3 Places You Might Find Hidden Money (Seriously!)
Forgotten Bank Accounts
You’d be surprised how many people open a bank account, use it for a while, then totally forget it exists. Whether it’s from college, a job relocation, or just switching banks, those old accounts could still have money sitting in them. States actually require banks to turn over dormant funds after a certain period — and then hold onto it for you. You can search your name in official unclaimed property databases and claim what’s yours, often with just a few clicks. It’s like finding a twenty in an old coat pocket… but potentially way more.
Couch Cushions… of Your Finances
We’re not just talking about spare change (though check there too). Many people forget about things like utility or rental deposits they paid years ago and never got back. You might also have refunds from insurance, tuition, or even a store credit that got buried in an email. These small amounts add up, especially if you’ve moved or changed emails and the company couldn’t reach you. Think of it as doing a spring cleaning of your past financial life — you never know what treasures might turn up.
Government Programs You Didn’t Know Existed
There are literally hundreds of federal, state, and local programs designed to help people with housing, food, utilities, education, and more. The catch? Most people don’t know they qualify or how to apply. Sometimes it’s just a matter of answering a few questions or uploading a document or two. From stimulus checks you may have missed to monthly benefit programs, this is money set aside to help you. It’s worth checking — especially because eligibility requirements are often more flexible than people expect.