Don't put off planning

For many people, talking about money – especially with family members – doesn't always come easily.

Which is why a lot of folks are caught off guard after the loss of a loved one. No one wants to imagine the worst, much less plan for it. But these conversations are crucial to making certain that no one is put in the difficult position of interrupting the grieving process by having to sort through the financial aftermath of a death in the family. It can also provide you some peace of mind knowing you won't place any unnecessary burden on family members if something unexpected should happen to you.

That's one of the reasons we frequently suggest that all of our members keep their beneficiaries updated. It's helpful to do this annually but also after major life changes, such as marriage or divorce, the birth of a child, or a death in the family. If tragedy should occur, our Member Care Services team is on hand to provide resources and guidance.

Being prepared for all possible outcomes should be a family affair. Options like Credit Life insurance are designed to reduce or pay off a loan balance if you pass before the loan is repaid. And if you're a parent, it's important that your children are prepared for what's to come.

This includes making sure they have the right tools and proper spending and saving habits to chart their own courses toward financial success. Of course, American Airlines Federal Credit Union provides a variety of educational opportunities for everyone in the family to help them follow the right path, including: weekly webinars which are also available on our YouTube channel; learning tips from our online, interactive financial guide, The Navigator; and stories, tips and advice collected on our online blog as well as our quarterly magazine cent$.

Remember, it's never too late to speak with your family about what comes next and everyone will feel more at home knowing that no matter what happens, you have a plan in place.

All the best,

Gail Enda
President & CEO