The State of Arizona sent me a check for $60.84 this week. It was for unclaimed money that was owed to me, and for one reason or another the entity that owed me the money sent it to the state for my benefit.  This is not a tax refund or other governmental benefit. It is money that was due to me, but perhaps because I moved or an old account sat dormant and forgotten for years, it was sent to the Arizona Department of Revenue.  It held the funds for me till now.  

Don't assume you are not owed money.  Heck, I would have bet that my name was not on the list.  Then I would have been out my $20 wager plus the 60 bucks I was owed!  Where did my money come from?  It was a $58.77 insurance premium refund, plus two dollars and change from some place I don't even remember ever doing business with.

How do I recover my unclaimed money?

1. Visit the Arizona Department of Revenue's Unclaimed Property Division at www.unclaimed.gov.  If you are not in Arizona, or have lived in several states over the years, visit www.missingmoney.com.
2. Search your name.
3. Collect your money.
4. Send me a thank you note!  This is an optional, but much appreciated, step.

There are no fees or costs associated with recovering your funds. You do not need a lawyer. It's simple and easy -- it takes only a minute or two.  If the state is holding money for you, it is a simple process of filing out a form with proof of identity and address.  A few weeks later, your check shows up.  How much is owed you is a surprise until you open the envelope.  Think of it as an added bonus, especially in this time where so few positive surprises are out there for us.

Do not dally.  Raise your hand and claim your money today!