This list combines recommendations from the Red Cross, AAA and several local and national financial institutions. These suggestions are always a good idea, but may prevent some real headaches and inconveniences should Y2K prove to have any punch whatsoever!

This is a year to be financially organized before the end of the year. Being prepared and organized can save hours of trying to correct problems or prove you did indeed make a payment.

1. Keep records. Make sure you have copies of all of your financial statements for 1999, including credit card, banking and investment information. Be sure to compare these statements for consistency and accuracy with the first statements of the New Year. Specific recommendations for different types of accounts:
   • Checking and Savings - Make sure to balance your checking accounts. Verify that direct deposits or payments are correct. Make sure that your institution is federally insured.
   • Investment - Keep all account records and confirmations from buy and sell activities.
   • IRS - Contact the IRS and request form 4506, a free transcript or copy of your previous tax filings.
   • Local Taxes and Utility Bills - Keep records of any payments you make and watch any new bills for discrepancies. Keep photocopies of bills and the check that is sent.
   • Mortgage and Consumer Loans - Review to ensure that your loan is being amortized and credited properly. Keep all payment records.
   • Social Security - Contact your local office and request form SSA 7004. Make sure it is accurate.
   • Computer records - Make sure to print off hard copies of all computerized financial records. Also, print copies of any difficult to replace files (including word processing files), just in case.
2. Order a copy of your credit report ($3-14) from one of the three principal credit bureaus:
   • Experian (1-888-397-3742)
   • TransUnion (1-800-888-4213)
   • Equifax (1-800-685-1111)
   In this way you have proof of your credit rating, should anything go awry at the beginning of the year. You can also correct any problems that might exist now. You will have a correct copy to compare with a 2000 copy.
3. Send payments for December 1999 and January 2000 by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you'll have proof that your payments were received. Temporarily discontinue use of any electronic checking services.
4. Keep one or more forms of valid identification, such as birth certificate, passport or driver's license.
5. Check to see if your personal computer is Y2K compliant. Do the same with business computers. Be sure to make backup discs for all critical programs and data. Check with software and hardware manufacturers for Y2K compliant upgrades. Some companies will attempt to charge you a "shipping and handling" fee for any updates or Y2K-fix patch discs. If you politely protest, ask to speak to a manager, and explain that it was their shortsightedness that created the problem and that you do not plan on paying for their mistakes, they will almost always send the patch for free. It never hurts to remind them that Microsoft is sending their updates for free!

   Windows 95 & 98 are not compliant as is. For upgrades, the number is 1-888-673-8925. Press option 4 to get a human. They will offer a business (quarterly updates, more technical) or a home use (1 CD-ROM, more user-friendly) CD-ROM, get your name and address and you're done! Or you can download upgrades from WWW.Microsoft.com/y2k.

   There are several inexpensive programs that can assess the Y2K compliance of your hardware and software. They may NOT fix the problems. That should be done through the manufacturers. Also check with manufacturers of the following essential equipment to see if these are compliant: fire and security systems, programmable thermostats, appliances, miscellaneous electronics, garage door openers, electronic locks, and any other electronic equipment in which an 'embedded chip' may control its operation. You can find some information about consumer products at 1-888-USA-4-Y2k or www.y2k.gov or www.consumer.gov/y2k.
6. Stock disaster supplies to last at least a week. (If you have obeyed the counsel to store food, you should be in good stead here!) This includes food, stored water, cleaning supplies, sanitary needs and an ample supply of prescription and non-prescription drugs (some experts are recommending a 60 day supply) that you normally use.
7. Have some extra cash (in small bills - $1s, $5s, $10s and some $20s) on hand in case ATMs, credit cards and the like cannot be processed. How much to have on hand is an individual decision, but most financial experts are recommending enough to cover essentials and to last between a long weekend's worth to one month. Keep the cash in a safe place and do not advertise that you have it. Plan on withdrawing this well in advance of 12/31/99 to avoid long lines. DO NOT WITHDRAW ALL OF YOUR MONEY!! You will be at great risk of losing it or having it stolen. If your money is in a federally insured institution, it will be protected up to $100,000.
8. Top off your gas tank a day or so before 12/31/99. It is always a good idea to keep your tank at least half full.
9. Have an alternative cooking method available. Do not use charcoal or flames indoors. Gas ovens almost always require electricity.
10. Have plenty of flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Candles can be very helpful , but can also be dangerous when used for emergency lighting.
11. Have a battery-powered radio or TV to keep up on what is happening.
12. Have an alternative heat source. Have extra blankets, coats, hats and gloves to keep warm. Please do not plan to use gas-fueled appliances, such as an oven, for heat. Do not bring outdoor items inside for heating. Outdoor items are designed to be used in very well ventilated areas (such as...outside!) Use indoor rated appliances only. Also, top off any heating oil or propane tanks in advance of 12/31/99. If you heat with wood, have several cords of wood stored. Remember that appliances such as a kerosene heater only work if they have fuel.
13. If you have a generator, do not plug it into your home's general system without an electrician's help. It can cause all sorts of problems, one of which is shorting out your entire house and another is possibly killing a lineman. Plug what you want powered directly into the generator. Keep the generator in a well-ventilated area. Do not put in your home or basement. Most deaths during winter power outages are due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The next most frequent cause of death is fire.
14. Have a battery powered carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector with fresh batteries. Many smoke alarms are hard-wired into your home's electrical system and will not work without electricity. Check all detectors. Put in fresh batteries.
15. Have a backup plan to relocate to another shelter for warmth and protection, if needed, or be prepared to assist others if you are well-situated. It would be prudent to have a 72-hour kit, just in case. Make sure you know how to drain the pipes in case it is necessary to leave your home.
16. Avoid all unnecessary travel in the few days around the turn of the Millenium. Also, do not schedule elective surgery for early in 2000.
17. Keep friends, relatives, and neighbors, particularly seniors, in mind. Remember that any situation like this will bring out the most unsavory and untrustworthy characters. Be aware of promises that are too good to be true. Watch for price gouging. Remember your Hometeaching and Visiting Teaching responsibilities. Be ready to help wherever needed.
18. Don't be overwhelmed. Start somewhere. If we have followed the counsel of the voices in our heads, most of this is already done. If not, here's a great opportunity to start!