Being halfway around the world from family members and friends weighs heavily on deployed military personnel. Add to that the everyday stresses of the location they’re in and the job they’re doing, and it’s more than most people could handle. But being deployed has plenty of other challenges, too, in terms of practical matters.

After all, deployed soldiers have to leave a lot behind in terms of material possessions. Depending on your situation, you might need to arrange to put some valuables into storage or ask friends and family to hold some of your belongings. However, things can get more complex when it comes to your larger, and more expensive possessions – consider your car.

Having car insurance is legally required, and unfortunately, that still typically applies to deployed soldiers. It’s important to check with your insurance agent to find out whether the company offers policies tailored to military personnel, taking into account the long absences associated with deployment.

If your spouse or another family member will be using your car while you’re away, it’s necessary to make sure that they are included in your policy, and that your insurance agent is aware of the situation.

Before you leave, it’s important to create a financial deployment checklist that you can consult as the departure date approaches. In addition to insurance matters, make sure that your legal needs are covered. Create a will, assign power of attorney, and put all your important legal documents in a safe place that a designated person can access.

Taking these steps can make it easier for your loved ones while you’re gone and help you to make a smoother transition to life after deployment. Other financial matters soon-to-be deployed troops should consider include:

* Contacting creditors. Some might offer special consideration for deployed military personnel.

* Setting up recurring or online payments. This will make it easier for you to make payments or take care of them online from wherever you will be stationed.

* Have a friend or family member take care of valuable possessions or consider putting them in a safety deposit box.

As you’re preparing to leave, make sure that you take advantage of military and community programs offered to help deployed soldiers – many companies want to honor servicemen and women by making these necessary tasks easier.