Governments can take your stocks without your permission. It happens all the time

Here is some investment advice you probably haven’t heard before: If you own stock, occasionally log in and jiggle the handle. Otherwise, depending on where you live, a state may eventually decide that you have abandoned your investment.

Not because you died. Not because anyone proved you moved away. Not necessarily because your mail was returned. You may still be receiving statements. Your dividends may still be landing automatically in your bank account. You simply haven’t done anything lately.