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Finding Unclaimed Balances
It's hard to believe, but people forget about funds
that they have on deposit in banks, trust companies and loan
companies. They also forget to notify banks, brokers, and others
when they have a change of address, or a change of name due to marriage,
divorce, etc.
A free searchable database is available at MissingMoney.org.
The database provides access to unclaimed property in most states.
The National
Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) provides
links to databases for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, a few
Canadian provinces, and Guam and Puerto Rico.
The US government also has a web page Unclaimed
Money from the Government, with links for
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tax refund status |
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pension funds from former employers |
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savings bonds recovery |
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unclaimed property, and many other helpful items. |
In order to avoid any of your assets becoming part of
the massive unclaimed property amounts, it is important to:
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keep good records of
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bank and savings accounts |
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investment/brokerage accounts |
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stock certificates, if held personally |
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any deposits paid, such as utility or telephone
deposits |
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insurance contracts |
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deposit or cash all checks as soon as possible
after receipt |
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keep a list of accounts that would have to be
notified of a change of address. This list is also invaluable to
the executor of your estate, so make sure they have access to it. |
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notify everyone on the list promptly if you change
your address, or if for some reason your name changes. |
Tip: Keep good
records, so if something happens to you, your heirs will find all your
assets!
Revised: December 29, 2011
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