As a kid, I always looked forward to the Champaign County Fair in late July. I loved the rides: the bumper cars, the tilt-a-whirl, and the potato sack slide. I loved the food: the corn dogs, the elephant ears, and all things fried. I loved the grandstand shows: the tractor pulls where my family would sometimes compete, the motorcycle races, and the demolition derby. And I also loved the games where you could win a prize: the ring toss, shooting…
Pair of $1 Million+ Returns Start Off New Fiscal Year Strong Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a record $307.8 million in missing money to more than 567,000 residents, businesses and organizations through the I-CASH program during Fiscal Year 2026. “Our changes to I-CASH allowed us to return more money to more people,” Frerichs said. “We are proud to set records, but we’re even more proud of helping folks. Reuniting people with money that rightfully belongs to them is even…
After I wrote about the boys’ birthday, a few people asked me what their favorite toy was. It’s different every day, but without question their current favorite toy is the one their brother is playing with. And we often experience a meltdown when their brother does not relinquish it to them. The toy could have been sitting at the bottom of the toy chest for months, out of sight and out of mind. But as soon as their brother has…
Looking for Precious Metals or a One-of-a-Kind Gift? Check Out the Online Auction April 24-May 3 Auction catalog available here. Collectible baseball cards of Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg, Nolan Ryan and Ken Griffey Jr., a gold ingot, and an 1868 French coin bearing the image of Napoleon III are just a few of the notable items available at the online ICash auction April 24-May 3. “Our online auction offers something unique and memorable for everyone,” said Illinois State Treasurer…
Record-Setting I-Cash Returns Include $440,000 a Late Bolingbrook Couple Left to St. Jude Children’s Hospital Key points: VIDEO WILL BE POSTED HERE: Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced he has returned over $2.5 billion in missing money on his watch, breaking all records in an I-Cash program that has been around since the 1960s. More than 2.5 million people, nonprofits, and businesses have been reunited with their missing money since Frerichs took office in 2015. Frerichs modernized I-Cash, allowing…
When I was a kid, the sign outside my hometown read “Gifford 800.” My eighth-grade class at Gifford Grade School was about 24 kids. And we were a big class. So it’s no surprise I didn’t have a lot of choices of sports to play. In the fall, the only option was baseball. In the winter, basketball. In the spring, track and field. I wasn’t that good at baseball, but I enjoyed being part of a team with my friends.…
Last fall, I had the honor of attending an event for the 150th anniversary of a family-owned business. Oswald’s Pharmacy in Naperville has been in the same family for six generations. At an event marking the milestone, a family member said the business used to be open 365 days a year. He calculated that it was open 22,000 straight days before a later generation finally decided to close on Christmas. That tale of dedication got me thinking about my family.…
Visit the ICash Website Feb. 1; Find Out If Money Is Waiting for You National Unclaimed Property Day is this weekend, and Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging people to visit the ICash missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them. “This Sunday, February 1, is National Unclaimed Property Day, and I hope people will celebrate by checking our ICash website to see if they or any loved ones have missing…
Surprise Your Valentine Next Month with a One-of-a-Kind Gift from the Online Auction January 23-February 1 Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Patrick Ewing, collectible basketball cards, and comics featuring Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and Spawn are just some of the notable items available at the online ICash auction January 23-February 1. “Valentine’s Day may never be the same,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “Whether your valentine collects coins, comics,…
QUESTION: In your last Treasurer’s note, you gave a recap of your 2025 resolutions, but I noticed you didn’t mention any for 2026. Did you make any for this year? A: Thanks for noticing, and thank you for the question. Some are similar to last year, and some are new. I think we are more likely to keep our resolutions when we share them with others to hold us accountable. So, here goes! *I want to cross the $2.5 billion…