Everytime I hear about unclaimed funds, I have to check to see if any of that money might be owed to me. 100 percent of the time it isn't. So disappointed. But I keep checking anyway.

Not too long ago, I found an old wallet picture of my dad, and on the back was written my name and a number for a savings bond. I looked it up and found it contained a small amount of money, but it had stopped gaining interest in the 1960s. I haven't filled out the information required yet to see if I can get any money out of it. I think that's called procrastination.

Speaking of unclaimed funds, The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has refunds totalling 1.3 billion dollars for those who have not filed a 2017 federal income tax return. I'm not sure why a person would not file as required to begin with, and more so if you are due a refund. And clearly there are a few given that over a billion dollars await their respective owners. Before you apply, make sure you have already filed your 2018 and 2019 tax returns, otherwise any 2017 refund could be held up.

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If you didn't file in 2017, you are advised to act soon for that refund if you have one coming. The IRS only gives a three-year window to claim refunds. And if I've done my math right, that window will shut tight on May 17, 2021. The IRS estimates half of the refunds are more than $865, and half are less.

And the IRS notes that is you fail to file a tax return, you not only lose out on a potential refund, you could lose our for the Earned Income Tax Credit that many low and moderate income workers could be eligible for.

Time is running out. Get that money if you are owed.

via Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

LOOK: Here are 25 ways you could start saving money today

These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]

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