Fw: 32 Tips That Might Come In Handy.......

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Got this message from a friend and thought it had some good Y2K prep

suggestions.

Take care,

-Joy

---- 32 Tips That Might Come In Handy.......

Date: Fri, 26 Nov 1999 17:12:23 -0500

1) 32 Steps for Y2K Preparedness

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Here are some practical steps you can take to ease problems that

may be associated with Y2k

1) Start a Y2k protection plan. Know what you will do in case

problems arise. Follow news developments so you will know how to

respond.

2) Obtain multiple proofs of ID. SS Card, Birth certificate, valid

passport, drivers license, voter registration card, student or

military ID's

3) Collect paper records of your important possessions so that you

can prove ownership. Deeds, titles, proofs of purchase to homes,

property, cars, boats and other big ticket items

4) Secure hard copies of financial documents. Mortgage and loan

agreements, credit card statements, state and federal tax returns,

health and prescription plans, leases, benefit statements, safe

deposit contracts, major warrantees and insurance policies

5) Create a paper file on companies or agencies you deal with on a

regular basis. The list should include electricity, water,

telephone, cable TV, and Internet accounts as well as credit card

providers and mortgage holders. Include copies of bills received

and payments made in case questions arise. Computer errors occur

even in the best of times

6) Ask your employer for hard copies of your work record, including

employment dates, performance reviews, bonus calculations, vacation

and sick leave accumulations, payroll deductions and current pay

level.

7) List the various accounts you have with your bank. Checking,

savings, CD's, retirement accounts, trust and investment accounts

and safe deposit boxes. List account numbers for each.

8) Take extra care if you bank by computer. Make sure your own

computer is Y2k compliant. Keep paper records of all transactions

9) Write down how much you charge when you use your Credit Card.

10) Don't get into a situation where you are dependent on your

credit card, especially if it has an expiration date after Jan 1,

2000. Carry at least one credit card with an expiration date other

than 00. Consider carrying travelers checks in case of an emergency

11) Double check all interest calculations. Because they are based

on time and date calculations there are likely to be Y2k problems

12) Make a note to check with your mortgage company to be sure that

your property taxes and homeowners insurance are paid. Then confirm

that with the appropriate tax authority or insurance company. Don't

assume anything.

13) Know when your insurance premiums are due.

14) Make a copy of all prescriptions you have had in the last year.

Ask your doctor to help you build up a month's supply in case there

is a computer problem at the pharmacy

15) Check with your company benefits office about what the firm

that administers your 401K account is doing to resolve the problem

16) Talk to your investment counselor about moving retirement funds

if you will be making withdrawals during the first half of the year

2000

17) Read the quarterly reports from companies in which you own

stock. They should be keeping stockholders aware of their progress

with Y2k compliance projects. Your investment counselor should be

able to help in this area

18) Keep paper records of investments as proof of holding and

acquisition costs. They will insure against computer problems at

the company holding your accounts

19) Request documentation on the amount in your Social Security and

Medicare accounts before Dec 1999.

20) Obtain current status on Life Insurance Policies

21) Closely monitor your credit report. Any errors in the system

could be magnified by computer problems

22) Collect hard copies of your children's school records. Grades,

attendance, immunizations and grade level completions

23) Obtain tuition receipts, grade reports and semester transcripts

for any collegians in your family. Also pay close attention to

student loan activity

24) Check with your auto dealership to determine if your car has

any date sensitive chips that might cause a problem

25) If you have major bills due in early Jan 2000, consider paying

them in Dec 1999.

26) Once the Year 2000 arrives, double check all bills, premium

notices and financial statements to make sure they are accurate.

Don't let a computer glitch cause you to be shortchanged or

overcharged.

27) Look for unusual fluctuations in utility bills. Make sure names

and address information are correct.

28) Secure a source for emergency heat in case the power goes out.

29) Have a portable radio and extra batteries handy. Make sure you

have flashlights and candles available

30) Collect some extra food and water just in case. Make sure your

grill is working in case you need it for cooking

31) Gas up the family car on Dec 31, in case the pumps are not

working the next day

32) Set aside some extra money for an emergency fund. Have enough

cash on hand to carry you through at least a week.