As you may or may not know, each state in the U.S. has an “unclaimed funds” fund. When someone passes away, there are often times assets that slip through the cracks and never reach the intended heirs. It could be two shares of Prudential stock that no one knew about or a small life policy that was still in force, but buried in a drawer. In some cases it may only be $40, but in others it could be thousands! These monies don’t automatically go to the government, but instead are stuck in limbo as “unclaimed funds.” It would be helpful if they hung up pictures on telephone poles of the “lost money,” but instead it is up to you to do the searching even if you didn’t know you were supposed to be searching in the first place.
Onto your homework:
Step 1: Go to your state’s unclaimed funds website and search by name (of the deceased) to see if there are any accounts left out there waiting to be rightfully claimed. Here is the link to New York’s to help some of you get a head start.
Step 2: If you find anything, follow the guided steps and instructions to get more information.
Step 3: Get that buried treasure.
Step 4: Share any good news with us so we can celebrate with you!
Happy Friday! Stay healthy and please be safe!
PS – A thank you to my mother-in-law for reminding me of the very useful power and excitement of the unclaimed funds site!