Podcast Summary: "You May Have Missing Money... Here's How to Find It!"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin
• Host/Author: Money News Network
• Description: Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin breaks the taboo around discussing money by providing accessible financial advice. Hosted by New York Times best-selling author Nicole Lapin, each episode delivers bite-sized tips and tricks to help listeners take control of their financial lives. The show encourages audience interaction through email submissions, offering the chance to receive personalized financial interventions.

Episode Details:

• Title: You May Have Missing Money... Here's How to Find It!
• Release Date: December 16, 2024
• Guest Host: Morgan Lavoy

Introduction to Unclaimed Money

In this episode, guest host Morgan Lavoy takes the reins to explore the often-overlooked topic of unclaimed money. The episode kicks off with Nicole Lapin addressing a listener's question about finding extra money, setting the stage for a comprehensive guide on unearthing hidden funds that many might not even know they possess.

Six Sources to Discover Unclaimed Money

Nicole Lapin delves into six key areas where listeners might find unclaimed money:

1. State Unclaimed Property Offices

   • Timestamp: [03:20]
   • Nicole Lapin: "Number one, your state. If a bank, insurance company, or even state government owes you money and can't track you down, they send your money to the state's unclaimed property office."
   • Action Point: Visit USA.gov Unclaimed Money to start your search.

2. Unclaimed Paychecks

   • Timestamp: [03:35]
   • Nicole Lapin: "If you left a job in the middle of a pay period or have unclaimed vacation days owed to you, you could be owed money."
   • Action Point: Check Unclaimed.org and the U.S. Department of Labor for unpaid wages.

3. Matured Savings Bonds

   • Timestamp: [04:10]
   • Nicole Lapin: "If that savings bond your grandpa gave you has matured, you may finally be able to cash it in."
   • Action Point: Explore TreasuryHunt.gov to locate and redeem old savings bonds.

4. Tax Refunds

   • Timestamp: [04:45]
   • Nicole Lapin: "You might not have needed to file a tax return, but you could still be eligible for a refund."
   • Action Point: Visit the IRS website to check for any unclaimed tax refunds.

5. Utility Security Deposits

   • Timestamp: [05:10]
   • Nicole Lapin: "Not every landlord returns your security deposit. It's worth reviewing your old lease agreements and bank statements."
   • Action Point: Contact former landlords directly to inquire about any returned deposits.

6. Class Action Lawsuit Settlements

   • Timestamp: [05:35]
   • Nicole Lapin: "There are numerous active class action lawsuits across various industries that you might be eligible to join for a settlement."
   • Action Point: Search ClassAction.org to see if you qualify for any ongoing settlements.

Nicole emphasizes the legitimacy and accessibility of these methods, urging listeners to take proactive steps in reclaiming what is rightfully theirs.

Morgan Lavoy’s Personal Journey

To illustrate the practicality of these tips, Morgan Lavoy shares her own experience with unclaimed money:

• Timestamp: [08:25]
• Morgan Lavoy: "I did go to unclaimed.org and spoiler alert, I did have unclaimed money, which is so exciting."

Morgan recounts discovering that her college owed her money, albeit in a small amount, and the process involved mailing in claims due to state-specific restrictions. To further demonstrate, she enlists her mother, Lynn Bolger, to help locate her own unclaimed funds.

• Timestamp: [09:37]
• Morgan Lavoy: "Let's find you your unclaimed money."

Together, they navigate the Unclaimed.org website, successfully identifying a modest sum of $25.61 in Lynn's name. This hands-on demonstration underscores the accessibility of reclaiming unclaimed funds, even if the amounts are small.

• Timestamp: [12:28]
• Lynn Bolger: "I feel like now I can get, like, maybe Dan Dan noodle takeout. And that feels great."

This personal story not only validates the effectiveness of the provided tips but also encourages listeners to take similar actions, no matter the potential amount.

Conclusion and Final Tips

Wrapping up the episode, Nicole Lapin reiterates the importance of searching for unclaimed money:

• Timestamp: [12:37]
• Nicole Lapin: "Do as our amazing producer did. And as I said, go to unclaimed.org right now. That is honestly the best place to start to try and find some of your buried treasure."

She encourages listeners to take immediate action and remain vigilant about their financial entitlements. Nicole also hints at future episodes, promising more Money Rehab tips to help listeners manage and grow their wealth effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Unclaimed Money Awareness: Many individuals have unclaimed funds residing in various institutions, often due to forgotten or overlooked circumstances.
• Proactive Searching: Utilizing dedicated websites like USA.gov, Unclaimed.org, and TreasuryHunt.gov can uncover hidden funds.
• Personal Verification: Even small amounts, as demonstrated by Morgan and her mother, can provide financial relief and prompt listeners to further investigate their own unclaimed money.

Encouragement: Nicole Lapin and Morgan Lavoy inspire listeners to take control of their finances by reclaiming what's rightfully theirs, emphasizing that it's never too late to discover and utilize unclaimed money.