State treasuries and other agencies are holding on to long-forgotten bank accounts, utility deposits and more. Here’s how to find money that belongs to you.

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Are you owed a share of $33 billion?

Prosper.com, a sort of eBay for loans, is billed as an alternative to banks. But the Internet pioneer’s default rates are sky-high, and lenders have been losing money.

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Lending to a neighbor? Good luck

Savers are hanging on to about $16.7 billion in bonds that are no longer earning interest. It’s equivalent to stuffing money under the mattress.

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Time to cash in your savings bonds?

In an echo of the Great Depression, local currencies with their own special flavors are popping up all over in attempts to give commerce and communities a lift.

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Struggling towns printing their own cash

As more consumers switch from credit to debit, debit card issuers and retailers are offering new and better incentives for card users.

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Debit cards get more rewarding

Incentives of $100 or more are being offered to open accounts and bring in new business. But budget-conscious consumers should make note of the requirements.

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Open a checking account, get $100

If you’re fed up with the Big Six, join the growing movement toward community banks and credit unions. But will the fat cats even notice?

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Should you ditch your bank?

Personal checks are heading quickly toward extinction as more businesses refuse to accept them and more consumers opt for electronic transactions.

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Still use checks? Join the dinosaurs

With home equity borrowing vaporized and credit card limits tightening, some banks are going back to the past. But getting a loan isn’t easy.

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The return of the personal loan

Some planning and a little research will help you dodge annoying charges that can add up to a sizable amount over a month. Most important: Don’t bounce checks.

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Pesky checking-account fees to avoid