Your pre-deployment checklist

An overseas deployment is an important and often preoccupying time. It requires rigorous organization, both professionally and personally. To ensure your mind stays focused on your mission, it is a good idea to stabilize your situation at home and your finances before the big departure.

Here is a detailed checklist to help you prepare:

• Insurance: Are you adequately covered during deployment ?
  • Life insurance: Before you leave, get a certificate confirming your coverage in the event of death from your life insurer.
    • You are with La Personnelle ? No problem. You are covered.
    • Otherwise, review your coverage with your insurer.
    • Also, make sure your designated beneficiaries are up to date.
  • Home insurance: In the event of an unfortunate incident, coverage could be denied if your home is left empty. Some insurance policies require someone to visit your residence regularly to keep the coverage valid. Inform your insurer that your home will be unoccupied or occupied by a third party.
  • Auto insurance: If your vehicle is in storage, you might be able to get a premium reduction for “withdrawal from use” (storage). However, make sure you maintain coverage against theft and fire.
• Power of Attorney (Mandate) Designate a trusted person with a power of attorney. They will be able to manage your property and assets and make decisions on your behalf. The minimum: a bank power of attorney allows account management, but its powers are limited. A notarized power of attorney provides broader powers.
• The Will An up-to-date will is good. The military will is a minimum, but better options exist. A notarized will is the best choice. Learn everything you need to know about wills on the Éducaloi website.
• Credit Cards

  • Avoid online purchases during your overseas deployment.

  • Before leaving, protect your credit card with a PIN and notify us of your deployment to prevent your foreign transactions from being blocked by security systems.

  • Check the expiration dates of your cards and request an early renewal if necessary.

• Maximize New Liquidity Did you know that you don’t have to pay tax on income earned while on active service? Make your money work for you while you’re away.

  • Consider contributing to an RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan).

  • Consider the possibility of paying down debts.

  • Plan your investments and keep up your good habits of contributing to your FHSA (First Home Savings Account) if you plan to buy your first home upon your return. You can always send us instructional emails.

  • Also, plan the filing of your 2026 tax return.

• Automated Payments Set up automatic transfers for all your recurring bills.
• Communications Agree on a contact frequency and the platforms to use (secure apps, emails). For mail management: ask Canada Post to forward your mail or ask a trusted person to collect it regularly so your absence isn’t obvious.
• Deployment File Gather a copy of your important documents: instructions, medical records, power of attorney, ID documents, will, etc. Give it to your mandated representative, who will use it as a reference if needed or in an emergency.

• There for you, even from afar. The Caisse’s specialized team is part of your rearguard: take advantage of it.

Questions about deployment and your finances? We are close to you, no matter where you are.