Just last week I was watching morning news when a news segment talked about unclaimed money. I thought it was interesting that people would forget about $100 or more. So I went to the website FoundMoney.com to see if I had any unclaimed money.

So I put my name in the search box. It came back, “Sorry, we have no matches found for that specific name, but you may be able to claim money that is in your family name! Search in the box above for: *Your mother’s maiden family name *Names of sisters and brothers *Commonly used misspellings of your last name *Family names of grandparents and friends…”

After looking over the website, I got a very strong impression that for a small fee, they would help me reclaim some unclaimed money a long lost relative may of have left me.

A few days ago, I was talking to a small group about some articles, that I am doing on how people are ditching large banks in exchange for smaller local banks. One of them spoke up and proceeded to tell up about all the advantages of a credit unions. After listening to what she said, I wanted to find out how valid were her points about credit unions.

The result of my research lead me to find 7 overwhelming reasons to put my money in a credit union as opposed to a bank. Those 7 reasons are what I have listed below.

Lower Fee – Since credit unions are member owned any profit gets distributed to the members in the form of dividends. This results in lower fee for overdrafts combared to non-credit union.

During the first three month of the new year I visit at least one trade show per week. In each one, I have meet over a dozen different people who were pitching their networking products. Some people refer to it as multi level marketing.

I first came across a networking marketing scheme when I was in high school. A friend of the family talked me into selling Amway products. Today, it is hard not to find at least network marketing scheme for any product category.  There are even a few out there for services, like cleaning and computer repair.

If you ever set through one of their sales presentations, it sounds so easy to make a lot of money. The products are suppose to sell themselves. If you want to make the big money, all you need to do is get other people selling those products under you.

DO we do what we do day in and day out?  How many times a day do you ask yourself that question?  We are up at the crack of dawn in preparation for another day in the working world and all too often coming home AFTER the kids have gone to bed.  Those are precious moments that are gone forever.

Why do we do this?  Is the motivation money?  If that is the reason, then you had better be saving some serous dough and paying off some debt.  If not, what is the point?  Do you spend every penny you earn?  Maybe a person should get rid of those materialistic possessions that require more hours of hard work and  use that time with family.  How much stuff does a person really need?  A bigger house or another suv?  There is no end.

Recently, Ed McMahon died. It has been reported years before his death there were rumor that Mr.McMahom was bankrupt or nearing bankruptcy. Nothing speaks more to his success or failure than his financial condition when he dies.

Apart from the rebates, the author also highlights the following as expensive outcomes of a little financial laziness:

1. Not Choosing the Best Rate on Your Savings Account – Some people don’t even have a savings account. This is such a waste of potential income. It is not much, but it sure can make a big difference down the road.
2. Not Opening a Retirement Fund -
3. Not Paying Attention to 0% Financing Deadlines – Business and financial institution use 0% to get you in and raise those rates after the introduction period is over.
4. Paying a Bill Early – Many companies will give you a discount if you pay your bill early. Some will offer discounts for signing up for paperless billing, or auto pay.
5. Not Taking Advantage of Corporate Wellness Incentives – A healthy body a generates a healthy mind. With a healthy mind you can be aware of money savings things you can do.
6. Not Bothering to Negotiate a Better Deal – William Shatner is right. In current economic times, businesses will deal with to get your business. If not discounted prices, they may throw in some very nice extras.