The Mess You Leave Behind: You Can’t Take It With You by Tammecia Smith

Tammecia Smith is a monument dealer with over 17 years in the death care industry. She is the owner of Melanated Memorials, a diverse line of headstones and monuments featuring African American angels. She’s dedicated to transforming the memorial industry by offering high-quality memorials that honor memories while celebrating diversity.  

As a follow-up to my previous post, I would be remiss not to share some of the most important information I’ve gathered over the years working in death care — specifically when it comes to “finding the money.”

This isn’t about greed. This is about the next of kin who has to make funeral and burial arrangements — and discovers they need to come up with $15k by the day of service. Who has disposable income like that lying around in this economy? 

How do you find the funds your secretive family member always told you were “in place,” but didn’t say where? Here are my tips for finding the funds — free of charge.

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1️⃣ Employment & Retirement Benefits

Did they work? Were they retired?

Contact the employer’s HR department. Many jobs include:

• Employer-paid life insurance
• Union death benefits
• Final paycheck payouts
• Pension survivor benefits

It’s not always a simple phone call — especially with government employers.

For example, federal employees and retirees often have coverage through FEGLI (Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance). You must submit documentation before information is, and the process can take time.

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2️⃣ Unknown Life Insurance Policies

You know, there was a policy… but not where.

The easy way:
Check bank account statements and check registers. Life insurance premiums are usually paid monthly. That payment trail may lead you straight to the company. Also, look for mailed invoices.

The harder (but helpful) way:

Use the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a free online tool that helps connect families with lost life insurance policies and annuities. You submit a request, which is forwarded to participating insurance companies nationwide. If a policy is found and you’re the beneficiary or legal next of kin, the company contacts you.

⚠️ This is not a quick process, but it’s worth trying.

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3️⃣ Unclaimed Funds

This is one of my favorite tools when helping families.
Every state has an unclaimed property website. And here’s the good news: a person doesn’t even have to be deceased for money to show up there.

You might find:

• Refund checks
• Old bank accounts
• Forgotten utility deposits
• Pension funds
• Insurance proceeds
• Stocks or dividends
• Even safe deposit boxes

Money you didn’t know existed is sitting there waiting to be claimed. Be forewarned, it can be addictive. I once spent several nights looking up friends & relatives. I ended up helping a friend find out about a pension owed to their parent!

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Why This Matters

When families are grieving, the last thing they should face is a financial scavenger hunt under pressure.

Planning ahead prevents this.
But when there isn’t a plan, knowing where to look can make the difference between chaos and relief.

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Final Thought

You shouldn’t force your family into debt, and you can’t take financial gains with you!

However, you can leave behind:

• Information
• Organization
• Access
• Legacy

Preparing for the future extends past your lifetime. Whether or not it’s a “Mess” is up to you.

Find out more about Tammecia

IG: melanatedmemorials

TT: @melanated_memorials

FB: MelMemorials