Author: Chirag Taneja

Billions of dollars in life insurance benefits go unclaimed because families often do not know a policy existed. If a loved one had a policy that was never claimed, that money may now be held as unclaimed property. Here is how to search for and recover unclaimed life insurance benefits. Why Life Insurance Goes Unclaimed Beneficiaries frequently do not know a policy exists, cannot find the paperwork, or were never told they were named. When the insurer cannot locate the beneficiary, unpaid benefits are eventually turned over to the state. How to Search for a Lost Policy Check the deceased’s…

Dormant bank accounts are one of the most common sources of unclaimed money. An account you opened years ago, a savings account from childhood, or an account at a bank that has since merged can all end up as unclaimed property. Here is how to track them down. How Bank Accounts Become Unclaimed When an account has no activity for a set period (often three to five years) and the bank cannot reach you, it is classified as dormant. Eventually the balance is turned over to the state as unclaimed property, where it waits for you to claim it. Common…

When someone passes away, they often leave behind money the family never knew about — old accounts, insurance policies, or uncashed cheques. As a legal heir or estate representative, you may be able to claim these unclaimed funds. Here is how the process works. Who Can Claim a Deceased Person’s Money Generally, the legal heirs or the appointed executor or administrator of the estate can claim unclaimed property belonging to someone who has died. The exact rules vary by state, but proof of your relationship and legal standing is always required. How to Search on Their Behalf Search the deceased…

You should never pay to find money that is already yours. Countless services promise to locate unclaimed funds for a fee, but you can do the exact same search yourself in minutes at no cost. Here is how to find unclaimed money the free, safe way. Start With Official Sources Only Every legitimate unclaimed-money search runs through official government databases. These are always free, and using them protects you from scams that charge for public information. The Best Free Search Tools Your state’s official unclaimed property website (Treasurer or Comptroller).MissingMoney.com — the official multi-state database endorsed by NAUPA.IRS resources for…

Unclaimed money is money or financial assets that have been separated from their rightful owner and turned over to the government for safekeeping. Billions of dollars sit unclaimed across the United States, and a surprising number of people are owed some of it. This guide explains what unclaimed money is, where it comes from, and how the system works. A Simple Definition Unclaimed money — also called unclaimed property or unclaimed funds — is money a business or institution could not return to its owner after losing contact for a set period, usually one to five years. By law, the…

Building wealth is less about big, dramatic moves and more about small habits repeated consistently over many years. The wealthiest people are often those who mastered a few simple behaviours and stuck with them. Here are the habits that matter most. Spend Less Than You Earn This is the foundation of all wealth-building. No matter how much you earn, spending less than you make — and saving the difference — is what steadily grows your net worth over time. Pay Yourself First Instead of saving whatever is left at the end of the month, save first and spend the rest.…

Insurance is one of the least exciting parts of personal finance, but also one of the most important. It protects you and your family from financial disasters you cannot predict. Understanding the basics helps you get the right cover without overpaying. What Insurance Actually Does Insurance transfers big, unpredictable risks away from you in exchange for a manageable regular payment. It will not make you money — its job is to stop a single event from wiping you out financially. Common Types of Insurance Health insurance to cover medical costs.Auto insurance if you drive.Home or renters insurance to protect where…

Your twenties and early thirties are the best time to build strong financial foundations. The habits you form now — good or bad — compound for decades. A few simple steps early on can put you far ahead of where most people ever get. Build Good Habits First Before complex strategies, focus on the fundamentals: spend less than you earn, avoid unnecessary debt, and save consistently. These simple habits matter more than any clever tactic. Priorities in Your Early Years Create a simple budget and stick to it.Build a starter emergency fund.Avoid or quickly clear high-interest debt.Start saving for retirement…

Financial scams are more sophisticated than ever, and anyone can be targeted. The best protection is knowing how scams work and building simple habits that keep your money and identity safe. A moment of caution can save you a great deal. How Scams Usually Work Most scams rely on the same tactics: urgency, fear, or an offer too good to be true. Scammers pressure you to act fast so you do not stop to think or verify. Common Warning Signs Requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.Pressure to act immediately or ‘lose the opportunity’.Requests for your Social…

Money habits are formed early, and children who learn about money grow into adults who manage it well. You do not need to be a financial expert to teach these lessons — everyday moments offer plenty of opportunities to build strong habits. Start With the Basics Early Even young children can grasp simple ideas: money is earned, it is limited, and choices involve trade-offs. Age-appropriate conversations build a foundation that grows with them. Teach Earning, Saving and Spending Let children earn small amounts through chores or tasks.Encourage them to save part of any money they receive.Let them make some spending…