This article is sponsored by AFG Wealth Management.
Managing money is a complicated topic. But lucky for local New Jersey residents Amy Frank Goldman is a finance specialist and local Hoboken resident who is here to help. She’s sharing her insights and background in how she’s helped local clients find hidden money in various locations — through specific websites, financial advising, and digital scavenger hunts that you can do on your own. We’ll let Amy share more in her own words here as she delves into the realm of finance and helps locals to uncover hidden treasures that could potentially boost your bank balance without costing you a dime.
We’ve all heard the adage that there are no shortcuts in life, but every now and then, we stumble upon a workaround, a loophole that allows us to tilt the odds in our favor. And this, my friends, is one of those golden opportunities.
Allow me to introduce myself — I’m the founder and president of a wealth management firm, and prudence is my middle name. However, despite my best intentions, life sometimes throws curveballs that divert our attention. Case in point: a joint account I established years ago for my daughter and me. Meant to kickstart her savings journey with a modest $100, it somehow slipped off my radar amidst the chaos of COVID, multiple relocations, and the general whirlwind of existence.
Curiosity piqued, I ventured into the local bank branch where the account was initiated, only to learn that after a certain period of unclaimed account statements, funds are relinquished to the state’s unclaimed property division. Armed with determination, I navigated my way through the division’s website, conducting searches under various aliases — my married name, maiden name, my daughter’s name, even dredging up remnants of my college and childhood addresses.
Lo and behold, the digital scavenger hunt paid off handsomely — a windfall of $1,028 materialized before my eyes. Among the treasures unearthed were the forgotten joint account, a refund from Tiffany and Co., reimbursement from an overpaid medical bill, and a dusty old paycheck from a former employer that never made its way to the bank. Sweet!
Energized by this unexpected cash infusion, I decided to cast my net wider, scouring through the states I once called home. From Boston, MA, to the bustling streets of NYC, and the sprawling expanse of Dallas, TX, my virtual quest yielded yet another bounty — a cool $972. It dawned on me that if even a seasoned financial professional like myself could stumble upon forgotten funds, then surely my clients might have a similar stroke of luck awaiting them.
Case in point: one particular client harboring an aversion to financial matters. As we streamlined and consolidated their accounts, we stumbled upon accounts that fell off the radar, as they would be perfect for this experiment.
With their blessing, I embarked on a search for both her and her spouse, unearthing a staggering $4,778.61. A mix of overlooked paychecks and unclaimed insurance payouts formed the bulk of this newfound wealth. I must confess, the thrill of this discovery rivaled even my own.
Now, you might be wondering, “How can I embark on my own treasure hunt?” Fear not, for I shall make it as effortless as scrolling The Hoboken Girl’s IG page for dinner ideas.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of links to state-specific websites where you can embark on your own quest for unclaimed funds.
Remember to leave no stone unturned — input your name (no SSN or DOB required until you file a claim) — try variations of your name, including aliases or maiden names, and don’t shy away from reversing the order of your name.
The states may request identification and a claim form, but your ROI (return on investment) could be handsome for the moments spent. These are all state-managed websites, as identified by the suffixes of the websites.
- NJ unclaimed money search
- PA unclaimed money search
- NY unclaimed money search
- CT Unclaimed Money search
- MA Unclaimed Money Search
Yes, there is more! Don’t overlook the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, where you can hunt down old 401k plans that may have slipped through the cracks. And for those with retirement benefits lingering in the shadows, the national registry of unclaimed retirement benefits stands ready to assist.
However, a word of caution is warranted — while it’s exhilarating to stumble upon forgotten riches, it’s equally crucial to stay vigilant and keep tabs on your finances. Consolidation is key, and having all your financial eggs in one basket, overseen by a trusted individual, can provide invaluable peace of mind, especially in times of crisis.
This underscores the importance of financial planning, which not only offers clarity but also serves as a safety net in turbulent times. As an added measure, I provide all my clients with a worst-case scenario diary — a blueprint for the what/who and where all things are held.
If you find yourself intrigued by the prospect of unlocking hidden wealth or wish to explore the intricacies of financial planning further, don’t hesitate to reach out via email.
After all, there’s no greater joy than helping others unearth their own treasure troves and chart a course towards financial stability and prosperity.
AFG:
Amy Frank Goldman is the founder and president of AFG Wealth Management. Proudly balancing her professional and personal life, Amy is the mother of a 9-year-old daughter and a devoted fur mom to her two pugs, Chloe and Luna. She has been married for 12 years and has called Hoboken, NJ, her home for the past 12 years, after growing up in Northern New Jersey.
Deeply committed to her community, Amy founded HUG Hoboken (formerly FLAG Hoboken) and volunteers with several organizations, including the Community Lifestyles, Hoboken Food Pantry, Hoboken Shelter, Hoboken Public Education Foundation, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Newark YMCA.
AFG Wealth Management is located at 1400 Hudson Street, Suite 504, in Hoboken. You can call 212-673-2147 or email [email protected] with questions. She can also be found on Instagram @the_money_momma, LinkedIn, or Facebook.
The Hoboken Girl is not a current client of AFG Wealth Management. This promoter received compensation. There are no material conflicts of interest. Client experiences will vary. Your experience may not be the same as what is expressed in this content and is no guarantee of future performance or success.
Securities and advisory services offered through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a Registered Investment Adviser. Member FINRA/SIPC. AFG Wealth Management and IFG are unaffiliated entities.
No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for any legal advice. Please seek out your own attorney for legal guidance.
