Do you have a cache of unclaimed money, sitting in somewhere just waiting for you to claim it? The possibility of being owed lost or unclaimed money is powerful. The truth is that many American’s have either lost some money or are due a sometimes substantial amount of money.
National news stories and an abundance of Internet blogs have piqued the curiosity and imaginations of millions and have caused many to begin searching to see if they have any unclaimed money waiting for them. But before Americans should go searching for their lost of unclaimed money, they need to make sure that they are following the critical three steps to finding lost or unclaimed money.
1. Research. Many Americans have lived in more than one location or State during their lives. They probably also had several jobs, opened a few different bank accounts and had an insurance policy or two. Researching for lost or unclaimed money begins with collecting the addresses of all the places that you have lived, as well as all the jobs you’ve held. If possible, create a list of all banking-related accounts that you have opened during your life as well. When someone moves out of a Sate and leaves behind any unclaimed money, that money is turned over to the State. Once in possession of the State, the lost money sits in their accounts and earns interest. Each Sate differs, but no State makes any respectable effort to locate the true and legal owner of the unclaimed money.
2. Explore Family Tree. Much of the unclaimed money sitting in the bank accounts of State were generated as the result of deaths. Whether someone passed who had no will or had a will that did not assign a beneficiary for all of their assets, the State becomes the unintended beneficiary of many. You will need to know your entire family tree, especially those relatives who have passed. Do not make the mistake of assuming that if you were listed in someone’s will that you received what your relatives intended for you to receive.
3. Turn to an Expert. There are many websites that tell you that all you need to do to claim your lost money is to enter your name in a search field and enter a few details. In reality, all that these services do is conduct a public search on your name. Though these services may find your lost or unclaimed money, the chances are that they will either deliver no results or will only find a portion of your assets. Another option that some try is to do everything on their own. This is equivalent to performing surgery on yourself. Unless you have the expertise, experience and a proven process to follow, you will most likely end up frustrated and disappointed. Finding a proven expert that charges a flat fee for their services is the most effective way to find your lost and money and to add some crooked numbers to your bank account.
