The financial strain caused by losing your home to a natural disaster like a tornado can be overwhelming.
Experts said there are ways to stay afloat despite losing everything.
Thereasa and Richard Morris lost nearly everything when a tornado swept through their neighborhood near Bridgecreek.
Their lives were spared but their home gone.
Financial experts said when it comes to disasters, the best thing you can do is start planning now.
CPA Randy Ross said, “No one thinks a disaster will ever happen to them.”
Ross said having a plan will prevent you from making decisions based on emotion.
Inventory your property now as opposed to trying to remember after a disaster.
Keep that information in a safe deposit box or another family member’s home.
Ross said, “If you just have a little bit of upfront preparedness it will be unpleasant but you will survive.”|
He said once disaster hits, your first call should be to your insurance agent.
Your agent will get the ball rolling on your recovery right away.
Then get to your bank; make sure you still have access to your account.
When rebuilding, remember to focus first on buying only on what you lost; buying extra stuff can quickly deplete your funds.
Ross said, “You can run out of money and you can end up in a worse position than you were before.”
Fortunately, the Morris’ were well-insured and have been able to rebuild.
Thereasa said, “It’s behind us we just have to look forward and move on.”
Ross also suggests when taking an inventory of your home, use pictures or video.
There are also apps to help you do that.
The Oklahoma Society of CPAs has more advice for planning after a disaster in a special guide they are currently offering free at libraries around the state or at this link.
