THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY DISCLOSURES. FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Buried treasure would seem like the stuff of dreams for most, a massive bag Nestled in the leaves, overflowing with hundred dollar bills, just waiting to be scooped up and taken home.
It’s something that we fantasize about or see portrayed in movies, but how likely is it really?
More important, if you ever did find yourself stumbling across an unexpected pile of Benjamin’s out in nature, what would you do?
That’s exactly what some brave souls revealed when asked to describe their plans for such a once-in-a-lifetime windfall.
1. Help Myself, Then Others
Some people said they would take the money and first, take care of their needs.
Once they had their needs met, they would use the leftover money to start helping out others.
2. Call The Police
There are some honest souls out there that said they would call the police and hand over the cash.
Of course, they hoped that no one would claim the money and thus they would get all or at least some of it back from the police.
3. Pay Your Student Loans
When discussion breaks out about the amount in the bag, one poster suggests “Eight grand.” This figure tickles one graduate’s mind. “That’s not an incredible amount of money,” says the student.
“Probably pay (off) student loans.” Clearly, they are not a Harvard attendee.
4. Be A Low-Key High-Roller
In a scenario that would make a great movie plot, one contributor explains how they would first hide it before visiting casinos each month or two. “Buy some drinks, lose a few hundred, then cash out with clean money,” the high-stakes player suggests. “Never go to the same casino twice.”
I am unsure about this idea; I’ve seen Casino and value my fingers.
5. Wet Your Beak
How about a little finder’s fee? One person suggests they would “take just what I need, leave the empty bag.” There is no such thing as finders-keepers in the criminal underworld.
Would the cartels bother chasing you down for a small commission? I am going to go with yes.
6. Waterproof The Loot
Anyone wishing to use the re-burying tactic should listen to this contributor. “You’d need to seal it up in some way to keep out water,” says someone with a revealing amount of money-burial knowledge.
“Paper money does not last long otherwise.”
7. Be a Goodfella
But if nobody did see you enter those woods? “Keep it, keep my mouth shut, and spend it slowly,” whispers a sneaky soul. And why not?
Knowing some dangerous people who live nearby just paid for your latest hairdo would certainly be a thrill. De Niro would be proud.
8. The Old Switcheroo
A Coen Brothers movie fan has seen this plot before. “I would put it in a different bag,” they suggest. “I don’t want Anton Chigurh (No Country for Old Men) knowing my location.”
Wise words for anyone who has seen Javier Bardem’s fearsome character — and haircut — chasing down a missing money bag.
9. Saintly Advice
“Realistically, I would peek but don’t [sic] take it,” admits a more sensible commenter. “You never know if it’s a trap or not; besides, it ain’t really my business.”
I see the logic, especially if anyone saw you enter the woods. Can you imagine sitting on a pile of obviously-stolen cash? Gulp.
10. Channel Your Inner Squirrel
“I would bury it somewhere else and come back for it in a year or two,” says our first strategic commenter, “after any heat has died down.”
Now here is someone who has thought this through already. “This guy does crimes,” adds a follow-up joker.
11. Be A Good Citizen
Would you call the police and report it? “I don’t need whomever that bag of money belongs to coming after me,” admits a law-abiding citizen.
I beg to differ here; giving it to the authorities would be as good (or bad) as stealing it — in the eyes of those you robbed.
12. Run
“Leave it and run!” advises the next poster. Some agreement comes with a reply: “I don’t need to be on a cartel’s list,” says another level-headed soul. “Thank you very much.”
I can’t think of any feasible excuse for a duffel bag stuffed with cash to exist other than through crime.
Rare Bills and Coins
Most people think the money in their wallet is worth face amount. But many bills and coins with printing errors are worth a lot of money.
While some of these coins and bills are rare, in other cases, you very well could have a small fortune and not even know it.
25 RARE DOLLAR BILLS AND COINS WORTH THOUSANDS
61 Fun Money Facts
Did you know there are places you can pay for things using a special local currency?
Do you know why some coins have ridges on the sides? Discover over 60 fun money facts that you didn’t know.
61 FUN MONEY FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW
47 Ways To Get Free Gift Cards
Nowadays, people are looking for every means possible to make extra cash. One unique idea is to get free gift cards. Gift cards are a great way to help pay for the things you need without spending any money.
You can earn free gift cards for completing simple tasks in many ways. This includes getting paid for simple online tasks like playing games, completing surveys, and shopping.
Here is a complete guide on how to get free gift cards so you can spend less money on the things you buy.
47 PROVEN WAYS TO GET FREE GIFT CARDS
How To Get Free Money
The idea of free money sounds like it can’t be true. But it actually is.
There are many ways you can get free money, from playing games, to watching videos, and more.
Here are the best ways you can get free money without having to work for it.
15 Hacks For Free Gas
You’ve probably wished you could get free gasoline, but thought that was impossible. But the reality is, it isn’t impossible.
There are many free gas hacks you can use to save money on fuel ups. Here are 15 ways to lower the cost of gasoline, and in effect, get free gas.
15 FREE GAS HACKS YOU NEED TO TRY
This thread inspired this post.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.