HOW TO FIND YOUR UNCLAIMED MONEY

Did you know that nearly 33 billion dollars in money and assets is just waiting to be claimed by its rightful owners? That startling statistic comes from the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, the organization charged with reuniting all that lost cash with its rightful owners.

Taking the time to search for your own unclaimed property and lost money can leave you a lot richer. In fact, making a search for lost property part of your yearly routine is a good way to ensure you never lose track of money that is rightfully yours.

Start your search by going to the website established by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. The website address is, aptly enough, Unclaimed.org.

Once on the Unclaimed. org site, go down to the center of the page and click on the interactive map. This will open a new window pointing to the unclaimed property department for that state. Each state maintains its own database of unclaimed property, making it easier for residents of that state to find the bank accounts, brokerage accounts, tax refunds and other property they have coming.

Enter your last name or business name in the form and click the search button. Only your last name is required, but providing your first name will narrow the search and make the results more relevant. Entering your first name is obviously even more important if you have a common last name like Jones or Smith.

Click on each matching record to see more details. The record will contain information about the financial institution the money came from, along with an estimated amount. Note any assets you feel belong to you.

Complete a claim form for money you believe to be yours. Each state has its own procedure for claiming lost funds, so be sure to read the claim form carefully and provide all the required information. Each state has its own claim process in place, so be sure to follow the instructions on the claim form. Also be sure to check the unclaimed property department records for each state where you have lived.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

5 ESSENTIAL ’B‘ ATTITUDES OF SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS

Building a profitable business is not simply a matter of seizing upon the right idea at the right time. To become a successful entrepreneur, you need to put in the time and effort to improve your entrepreneurship skills. From hiring the right team to producing a product your customers want and need, each component of a successful business is directly related to your skill level as an entrepreneur. If you want to improve your chances of a long-term career, there are numerous attributes you need to hone. Following are five entrepreneurial attributes that begin with the letter ‘B’ you might want to focus your efforts on:

Brave

Entrepreneurs who are brave stand a far greater chance of achieving their dreams than those who meekly follow in the footsteps of others. If you’re willing to risk failure or social questioning as you attempt to scale your business, your chutzpa and bravery will often be rewarded. If you ever find yourself questioning your entrepreneurial endeavors, just remember that “fortune favors the brave”.

Bright

A bright entrepreneur is also a savvy entrepreneur. Bright founders spot trends before others, notice questionable behaviors in others, and realize opportunities faster than their less-logical competitors. If you’re willing to double-down on your innate wisdom, you’ll go far as an entrepreneur.

Bold

Boldness can further your career in numerous ways. From approaching top-level investors to seeking out partnership opportunities others might not have the chutzpa to pursue, your willingness to embrace bold behavior will set you apart from other entrepreneurs. Dreaming big, taking on competitors, and scaling your business at a rapid pace all require a bold streak not all entrepreneurs possess.

Boastful

Although boastfulness might be thought of as a less-than desirable trait, it can work in your favor if used at appropriate times. Boasting at a cocktail party or amongst potential customers might not be wise, while tooting your own horn around press people is likely to earn you coveted media coverage. Knowing when to be brash and when to temper your self-aggrandizing will be the key to using this personality trait to your benefit.

Brutish

Like boastfulness, brutishness can have a negative connotation. When used in the appropriate manner, brutish behavior can lead to increased sales, business connections, and even investor funding. If you’re able to discern when aggressive behavior will win you favors and when you should modify your maneuvers, you’re likely to be more successful than entrepreneurs who fail to measure their moves.

Honing your skills as an entrepreneur is critical for long-term success. Few are natural-born entrepreneurs; the majority of startup founders and small business owners need to make a concerted effort to become better bosses. Who will you be? Will you be working on any of the above-listed attributes to become a more successful entrepreneur?