Protecting What Matters

June is National Homeownership Month! We want to ensure every Ohioan has access to the resources and information in the homebuying or selling process. We’ve partnered with Ohio Realtors to discuss the important role licensed real estate professionals play in shaping communities across Ohio and the consumer benefits of working with a licensed professional. For more information, please visit: com.ohio.gov/real

Minor Labor Laws are in place to protect Ohio teens who enter the workforce from hazardous occupations and to ensure they have restricted hours, appropriate breaks, and wage agreements. Outreach Educator Steve Clegg shares the step-by-step process for teens looking to obtain a work permit and the many other roles the Bureau of Wage & Hour plays in the Ohio workforce. To learn more, visit: https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/wage-and-hour

If you plan to visit your loved one in an Ohio cemetery, we're sharing everything you need to know if you are concerned about the maintenance and upkeep. The Cemetery Section of our Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing works with the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission to regulate cemeteries and resolve disputes between cemeteries and families. f you have a concern and are unable to resolve the issue with the cemetery operator, you can file a complaint for us to review by visiting: https://com.ohio.gov/static/documents/real_COM3660CemeteryComplaintForm.pdf

We’re sharing key factors and resources that can help or hurt your credit score for National Credit Education Month. Learn the difference between a credit report and credit score, how long an issue can stay on your report, how to save money with your score, and how a joint account can impact your score- plus a lot more!

20-40% of all preventable fire deaths are related to smoking. Specifically, smoking while on oxygen, smoking while tired or medicated, and discarding cigarettes in an unapproved container. The division of State Fire Marshal is alarmed at the number of preventable fire fatalities across Ohio. We must work together to bring these tragic numbers down.

The Division of Unclaimed Funds wants to reunite Ohioans with their forgotten money and is making a special push for that in February. The Division is safeguarding more than $3 billion in unclaimed money and property in Ohio. Some of it may belong to you or your loved ones. February 1st in National Unclaimed Funds Day. In this episode of Protecting what Matters, Outreach Program Manager Susie Wagner explains what you could find if you come and claim your money. For more information, visit: unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov

It's a new year! Did you make a resolution that had to do with money? Many people did, and in this episode of Protecting What Matters we're helping you review your spending and investing habits and create a better plan for 2023. From the performance of your 401(k) and turning it around in the new year to knowing how to review what you spent last year and creating a better budget amid inflation, we have advice you can't afford to miss with our experts! For more details visit: https://bit.ly/OhioCommerceUnderstandingFinances

Looking to buy a new home in 2023? Want to know how the homebuying process works? In this episode of Protecting What Matters we're helping you every step of the way as you buy a home- including how to select a real estate agent, lender, and more.

This episode has been published and can be heard everywhere your podcast is available.The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal distributes millions of dollars in grant funding each year to fire departments across the state. This support leads to better equipment, apparatus and technology to better protect Ohio’s communities. Learn more about the grant and loan programs on our website at com.ohio.gov/grants.

You’ve probably not put a lot of thought into how you’re protected when you buy bedding, upholstered furniture and stuffed toys- but Commerce is critical in keeping you in-the-know and safe within this massive industry. In this episode we’re tackling all the items in your house that are… stuffed! Including those presents you’re about to give during the holidays! Are you concerned materials inside a product you purchased? If so, email ohiobedding@com.ohio.gov to file a complaint.

'Tis the season for holiday shopping and, unfortunately, scams. With a longer shopping season, and an increase in focused consumers, scammers are working overtime. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, our Division of Financial Institutions' shares ways to protect yourself from potential financial fraud. See additional financial literacy resources at the Division's Office of Consumer Affairs webpage: https://bit.ly/OCAResources

OHLQ brings you the people and passion behind some of your favorite spirits – from a fourth-generation Ohio farmer to award-winning distilleries. The Seed to Sip series reminds us that found in every glass of your favorite spirit is a story of agriculture, art, and science.

September is National Realtor Safety Month. We’re sharing important information on how to sell your home with safety in mind. We provide some practices to our licensed salespersons in an effort to keep everyone safe in the home buying/selling process. For more information please, visit our website www.com.ohio.gov/real.

Our new campaign, Recovery Within Reach helps educate both consumers and financial advisers about the costs involved with opioid treatment. We want to get Ohio families into treatment and help them navigate the financial aspects of that process by working with a licensed financial adviser. Some people are digging themselves into financial holes paying for treatment and other costs related to addiction, and are unaware of the available resources. Others don't know where to go or how they will pay for treatment. We want our Ohio financial advisers to be able to spot client families in need and then guide them to affordable treatment options in their area. Our interactive map is a resource for anyone looking for help. For more information, visit: https://recoverywithinreach.ohio.gov/

Learn about the Ohio Task Force on Volunteer Fire Service from State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon and Superintendent Jack Smith from the Ohio Fire Academy. Ohio has 1180 fire departments. Approximately 70% of the fire of those departments are staffed by volunteers. The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio’s chief regulatory agency. The Department is focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.