I’m of the general opinion that I will know when someone owes me money and I’ll chase them until they pay me. But, recently, I got a strange letter in the mail. Some random law firm in California said that I had $2300 in unclaimed wages from my old employer in California from 2000. Stupidly, I filled out their form and said, “Yes, please go get that money for me and I’ll pay you 10% for your services.” I did this BEFORE doing any research (because I had a toddler hanging on my back).
Then, I realized that every state has an online search to find any unclaimed property that may be hanging out there. Just put in your name and bingo—yep, there is money out there that the state wants to give me. (I shouldn’t complain about forking over the 10% to this particular firm that found me. They at least alerted me that there unclaimed property out there…money that I did not know existed!)
So, then I got to thinking and started searching in every state I’ve lived in under other names. No dice. But, I did find a few hundred dollars in unclaimed money for my father. Nice, huh?
So, take a little google stroll and search “Unclaimed Property Search + “Name of your state” ” and then search under your name. Who knows…maybe you have some moolah out there! Who knew?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Dude. I have been disappointed EVERY TIME I have searched. Turns out that I am NOT a billionaire heiress and I find that depressing.
I did have grand illusions of magic pots of found money, too. I’m hoping to plant that money tree in my backyard now!