Australian Finance Podcast

Unclaimed money: Are you leaving free money on the table?

Feb 23, 2026
They explore why billions in unclaimed funds exist and where that money sits. Learn the three quick places to search in Australia and a 10-minute checklist to find lost super, bank accounts, shares and insurance payouts. Hear real-life discovery stories and why this should be part of your yearly financial health routine.
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ANECDOTE

Finder Found A $400,000 Windfall

  • Lexi Smith found $400,000 on an unclaimed money register and contacted the owner to return it.
  • Gemma recounts Lexi trawling registers while breastfeeding and locating a lawyer with $400,000 listed.
INSIGHT

Who Holds Your Lost Money

  • Tracked unclaimed money sits with different regulators depending on the asset: ATO handles superannuation, ASIC handles bank accounts/shares/insurance.
  • Gemma clarifies the money is not seized by government; it remains claimable from the holding regulator.
ADVICE

Check Lost Super On MyGov Before Consolidating

  • Check lost and unclaimed super via myGov's ATO section to see inactive funds and potential unpreserved balances.
  • Review listed funds, insurance ticks (updated yearly) and avoid blind consolidations until you check insurance and investment features.
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