Happy new year! Start this one strong with fewer financial “what ifs”

As we reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of the past year, we are also grateful for the new year and the fresh starts it brings.

For many, these new beginnings can look like organizing the home, setting goals, and getting personal and business finances in order. But while reviewing bills, budgets, and accounts, there’s one step you may overlook: checking for unclaimed funds that could already belong to you.

Often, funds go unclaimed as the result of everyday life changes, such as moving homes; changing employers, banks, or insurance providers; not getting a deposit back from a business; closing a business; or even managing the estate of a family member or deceased person.

Over time, these things can add up and may mean money left behind, often without the owner realizing it. Many people who find unclaimed funds say they were surprised they existed at all.

Taking a few minutes to search your name or business at bcunclaimed.ca/search could help you close out financial loose ends and begin the year with a clearer picture of your finances.

Search your name if you have ever —

• lived in British Columbia;

• worked for a BC-based employer;

• lived at a different address in BC;

• used a different name;

• worked for multiple or numerous employers around the province;

• paid deposits or refunds you never followed up on; or

• been responsible for a business, nonprofit, or estate.

Even if you’ve searched in the past, it’s a good idea to check annually as BC Unclaimed receives new properties on an ongoing basis.

Make searching for unclaimed funds a yearly habit

January can be about setting yourself up for success for the rest of the year. Adding an unclaimed fund search to your annual financial checklist is an easy way to stay organized and informed.

A few minutes today could help you start the year knowing your finances are truly up to date.

Businesses need to clean up their books, too

Did you know that in BC, under the Unclaimed Property Act, many businesses are required to submit unclaimed funds to BC Unclaimed? Did you also know that funds can be voluntarily submitted by organizations not mandated to do so, to help them get unclaimed funds off their books? What better time than the new year to reduce your administrative load while getting your business accounting in order?

Plus, by letting BC Unclaimed handle your unclaimed funds, those dormant funds are actually still working, helping to support charities in BC.

Learn how to submit at BC Unclaimed.

Free to search, claim, and submit

One of the most common misconceptions is that claiming unclaimed funds costs money. Searching and submitting a claim through BC Unclaimed is completely free. There’s no downside to checking — and no obligation to proceed if nothing applies to you.

Start the year with fewer financial “what ifs” – search, claim, or submit today.