So, when a New Jersey family struggles to claim money from an old college savings plan, they called 7 On Your Side.
"It was a nice little surprise," James Sullivan said.
11 thousand little surprises, that's what this firefighter and high school football coach learned was sitting in an investment account for the last decade.
"It was really first it was for his educational and educational fund. But then Mark, his father, my husband, he paid for his college. So, I thought, well, why use the money? Just let it sit there. And when he needs it, he can have it," Efrosine said.
James' parents, Efrosine and Mark, started the 529 college fund for their son back in 2015.
"Yes. I think the initial was like a thousand, some $1,000," she said.
Which over the years, grew to over 10 times that amount. But when they tried to cash it out last year, it was gone.
"Prudential stated that that the funds were no longer with them," Efrosine said.
Their account had been deemed dormant. No activity, no account.
As a result, they went to the unclaimed property for the state in New Jersey.
But when they searched on NJ's unclaimed funds website for his name in the database nothing came up.
"Prudential is saying that it's in the unclaimed funds. Unclaimed funds does not respond. Well, where's the money?" Efrosine said. "Just felt like no way on it was hard earned money and I'm going to do whatever I can to get this money."
This Greek mom was not calling it quits. After six months she reached out to her favorite TV station.
"I love channel 7," she said. "You know, why not contact Nina Pineda and 7 On Your Side. And I took a chance."
So, we reached out to the NJ Treasury and within 24 hours the Sullivans were finally able to claim those unclaimed funds.
"Thank you, Nina Pineda and 7 On Your Side. We got our check! James received his money!" Efrosine said.
They were finally reunited with $10,855.99.
"Nice to be done with this. We couldn't have done it without you," James said.
A spokeperson for the state told 7 On Your Side, "We are happy we were able to reunite the Sullivans with their missing money." They added, "It has set records over the past 4 years, returning over $875 million in assets."
"We want to thank you so much, welcome to our family!" the Sullivans said.
"I'm in the family now?" Nina Pineda asked.
"7 On Your Side is the best! Everyone should watch 7 On Your Side, you are the best!" they said.
7 On Your Side helps family find missing college savings funds after 10 years
----------
SHARE YOUR STORY
Do you have an issue with a company that you haven't been able to resolve? If so, 7 On Your Side wants to help you!
Fill out the form below or email your questions, issues, or story ideas by filling out the form below or by emailing 7OnYourSideNina@abc.com. All emails MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND CELLPHONE NUMBER. Without a phone number, 7 On Your Side will not be able to respond.