Protecting What Matters: A Podcast by the Ohio Department of Commerce

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 Unclaimed Funds wants to reunite Ohioans with their forgotten money. The Division is safeguarding more than $3 billion in unclaimed money and property in Ohio. Some of it may belong to you. In this episode of Protecting what Matters, Outreach Program Manager Susie Wagner explains how you can get ahold of your missing money and walks you through the easy process of claiming it. For more information, visit: unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov

In this episode of Protecting What Matters, you’ll learn how OHLQ’s work is creating energy and conversation around the social responsibility movement. While our agency plays a role in the sales of liquor in the state of Ohio, our license to operate is through important conversations, resources, and even mocktail recipes that we share with consumers. Learn how to access all of those items through this segment.

How do you know you’re getting a fair appraisal on that new property you’d like to buy or sell?  Appraisers have certain standards they must meet for you (by law) when determining a property's true value.  This episode will help educate homebuyers and sellers about the appraisal process and when you might need to file a complaint. It also includes bonus content for real estate agents and appraisers themselves.

With every investment, do not risk more than you are willing to lose. We are talking digital assets, cryptocurrency, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT's) with our Division of Securities attorney expert, John Crist to help educate those investors who may not be seeking professional advice and following online influencers, celebrity advertising, etc.

Would you know what to do if an older member of your family was being scammed? What options do you have once money’s been taken out of their account? In this episode, we’re sharing the signs you should look for if you take care of anyone age 60 or above and tips on how to best report fraud if it’s happening in your family. The Ohio Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Commission, along with our Division of Securities, shares important insight in this episode that you’ll want to discuss with your loved ones.

You pick up your smartphone or turn on your computer on a regular basis to pay for items or get paid yourself- but are you making the smartest decisions when you take advantage of these peer-to-peer payment applications? In this episode of Protecting What Matters, our Division of Financial Institutions’ share ways to protect yourself from a potential financial scam when using apps like Cash App, PayPal, or Venmo.

Summertime Safety

Every year Ohioans look forward to vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor cooking. Think safety first during this important discussion with State Fire Marshal Fire Prevention Bureau Chief Ken Klouda.

The Ohio Department of Commerce is the state’s chief regulatory agency with a specific focus on consumer protection. We issue more than 600,000 licenses, permits, registrations, and certifications each year in various professions, industries, and commercial enterprises. We have a vital role in keeping people, property, and assets safe. From real estate to fireworks, banks to construction, and more, this podcast is a resource for businesses, families, and individuals that want to protect what matters most in their life. Learn more about us by visiting com.ohio.gov