Snow on the ground and a windchill in the air mean it’s time for the snowbirds to head south for the winter. Spending weeks or months in warmer climates this time of year is a great break, but it means planning ahead.

While you’re making sure your sidewalks will be shoveled, your pipes won’t freeze, and your newspapers don’t pile up, consider what should happen with your bills and bank accounts while you’re away.

Here’s a general financial checklist for first-time snowbirds (and those who might be in a rush to start their migration.)

• Forward your mail – It’s a simple step that can help avoid major hassles like late fees or lapsed insurance policies. The post office has a Web site – www.usps.com – where you can manage your mail online and even change your address for a temporary move. Keep in mind that forwarded mail might still be delayed by a few days.

• Change your address with your bank – It’s an easy way to make sure you’ll get your statements any other pertinent information from your bank without delay.

• Set up direct deposit for any checks coming in – If you don’t already use direct deposit, you should, even if you’re not going on vacation. Using direct deposit for your Social Security, pension, payroll, 401(k) disbursements and any other regular checks protects your money. With direct deposit, checks can’t be lost in the mail or stolen (along with your identity) from your mailbox.

• Use automatic bill payment – Most vendors will allow you to set up automatic payment for your bills. Contact each vendor to set up automatic payment from whichever account you designate. It’s one way to ensure that your credit card, home phone, cell phone, cable, utility, and other bills are being paid on time while you’re away.

• Sign up for online banking – Online banking is an excellent tool, especially if you’re going to be away from home. Even if all your bills are set up on automatic payments and all your checks are direct deposit, online banking gives you access to your accounts and peace of mind. If you’d rather keep control of paying your bills, online banking will allow you to do that directly from your accounts with a few clicks of the mouse. With online banking, typically you can:
o Confirm balances
o View your transaction history
o Transfer money instantly
o Authorize and schedule convenient electronic bill payments, and more

If you use online banking, make sure you’ll have access to a computer and Internet connection wherever you’ll be staying.

• Consider a debit card – A debit card can help you two ways. It’s accepted like a credit card by most merchants, but the money will come out of your checking account. You can also use a debit card to get cash from an ATM. Traveler’s checks, credit cards and pre-paid credit cards are other ways to avoid carrying too much cash and the hassle of trying to use an out-of-town check.

• Stay in touch with your banker – If you don’t already have a relationship with your banker, start now. Make a note to call your banker once a month – even once a week – while you’re away. You might learn about special CD offers, investment specials or other news that you don’t want to miss. A good banker will welcome your call.

Leaving checks and bills sitting in your mailbox is an invitation to trouble. Take steps now to ensure you can access your accounts, pay your bills, protect your checks and mange your money effectively, no matter where you are.

Contact your Johnson Bank personal banker for more information.

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