September 29, 2011

Preparing Your Finances For Emergencies

On the cover of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)’s summer 2011 edition of FDIC Consumer News readers are asked if they and their finances are prepared for disasters. The edition provides articles with advice on how to financially prepare for and maintain day-to-day financial activities in the wake of a disaster. Some of the FDIC’s tips include:

(1) reviewing insurance coverage,
(2) keeping records and estimated values of personal property,
(3) using direct deposit and building an emergency savings fund,
(4) keeping certain documents (e.g., debit or credit cards, phone numbers and account information for financial providers, and copies of personal identification to help restore financial records) in a secure and available location, and
(5) taking precautions against identity theft.

This edition of FDIC Consumer News also provides advice to consumers on how to avoid and protect themselves from disaster-related financial scams such as unsolicited repair offers and fraudulent charities.