghanistan.

When I look at what has happened in Iraq and Afghanistan as a whole over the last few years it does look like we are winding down. When I think about the surge in Iraq and how that affected us, it makes this next deployment look easy. But then you never really know. My husband could be extended again for any amount of time. We really don’t know.

I want the American people to know that although things are not like they were in say 2006, we are still sending our Military to start new deployments in Afghanistan. We probably will for a while longer. We probably will always be sending someone there. And others are still being sent to Iraq. As time passes it might be easy for America to forget everything we have done over there. If it isn’t on the news 24/7, it sometimes is forgotten But our family can’t forget. That is what happens when a member of your family serves in the Military. You know first hand about war and what it is like to love someone fighting in it. And 11 years is a long time to be at war when you are a Military family.

I would love to think that we can enter a time of peace but I also know that there are other countries and parts of the world that might need our Military, even if everything settles down completely in Afghanistan. And I should expect that as long as my husband is in the Army. It is apart of his job. But that doesn’t stop me from praying for peace or hoping that things don’t get as bad as they have been the last 11 years. It doesn’t stop me from hoping that the next big fight America is in can be over quickly and without as much loss as we have had with Iraq and Afghanistan. I suppose only time will tell.

“The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country”
― George S. Patton Jr.

 

 

Financial checklist for soon to be deployed military members

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My next guest post is by Matt Polsky from the VA Benefit Blog.  He is going to be talking about how to prepare financially before going on a deployment.

Financial checklist for soon to be deployed military members

Horror stories of soldiers accruing debt while serving are far too numerous.  Financial preparation could lessen the nerves of the moment and save money for both the service member and his or her family. However, how does one save? And what are some last minute tips for soldiers with no emergency fund?

Things to Do Before Deployment

Military members could save a lot of money while deployed. They could even potentially end with more money than they started. How?

  1. Create an emergency fund. It is extremely difficult to put money aside. However, everyone should try their best to throw a few extra dollars every week into the bank and forget about it. This is the most effective way to meet emergencies and life-changes head on. Try paying yourself first, aim to deposit 8-10 percent of your paycheck and try to forget about it until an emergency arises.
  2. Start researching what creditors offer military members on duty. Some creditors have military discounts and forbearances. Call them to find out what a military member can do in the case of deployment. Many of them will have an answer. However, some will not want to offer any leniency. In that case, all service members leaving for active duty should utilize the protections provided under the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act. The law protects military members from financial burden. They can eliminate or lower income tax, credit card debts, mortgage payments and rent while on duty. For members with families, the law gives them peace of mind because banks are not allowed to evict or foreclose on a home while a service member is on duty. This law still requires the military member to give the bank or property owner and other creditors proper notice of deployment.
  3. Making small decisions lead to big savings. For example, store the car away and do not let anyone use it. Insurance companies will lower plan rates for a car not in use. Not to mention, a stored car runs no risk of repair or damage if it is not being used. Another way a small decision could save money—suspend cell phone coverage. Many mobile providers can suspend your coverage and let you keep your same number for up to 18 months and reactivate the phone upon your return. This makes perfect sense for soldiers who regularly use online phone services such as Skype as well as prepaid phone cards and email to communicate with their family and friends back home.
  4. Obtain legal protection of finances. Assigning a trusted Power of Attorney to manage accounts and budgets could help to limit big spending and protect from theft or loss while gone. It would be a nightmare to come back only to find an empty bank account.

It is important to make sure family and friends are on the same page about the actions taken to protect funds. Assure them of insurance coverage as well as the protections under SCRA. Be strict about spending and the use of personal property while away. Taking the above precautions will leave one with money in the bank as opposed to substantial debt.

Matt Polsky is a blogger associated with VA Benefit Blog, a blog focused on providing veterans and service members with current news and information on the benefits they have through serving our country.


Joining Forces For Military Families

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America has been involved in two wars for 8+ years now.  Many military families have been through deployment after deployment during this time.  We are two months into our 3rd deployment and I can feel the weight of the last two.  And I know I am not alone in this.  Many other families are going through the same thing.  I am not sure when these rapid deployments will end.  When there can be YEARS between them.  I have been praying this can happen for a long time now and I just have to hope it will.  They tell us we will get two years between deployments now.  But really?  I am not sure I can believe this.  Especially since things are going on in other places in the world besides just Iraq and Afghanistan.  And although I hope for years I am preparing myself.  We just started this deployment and I already have to mentally prepare for a fourth which could happen just a year after he returns from this one.

I was so happy to see this website  Joining Forces.  This is a national initiative started by the First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden.

The website says this, “1% of Americans may be fighting our wars, but we need 100% of Americans to be supporting our troops and their families. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden are asking Americans to get involved in any way they can.”

This needs to happen!  Deployments are not going away.  And the more deployments families go through, the more support we will need.   I hope all of America can help in some way.   While part of our family is off fighting in a war, we need to know that America cares and respects that.  Over the last 5+ years that we have been a military family we have seen such wonderful support from friends and family.  Thank you all so much!  Your support means more than you will ever know.

So no matter what your political beliefs are, no matter if you support the war or not, check out that site and find a way to help a military family 🙂