MANILA, Philippines – Whether it’s for business or leisure, traveling has become a way of life for many of us. In 2015 alone, Filipinos made at least 1.5 million international trips and over 19 million domestic trips while the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) is now at 2.4 million.

Since we’re spending more time away from our families for travel or work, we sometimes worry about how they are coping with our absence.   

It may be difficult to fill the emotional gaps we leave behind, but there’s something we can do to keep our families financially secure even if we’re miles away from home. We asked Aya Laraya, financial expert from pesosandsense.com for some suggestions.

Set a family meeting before you go

Before you leave, gather the family to discuss and lay down ground rules while you’re not at home. Remind them about daily chores like taking out the trash. It’s also important to talk about what to do if scammers or criminals try to break into the house.

“Educate house help [and other members of the family] about Dugo-Dugo scams,” said Laraya. “Have a copy of certain financial documents – life insurance, car insurance – with a nearby friend, relative or officemate.”

You may also talk to your house help and kids about other possible scenarios, especially at times when they will be left alone the house. Teach them security measures such as checking who’s at the door before opening, or calling the police to report suspicious activities.

Store money and important documents properly

Secure the emergency stash of money and important documents by storing them in familiar yet protected places inside the house.

According to Laraya, you need to “clarify where the money or documents are and what they are for. That way it will be clear when and how they are to be used.”

That way, your family knows when it’s okay to touch the money, and they’ll also know what to do in situations where they would need to present important documents such as land titles, or birth certificates. Being upfront about how much cash there is also alerts the family if someone is spending the money without permission.

Take your ATM and credit cards with you

If there’s anything you should take with you, it’s your ATM and credit cards. Leaving an ATM or credit card behind may sound like an easy way to make sure that your family won’t run out of cash, but it can also be very risky.

“Cards are very easy to get misplaced,” shared Laraya. “Things can also be bought online with the card and a copy of the bill. No need for a signature.”

Yes, you might have your family’s best interests in mind but there are smarter ways to do this like leaving a certain amount of cash that will last them for the duration of your trip. If the need arises, you can always transfer additional cash to your loved ones through secure channels like remittance services that are available nationwide.

Seek the assistance of trusted neighbors and money facilities

Ask your trusted friends and relatives to look out for your family while you’re gone. They can check on your household and help with errands, but more importantly, they can extend financial assistance whenever there are unexpected expenses like school projects or trips.

“Friends and relatives are still the first choice but it should be clear how you will repay them,” suggested Laraya.

Through the help of trusted and accessible financial service providers like Cebuana Lhuillier, you can easily transfer money through secure remittance services wherever you are in the Philippines or in the world.

With over 4,000 Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala outlets that operate beyond mall and banking hours nationwide and partners worldwide, you don’t have to wait to get back home to pay for what you owe your friend or relative once you have the time.

Being away from your family can be stressful but through careful planning, constant communication, and knowledge about available financial services, you can enjoy your trip without the guilt. – Rappler.com

Cebuana Lhuillier has over 4,000 Pera Padala outlets nationwide and major bank partners worldwide in varying business hours that let you stay connected to your family and send money through “Pera Padala” from wherever you are around the world.