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Have you ever lost a $20 bill and you started to feel sick to your stomach?
What if I told you that there are billions of dollars of ‘unclaimed property’ held at the state level and some of your money and property, may be there.
According to some statistics there is $49.5 Billion worth of unclaimed property in the United States.
So the odds of you having something pending is very high.
What is the best website to find unclaimed money?
The best site to find unclaimed money is to go to the Bureau of Fiscal Service- Unclaimed Assets. Here you will be able to find your unclaimed money by type. There are several databases that you can search including but not limited to:
Unclaimed insurance
Taxes
Investments
Bank failures
Savings Bonds and
Employers
Each database will store different assets. These searches are free and accessible to the general public.
What is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property is when the government, a business, or financial institution owes you money that you were unable to collect. This can include monetary property, like checks and cash, and physical property like real estate.
You can claim property for yourself or for a deceased relative that you represent.
That is why it is important to establish an estate plan before passing, so the executor has legal power to collect any unclaimed property that may appear after death.
How to Find Unclaimed Money?
You can find unclaimed property by going to your local state's unclaimed property website or to Treasury Direct which is the official government site created by state officials to help individuals find their unclaimed property.
Each state will have their own website.
Pictured below is the homepage of Louisiana's Unclaimed Property Website as of (6/19/2024)
2. Click "GET STARTED"
3. Enter your Name or Business name in the box below. As stated, if you would like to narrow your search, you can look by City and Zip Code.
4. Click 'Search'
5. A list of names, addresses, amounts, and property types will appear. Once you find your name that corresponds with your information, click Claim to start the process.
6. You will be asked your relationship to the individual with a drop down menu.
7. Click File the Claim
8. You will be asked to enter your contact information. And if it matches you will be asked to certify that you are the rightful owner.
9. You will be sent an e-mail in 24 hours with a ClaimID which you will use to fill out the claim form.
The process time in Louisiana can range to up to 90 days after processing.
All state processes will not be exact. But they are very similar. If you need help, don't hesitate to use the Contact forms at the bottom of the page.
How To Claim Your Unclaimed Money in under 7 minutes
In this podcast episode, I share some insights on how to claim your Unclaimed Property in the state in which you reside.
With billions of dollars sitting unclaimed in state treasuries, you could be missing out on money that rightfully belongs to you. On this episode, I break down the process of finding and claiming this money and offering practical steps to ensure you're not leaving any of your financial assets behind. Tune in to learn how to secure your financial future and recover what’s yours.
Understanding Unclaimed Property
Unclaimed property refers to money or assets owed to you by businesses, financial institutions, or the government that you haven't collected. This can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, or insurance refunds. Knowing how to search for and claim this property can significantly enhance your financial well-being.
State-Specific Unclaimed Property Searches
Each state in the U.S. has its own unclaimed property website. If you've lived in multiple states, it's crucial to check each one. Be wary of scams; always look for official government websites with ".gov" extensions to ensure you're accessing legitimate information.
Simple Claiming Process
Claiming your unclaimed property is straightforward. Start by searching your state's unclaimed property website, entering your personal information, and following the verification steps. Documentation to prove your identity and address will be required, but the process is generally quick and user-friendly.
Annually Check Your Unclaimed Property
Regularly checking for unclaimed property can be beneficial. Even small amounts like refunds from misspelled names or incorrect addresses can add up. Jimmy recommends making this a yearly habit to ensure you’re not missing out on any potential funds.
Financial Planning and Unclaimed Property
Incorporating unclaimed property searches into your financial planning can reveal overlooked assets and prevent future losses. By understanding and managing your finances thoroughly, you can maximize your financial health and ensure you're not leaving money on the table.
Quotes:
"If a business, financial institution, or government owes you money that you did not collect, this is considered unclaimed money or property."
"Each state has different URLs, but it should contain the state name or abbreviation with the extension G O V."
"To claim your property is very simple. You enter your contact information like your name, address, birthday, social security number, and verify that it is actually you."
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Meet A.B. Ridgeway:
A.B. Ridgeway, MBA, CPWA®️ (info@abrwealthmanagement.com) is the owner and Christian Financial Advisor with A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management. With a decade in the finance industry, his goal is to give believers clarity around the most confusing topic in the Bible, money, and tithing. A.B. Ridgeway helps tithing Christians become cheerful givers but unlocking their money-making potential, so they can prosper and be the great stewards of the wealth God has entrusted them with.
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It's surprising to know there are billions of dollars in unclaimed assets across the U.S., and this guide provides an easy-to-follow process for checking and claiming what could be rightfully ours. I appreciate the emphasis on using official government sites to avoid scams and the advice to regularly check for unclaimed property as part of a financial plan. This is such a useful tip that could make a real difference for anyone. Thanks for the practical advice! https://templatecalendar.com/