SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 – Even though it is one of the most expected pieces of being married to a person in the military, the periods of having to physically be separated can be stressful to say the least. Both side of the coin will experience this stress and for the military person themselves, it is usually quite important for them to feel like they are still providing for their spouse and family they have left behind. Below are a few ways to make your supportive presence known in a home that you are not currently occupying.
Have Finances in Order
When you are notified that you have an assignment that is going to take you away from your family, money is a top thought in many people’s heads. Being sure that everything is in order for your spouse and family to stay afloat in your absence can give you peace of mind when the miles between you are significant. Plan with your partner for the unexpected as much as possible, this can mean sharing banking information and passwords that they potentially did not previously have access to and also generating potential solutions to fill financial gaps if they occur.
For homeowners, there is money to be tapped that exists within your own four walls. Through the process of simply paying your mortgage you have built up equity that can be accessed in case of emergency or even to handle planned payments like putting a child through college. You can review a guide that compares home equity loan rates together so that should your spouse have to handle this on their own down the line, everyone is comfortable with the process. While rates will vary, the process really does not so even if the numbers do not end up being exact there is enough knowledge there for the task to be accomplished successfully.
Invest in Life Insurance
Another grim fact of military life is the high level of danger involved in serving your country. While it might be sad or uncomfortable to discuss, your family needs to have a plan in the event of the unthinkable. A major concern for military personnel is if they have enough life insurance to bear the financial weight or chronic illness, long term health care, or death. As a member of the military, you have access to specialized rates and competitive benefits, so the ROI is favorable.
Be Present When Possible
Although you cannot physically be together, prioritizing mental presence when you are able to speak on the phone or video chat is going to feed your long-distance relationships. While you may have to occasionally use this time to discuss important matters try to also be mindful of the need to talk about the emotional ties that bind you. Eliminating distractions during these interactions will allow you to focus on your loved one and show you care from a distance.
Sending packages and letters is another way to show that you care. As the person who left it is incredibly important that those who you left behind still feel the same emotional security you provided them when you were inside the home. Even spouses and children who deeply understand the nomadic ways of a military service professional will have moments where they feel abandoned. Constant communication can help to bridge that gap.