Is There a "Hidden Inheritance" Waiting for You? How to Find Unclaimed Money


Have you ever found a twenty-dollar bill in the pocket of a coat you haven't worn in years? It’s a great feeling. Now, imagine finding a forgotten utility deposit, an uncashed paycheck from a summer job, or an old bank account from a state you haven't lived in for a decade.

According to the government, there are billions of dollars in unclaimed property just sitting in state and federal vaults, waiting for the rightful owners to claim it. 

Here is how you can go on a "treasure hunt" for your family’s missing money using official, free resources.

1. The State Treasure Chest

Most unclaimed money is held at the state level. When a business (like a bank or an insurance company) loses track of you, they are legally required to turn your money over to the state’s unclaimed property office.

  • How to Search: Start at USA.gov/unclaimed-money. This site provides a direct map and links to every state's official treasury website.

  • MissingMoney.com: Most states participate in this national database. It allows you to search multiple states at once—perfect if you’ve moved across state lines over the years.

  • Coach’s Tip: Search for your name, your spouse’s name, and even the names of deceased relatives. If you are a legal heir, you may be able to claim funds that belonged to them.

Listen and Enjoy:

2. Hunting for Federal "Lost and Found"

The federal government doesn't have one single database, so you have to look in specific "buckets" based on where the money might have come from.

  • Tax Refunds: If you never received a refund check, use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Millions of dollars in checks are returned to the IRS every year as "undeliverable."

  • Unclaimed Pensions: If you worked for a company that went out of business or ended its pension plan, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) might be holding your money. Use their unclaimed pension search tool.

  • Matured Savings Bonds: Do you have old paper savings bonds in a drawer? Many have stopped earning interest. Visit TreasuryHunt.gov to see if you have matured, uncashed bonds.

3. Forgotten Bank and Credit Union Accounts

If a bank or credit union closed its doors, your deposits didn't just vanish.

  • Failed Banks: Search the FDIC database for unclaimed funds from closed banks.

  • Failed Credit Unions: Check the NCUA database for accounts from credit unions that are no longer in business.


Other Good Reads:

Beware of the "Finders" Scam

As you search, you might receive a letter or email from a company offering to find your unclaimed money for a "small fee" (usually a percentage of what they find).

Hear me clearly: You do not need to pay anyone to find your money. The official government websites listed above are free to use. These "locator services" are simply doing the same search you can do yourself in five minutes. Keep that fee for your own family's mission.

The Stewardship Connection

Finding missing money isn't just about a "windfall." It’s about diligence. In the Parable of the Talents, the master praised the servants who were active and intentional with what they were given.

Whether it’s $15 from an old utility deposit or $1,500 from a forgotten 401(k), that money belongs in your family's budget, where it can be used to give generously to your church, build an emergency fund, or pay off debt.

Need help building a plan for the "found money" you discover? Let’s sit down and ensure that every dollar you find is assigned a mission. Reach out today for a coaching session.

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