GopherCentral Library: Found $5 in Your Coat? This Is Even Better

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June 19, 2025

Greetings!

Finding $5 in your coat pocket feels like a win. Now imagine stumbling across $33 billion! That's how much unclaimed money is sitting around in the U.S.—just waiting to be claimed.

This hidden treasure isn't buried in the backyard. It's in the form of old savings bonds, forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and even IRS refunds that never found their way home.

Here's how to check if any of it belongs to you...

Be Well,
Anisa

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1. Moved Recently? Check for Lost Accounts

People leave behind more than memories when they move—sometimes they leave money. Unclaimed bank accounts, stocks, and checks can be tracked down through official state websites. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators makes it easy:
Search your name at Unclaimed.org

2. Missing a Tax Refund?

Last year alone, the IRS had over $120 million in unclaimed refunds. If you never received a check or direct deposit, it could still be waiting for you.
Use the "Where's My Refund" tool at IRS.gov or call 800-829-1954 to update your mailing address and check your status.

3. Forget About a Gift?

A surprising number of people—especially teens and young adults—forget about savings bonds given as birthday or graduation gifts. In fact, over 25,000 savings bond payments go unclaimed each year.
Check the status of U.S. savings bonds at TreasuryDirect.gov.

In Closing...

It takes just a few minutes to search, and you could uncover money you didn't even realize was missing. Whether it's $20 or $2,000, it's yours—so go get it!

Reader Tips Worth Every Penny

From the May 29th Issue

Lori S. from Nebraska:
"Number 3 is a game changer! I didn’t even realize my utility company had off-peak hours until I read this. I now do laundry and run the dishwasher after dinner — and my bill dropped by $30 last month!"

Carlos D. from California:
"I’ve been using a bucket to catch water while the shower warms up for years — my grandma taught me that! Plants love it and I feel better not wasting clean water."

Marsha J. from Vermont:
"That super glue tip? Genius. I used it to fix the strap on my favorite purse and it’s still holding strong 8 months later."

Elaine P. from Texas:
"Frozen burritos are my love language! I make them with leftovers from taco night and freeze them in wax paper. They’re perfect for busy mornings."

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