I found a Twenty Dollar bill today

I was walking through the parking garage in my office building, and there it was.  There was no one else around, and from about 25 yards away I could see something on the ground.  "That looks like money," I thought to myself.  I slowed down just enough to pick it up, and sure enough, it was a twenty dollar bill!

I stuck it in my pocket, pleased at my good fortune.  I wondered, however, if there was a proper action to take at that time.  Should I have gone to the building security desk and reported the find?  How realistic is it that the person who lost it will report to them, inquiring about any good samaritans?  If not, will they return the $20 to me, or keep it for themselves?

No, I just kept it.  I'll probably pay for brunch on Sunday with my newfound riches.

Comments

[Adam]

I don't see anything wrong with it. I think you should turn it in if it's a valuable item beyond a loose bill or something. Like a wad of bills with a rubberband, or a bag or money, or a wallet or purse. Something that can be described to have belonged to someone. Now if you found a $20 in a room with only a handful of people where you would have a good chance of giving it back to the right person, that may be a bit different.

[Craig Robin]

I wouldn't worry about it. It's Just Money.

[HamiHarri]

I would have kept it too. Congrats on your good luck!

From my experience working at customer service in a retail environment, when lost and found items - including money - are kept for ages and then "disposed of" - enjoy your brunch!

[John]

Oh man, and I thought I was cool finding $10 last week. Finding $20 is way cooler...

[lamoneyguy]

"Oh man, and I thought I was cool finding $10 last week. Finding $20 is way cooler..."

Twice as cool, in fact.

[Livingalmostlarge]

I'd keep it. Once at night we were out at dinner and DH and I were walking to the train. And where we were, we started finding $1 along the way. Someone had $1 dropping out of their pocket, I couldn't figure out if we were following the person or going in the opposite direction. I can only guess what it was for...hmmm.

[The Big Saver]

Finders keepers!

[Joe Caterisano]

One word of advice from personal experience. One day I was walking down the street and found a twenty. I looked around, put it in my pocket and kept on walkin'. But then I realized that it was windy outside. So I looked towards the direction the wind was blowing. I saw two or three more bills across the street. All together I found $70. So whenever you find money always look around for more!

[La BellaDonna]

I found $20 on a rainy wet hillside when I was a poverty-stricken college student, more than 30 years ago. I clutched it, and went back to a shop I'd been in the week before that had some fabric I wanted, but couldn't afford. I got my 10 yards of fabric, and I still wear the dress I made (not to mention countless people who've borrowed it). I think the money was well spent.

[balls]

I found a $20 at the coner store today i was running late and stopped for the usual morning orange juice and it was just laying in front of the check out register. the cleck was in his cage as usual so after i paid for my oj i picked it up. no one else was in the store. this might be a good year for me