Would you spend 10 minutes if it could mean $1000+ to you?
Recently, a potential client received a letter in the mail. It offered to help her claim thousands of dollars (for a 10% cut). After a quick public records search, I found the money was legit. But she didn’t need to give up 10% of her money to this company!
Right now, you could be one of the tens of thousands of people with unclaimed property. These lost or forgotten assets are turned over to state programs. The good news is that states use the money for the public good (like public schools) while unclaimed. The bad news? If you are the rightful owner (or heir), it’s your money!
Where Did You Go?
Don’t worry, many people can “lose” sight of assets. Checking or savings accounts go unused for years, or get left behind in a move or divorce. Small amounts of stocks or dividends you never knew you had sat lonely at a brokerage company. Your last payroll check before you moved never got cashed. You never got your security deposit back on an apartment.
State unclaimed property laws instruct companies to turn these assets over to a state official. They then make a diligent effort to find you or your heirs. But if they don’t find you in public data or at an awareness event, it sits and waits for you.
Show Me The Money!
Use these websites to check to see if you have any unclaimed property:
- www.unclaimed.org
- www.missingmoney.com
When searching, don’t forget to look under maiden names, the name of a deceased spouse, or the names of deceased parents!
Skip the Paid Help
Some companies use Freedom of Information acts to get the names of those on unclaimed property lists. They offer to help you get the funds for a fee (sometimes up to 10%).
But the search is free and the form(s) are easy. You fill out the form, you verify your identity, and you send it in.
Helping with this process is one of the many things I offer to my clients. If you’re a client (or would like to be one), let me know if you’d like guidance!
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Years ago, I looked and found property that belonged to my late father. A claim form and a death certificate later, my mom had a check for money she never knew was hers.
How about checking this weekend to see if you find anything? Let me know what you find!
