So, your spouse is in the Canadian military? Maybe you are a new couple, or maybe your spouse just enlisted.  Either way, I get a LOT of messages from you wondering about practical advice on where to start.   I have virtually none.  I dont know who gave you the impression I know what I’m doing, but they were sadly mistaken. I’m winging it like everyone else.  However, I will give you what I’ve got.  It’s been 15 years, 3 kids 3 houses and 4 deployments, and I’ve learned far less than I should have by now, but maybe enough to get you started in the right-ish direction.  Here we go.  1. It’s all in the name. And your name needs to be on EVERYTHING. Bank accounts.  Cable bill.  Cell phone.  SunLife. Everything. Look at a monthly bank statement and all those bills that are paid?  Make sure your name is on the account.  Because if your spouse is away, he or she may be impossible to contact and those companies will NOT talk to you if there’s a problem. Being unable to communicate with his Visa company could mean a damaged credit rating on his return, and if you can’t speak to SunLife regarding her account, you may not be able to seek any reimbursements for the extent of their absence.   2. Power of Attorney If you are in a committed relationship (marriage, common law, etc), that piece of paper is vital.  It’s the difference between you being able to relocate, make bank changes, etc or being stuck without a means to change mortgage or sell the house. I have used Power of Attorney to list and sell a house, secure…