Treasurer Smith Encourages Iowans to Give Their Financial Accounts a Spring Cleaning

DES MOINES, Iowa - State Treasurer Roby Smith is reminding Iowans to review their financial accounts this spring to help avoid the possibility of assets becoming unclaimed property. "Spring cleaning is more than washing windows and getting rid of dust bunnies under furniture. Add your financial accounts to your spring-cleaning list to help eliminate the possibility of your assets being turned over as unclaimed property," Smith said. "Here are a few tips to clean up your finances."

1. Spring into action. Preventing your assets from becoming unclaimed requires planning. Maintain a comprehensive list of your financial accounts and investments, and save it somewhere secure. To help you create a list, use the Vital Statistics document on IowaTreasurer.gov.
2. Dust off your contact information. Log in to each of your financial accounts at least once per year. Review your contact information in each account and make any necessary updates.
3. Polish your beneficiary list. Most of us know having a beneficiary listed on retirement savings and insurance policies is important. However, in the event of a divorce or death, take the time to make sure your list of beneficiaries is updated and accurate.
4. Sweep up checks. Deposit checks quickly. They can expire even without an explicit expiration date.
5. Spruce up your estate plan. A common form of unclaimed property is from estates. Experts recommend reviewing your will every five years or as changes occur. In the event of your death, an up-to-date will on record helps those closest to you know what to do with your assets.

"Look for your name and for the names of family, friends and favorite businesses at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov. Even if you've searched in the past, search again," added Smith. "Names are always being added to our list. Searching is fast, free and easy. Currently, my office is safeguarding more than $529 million for past and present Iowans."

Great Iowa Treasure Hunt is Iowa's only legitimate source of unclaimed property. Each year, millions of dollars are turned over after financial institutions and businesses lose contact with the owner. If assets held by financial institutions and businesses go a specific period of time without activity or contact from the owner, State law requires those assets be turned over to the Treasurer's Office for safekeeping. It is then the Treasurer's responsibility to locate and reunite the funds with the owner or heir through Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. Examples include dormant checking and savings accounts, lost stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility refunds and safe deposit box contents.

To see if you have unclaimed property in Iowa, visit GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov. Connect with the Treasurer on Facebook, Instagram and X to stay up-to-date on all areas of the office.