I had a sizeable amount of cash stored in an online bank. Well, okay to me it was sizeable, to many of my readers it might just be considered a pittance.

Since it was part of my ‘rainy day’ savings I did not frequent the account. I just assumed it would be safe and available should the time arise when it would be needed.

Then I got a call from my income tax lady who was in the process of preparing my state and federal taxes. She asked me where my interest earnings were from my online account that I had been reporting for the last fifteen years.

I had a mini panic attack as I didn’t remember getting my normal interest report from the online bank. I frantically double checked my papers to no avail. There was no interest report from the online bank.

Perhaps it had come in the mail and I had misplaced it.

Last evening I got the online bank file folder out and refreshed my memory concerning my account. Then I proceeded to fire up the computer and check things on line.  It had been several years since I had gone to my on line bank so I was relieved to see my username and password written in bold letters on the file folder.

But that relief was quickly dashed when I typed in the username and password and the computer refused to open my account and suggested that I try again. Also it reminded me at the same time that I only had a few more attempts before I would be permanently blocked.

I was not surprised as I have a permanent black cloud floating ominously over my head when I attempt to use the computer. 🙁

You “Lil’ Abner” comic strip fans may remember that character named Joe Btfsplk. Years ago the cartoonist Al Capp produced a daily cartoon in many of the large newspapers in the U.S. and a black cloud always was present over poor Mr. Btfsplk. Consequently bad things seemed to always happen to him.

That personified me and my computer exploits.

If you’re not recognizing such names as “Lil’ Abner”, Joe Btfsplk, or Al Capp don’t feel stupid. It just means you are much, much younger then I. 🙂

Finally I gave up on usernames and passwords and called the help number listed on the screen. After several minutes struggling to communicate with the computer voice who answered the phone I was mercifully transferred to a real human.

She was very helpful although with her heavy accent I said “huh?” quite often.

After explaining my predicament she gave me some shocking news. She said my account had been closed!

Because it was a Sunday evening when I made the call the personnel that could explain why my account had been closed would not be back to work until Monday.  I could not get any answers on why my account was closed and most importantly what had happened to my money?!

Monday could not come soon enough!

Sleep did not come easily that evening. Why is it that everything seems more distressful when one is hovering between wakefulness and a sound sleep? The worry gears can really grind under those circumstances. 🙁

When Monday morning finally arrived I made a quick beeline for my computer and opened up my online banking site.

The computer voice greeted me and I quickly forced it to surrender to an actual human. The human hearing about my closed account quickly routed me to the office of the’ head cheese’.

The’ head cheese’ explained since my account had not been active for several years it was closed. As far as I know I never received any notice to this fact. Perhaps an email, a letter or even a phone call could have been sent stating what was about to happen.

If they suspected I had died a sympathy card addressed to Kathie would have certainly caught our attention and we could have rectified the situation.

It’s possible a notice was sent and if it was I obviously missed it. Perhaps I should attend their next annual meeting and make a motion stating that before closing a person’s account the unsuspecting person should be required to let the bank know in writing that they understand the bank’s intentions.

What do you think the next question should be after receiving such shocking news? Mine was, “Where’s my money?”

The’ big cheese’s’ response really further shocked me when she replied, “Oh, it has been turned over to the State of Minnesota Unclaimed Property Program. But that will be no problem as all you have to do is go on line to unclaimed.org locate and identify your lost money and it will be promptly returned to you in ninety days.” (I’m not sure I consider ninety days prompt but we are dealing with the government aren’t we?)

Now I am feeling myself going into shock! 🙁

So I proceeded to make an attempt to reclaim my lost ‘rainy day’ savings. Also don’t forget that I’m the one with that dark cloud always hanging over my head when computer work is involved.

Prayers for a miracle should begin now! 🙂

I proceeded to unclaimed.org and surprisingly quickly located Kathie and my name under the L section. Clicking on our names a site opened where we connected with Unclaimed Property personnel who sent us an email containing the forms for reclaiming our ‘rainy day’ funds.

Black clouds not only hover over me while doing computer work but those same clouds are hanging low over my head when I am filling out government forms. I was able to struggle through the forms and then it was time for a trip to the Notary Public to give the Unclaimed Property folks confidence in accepting us for who we said we were. 🙂

Finally the sealed envelope was dropped off at the Post Office and the ninety day wait would begin.

I imagine when our letter arrives at the Minnesota Unclaimed Property Headquarters sighs of relief will echo through the building as workers spread the word that Michael J. Larson is alive and he wants his noninterest bearing money returned to him.

Now I will have ninety days to decide where I’ll invest my ‘rainy day’ emergency fund. I guarantee it won’t be in any online banking service! 🙂

Until next time.