You might have money sitting around that you’ve completely forgotten about. Here are five places to look for money that’s already yours – you just need to claim it.
1. Gift Cards and Vouchers
Most gift cards can be used on a range of things, from everyday expenses to something to treat yourself with. Did you get a voucher for a massage? Book it in!
Stop saving them for “the right time.” The right time is now. That $50 gift card sitting in your drawer is the same as having $50 in your bank account if you actually use it.
2. Clean Out Your Wallet
Who knows what’s hiding in that sea of receipts?
Do you have a “just in case” spot where you’ve already hidden $50? Check your wallet, your car, your jacket pockets, that handbag you haven’t used in months.
I’ve found $20 notes tucked into old wallets more times than I can count.
3. Check for Unclaimed Money
The government holds unclaimed money from old bank accounts, shares, insurance policies, and more. You might have money sitting there with your name on it.
Check here: moneysmart.gov.au/find-unclaimed-money
There are links to each state’s government departments, as well as superannuation. How much money is owing to you? It takes five minutes to check.
4. Scratch Your Scratchies and Check Your Lotto Tickets
Do you have any unscratched scratchies or unchecked lotto tickets?
Often we get these as gifts and put them aside for later, scratched or unscratched. Cash in your winnings to boost your cash – even if it’s only $2.
Check the glove box. Check the junk drawer. Check wherever you stash things and forget about them.
5. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Review your automatic subscriptions and direct payments from your account and cancel any unneeded payments.
Get rid of that TV subscription you don’t watch often, and have more money and more time (because you’re scrolling through one less streaming site).
Log into your bank account right now and look at what’s coming out on direct debit. Anything you’re not using? Cancel it.
Finding money you already have is easier than earning new money.
Check your wallet, use your gift cards, claim what’s owed to you, scratch your scratchies, and cancel what you’re not using.
It might only add up to $100, or it might be $500. Either way, it’s yours.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and doesn’t take your personal circumstances into account. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.
