Does it often feel like your money is disappearing before you’re even aware of what’s happening? Well, you’re hardly alone. For many, bank statements tell a story of money coming in and out all too quickly. But sometimes, you get lucky. Sometimes, the story works a little differently, and you actually have money in your bank account — or even in your home — that you weren’t aware of.
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If anyone knows how to find hidden money, it’s banking professionals. Even better, they know how to help you take that hidden treasure in your couch cushions and spin it into something more. GOBankingRates caught up with Shandra Tucker-Graf, retail sales and support manager at Regions Bank to learn more about uncovering these overlooked funds and putting them to good use.
Forgotten Bank Accounts or Dormant Funds
You’re clearing out your attic when you stumble across some old papers with a bank account number that looks vaguely familiar. After you give the bank a call, you find that, yes, the account was yours — and, yes, you can access those funds. Or maybe you discover an old safety deposit box. If the box is still at the bank, you might be able to retrieve the contents. If it’s been deemed abandoned and turned over to the state, your bank may still help you try to locate your funds through unclaimed property services.
What should you do once you’ve located the money? Tucker-Graf suggests asking yourself what kinds of opportunities this money could unlock for you. Could you use it to pad your emergency fund? Get new tires or a home appliance? Taking the time to plan ensures the money has a meaningful impact on your finances.
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An Inheritance or Gift from a Relative
Occasionally, a sudden windfall can come into your life, whether through an inheritance after the loss of a loved one or a generous financial gift from a relative. Either way, you’re liable to feel overwhelmed emotionally, and you may want help figuring out what to do with the money. That’s where your friendly neighborhood banker comes in.
Tucker-Graf encourages you to sit down with a banking professional and make a plan before spending the money. At Regions Bank, for instance, the Greenprint program helps customers design personalized financial roadmaps.
“Through Greenprint, our bankers take the time to listen to your goals, your needs, your wants, and more – and then, we help you build your own customized financial roadmap,” she said. “This is free, and it is available to anyone, regardless of where they bank.”
Whether you go through a formalized plan like the Greenprint or simply ask for some advice from your banker, consulting an expert can help you make the most of an unexpected windfall.
Hidden Coins and Gift Cards Around the House
Your house can be a treasure island of forgotten money. From jars of coins in an old cabinet to unused gift cards buried in a drawer to ye olde change in the couch cushions, you might be surprised what you can find by conducting a thorough search of your own home.
Once you’ve gathered this “found money,” consider how it can work for you. For example, depositing the funds into a high-yield savings account or a certificate of deposit (CD) can help grow the money over time–especially since you’ve already been living without it.
Your best bet is to give your bank a call or consult a financial professional for guidance. Remember, banking teams are here to help you do more with your money.
“New-found money can make a big difference in the financial journey, and we’re committed to helping people along the way,” said Tucker-Graf.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Bank Teller: Here Are 3 Common Cases of ‘Found Money’ You May Be Missing
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