Family Recovers $11,000 in Lost College Savings with 7 On Your Side Help

Lost College Savings Found

• 🎯 A New Jersey family struggled to locate a 529 college fund started for their son, James Sullivan, which had grown to over $11,000.
• 💡 The initial investment of $1,000 had multiplied tenfold over a decade, but the family was unable to access it.
• 🏦 The fund was eventually turned over to the state of New Jersey as unclaimed property after the firm stated they could not locate James.

Navigating Unclaimed Property

• 🔍 James' parents, Ephesini and Mark, searched the New Jersey Unclaimed Funds website but found no record of the money.
• ⏳ After six months of unsuccessful attempts to reclaim the funds, the family reached out to 7 On Your Side for assistance.
• 🤝 Nina Pineda and 7 On Your Side contacted the New Jersey Department of Treasury, leading to the retrieval of the funds within 24 hours.

Reclaiming Your Funds

• 💰 James Sullivan was reunited with $10,855.99, which he plans to use for a new apartment deposit.
• 🗣️ A spokesperson for the Department of Treasury stated they are committed to returning missing funds and property to their rightful owners.
• 📈 The state has set records in recent years for reuniting people with unclaimed property, totaling $875 million over the last four years.

How to Find Your Unclaimed Funds

• 🗺️ Check your state's Treasury Department for an unclaimed property section; every state has one.
• 🌐 For a nationwide search, utilize websites like usa.gov or missingmoney.com, entering your first and last name.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 You can search for family members, including those who have passed away, and claim money as an heir.
• ⚠️ Be aware that these services are free, and you should never pay a fee to claim your own money.