September is National Preparedness Month, a time to reflect on how ready we are for unexpected events, whether it’s a natural disaster, a personal emergency, or a financial disruption. At UKRFCU, we believe that financial preparedness is just as important as having a flashlight and a first-aid kit.

Here’s how you can prepare your finances, documents, family, and property for anything life throws your way:

1. Financial Readiness Starts with a Plan

• Build an Emergency Fund: Aim for 3–6 months of essential expenses. Start small and automate savings through your UKRFCU account, or have a dedicated Money Market or High Yield Savings account set up for instances like these. Our Share Certificate accounts are also beneficial to have as savings accounts.
• Review Your Budget: Identify areas to cut back and redirect those funds to savings or insurance.
• Set Up Alerts: Use UKRFCU’s Mobile Banking to monitor transactions and detect fraud early.
• Have Money available: In the case that there is no access to ATMs or Branches, it is a good idea to have money ready and protected, where it won’t be destroyed and safe.

2. Secure Your Important Documents

• Create a Digital Vault: Store scanned copies of IDs, insurance policies, wills, and financial statements in a secure cloud service.
• Keep Physical Copies Safe: Use a fireproof and waterproof safe for originals like birth certificates, property deeds, and passports.
• Update Beneficiaries: Review your accounts and insurance policies to ensure your loved ones are protected.

3. Protect Your Family and Property

• Review Insurance Coverage: Make sure your home, auto, and life insurance policies are up to date and adequate.
• Create a Family Emergency Plan: Include financial contacts, evacuation routes, and access to funds.
• Inventory Your Assets: Document valuables for insurance claims and financial planning.
• Prepare go bags for all family members: Each go bag or emergency kit should include essential items such as clothing, medication, water, and other necessary supplies. Learn more on what to include by visiting: Build A Kit | Ready.govBuild A Kit | Ready.gov.

4. Stay Alert: Protect Yourself from Scams

• Scammers won’t stop when there are disasters: Don’t let your guard down during these times.
• Be cautious of emails, phone calls, and text messages regarding insurance claims, contractors with too-good-to-be-true quotes, and charities.
• Always be careful about sharing personal information over the phone, in a text, or by email.

No one from the UKRFCU shall call you requesting your personal information. If someone does call and asks for this information, or you are suspicious of the call, ask for their name and extension, and tell them you will call them back. Call our number (215) 725-4430 or our toll-free number, 888-POLTAVA.

Ніхто з Кредитної спілки не дзвонить Вам із запитом на Вашу особисту інформацію. Якщо хтось дійсно дзвонить і запитує цю інформацію, або ви підозрюєте дзвінок від шахрая, запитайте його ім’я та номер та скажіть, що ви передзвоните. Телефонуйте за номером (215) 725-4430 або за безкоштовним номером 888- POLTAVA.

Learn more about how to keep you and your family prepared for emergencies by visiting FEMA’s preparedness page: National Preparedness Month | Ready.gov.