Claim Your Own Money
©
Andrea Reynolds 2009
In
a recession money becomes more precious. We become more
careful looking for ways to spend it more wisely. Yet I
continue to see smart people abandoning money. I know this
because I see authors, speakers, and experts who expect no
payment for their work even when payment is available. When
I decided to pursue damages after my constitutional rights
were violated, resulting in no income for several years, my
friends all tried to convince me that I should let the
money go and forget about it. Why? Should Bernie Madoff’s
victims just forget about their losses? I hope not.
While you may not have lost millions or hundreds of
thousands of dollars, you can recover several thousand
dollars over the course of a year. That money could pay off
a debt, buy groceries for a year, or cover multiple
mortgage payments. Why deny yourself your own money?
The following eight suggestions may bring you small amounts
of money for a little effort and time, yet when added up,
could bring you a significant sum of “bonus” money.
1.
Overcharges.
Check hotel bills and grocery bills. If you were
overcharged you’re entitled to a refund of the overpayment,
and some stores will give you the product free and/or give
you double your money back.
2.
Overpayments.
Did you pay your utility company more money than you owed
before you moved out of state? Maybe you threw the
statement into a box before you moved and never gave it
another thought. And maybe you forgot to notify the utility
company of your new address.
3. Unreturned deposits. Perhaps
you left an apartment and never received your security or
key deposit. That’s your money. Write a letter and insist
on payment. If you posted a $100 security deposit with a
utility company, get it back.
4.
Unpaid invoices. Did
you do work for a client who never paid? Did you earn
commissions that you never received? Follow through with
documentation, and remind them that you still expect
payment.
5.
Payment made on services not provided.
Did you pay a retainer to a professional but they didn’t
show up. Don’t just forget it, get it back.
6.
Price matches. Take
the time to check out prices in various stores even after
you have purchased an item, like a camera, lawnmower, or
bed. If the store has a price match guarantee, take your
receipt and proof of a competitor’s better price, and ask
for the difference.
7.
Unpaid loans.
Did you give up trying to recover money lent to a friend?
If they are doing well now ask them to start paying you
back in regular installments.
8.
Damages.
If your dentist breaks your tooth while drilling, insist on
payment for the extra cost of repairing or replacing the
tooth. If someone plagiarized your work, invoice him for
stealing your intellectual property.
If you treat your money with respect, more will show up in
your life. Say yes to recovering your own money.
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Andrea Reynolds is an investigative journalist and author
of OutSmarting Sweetheart
Swindlers.
She champions for the rights of individuals who have
been cheated, mistreated or bullied; and recovers
rights, property and payment for her clients.
http://www.AndreaReynolds.com
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