Looking Forward Our Way

How can the death of a spouse affect the surviving partner's financial stability and credit score, and what steps can be taken to mitigate these impacts?

We discuss financial challenges facing Ohioans aged 50 and over, with a specific focus on surviving spouses. Featuring consumer law attorney Laura Nesbitt, the episode focuses on the financial instability that can arise after the death of a spouse, emphasizing the importance of managing banks, bills, and credit scores effectively.

Laura highlights that accessing accounts often requires a death certificate, and autopay bills can become problematic without account access. Estate planning should extend beyond a will and power of attorney, incorporating detailed financial documentation to facilitate smoother transitions during crises. Technology aids like Monarch Money, Quicken, and password management tools can help manage finances and account access. Regular credit report checks from major agencies are recommended to monitor and manage accounts.

Addressing legal responsibilities, Laura advises against paying a deceased spouse's bills, except in joint account situations. She explains how nursing homes might wrongly bill family members and the need to verify any obligation to pay. Estates with assets or debts generally go through probate, allowing six months for creditors to file claims post-death. Informing credit bureaus of a spouse's death and freezing their Social Security number can prevent new debts and identity theft, while freezing one's own credit can be protective and temporary.

Laura discusses the burdens and stigmas of homeownership and bankruptcy. Full mortgage leverage can risk financial instability if the market drops, making Chapter 13 bankruptcy a viable solution for stripping second mortgage liens. She highlights that renting may be more economical for older individuals with no home equity.

The financial impact on surviving spouses can include reduced Social Security benefits and loss of additional income. Comprehensive financial information and family support are crucial, with open discussions about managing finances and knowing available resources. For families with dependents like grandchildren, seeking financial contributions from other household members is vital.

Laura emphasizes that people often delay considering bankruptcy despite its potential benefits, due to the credit industry's stigma. Bankruptcy can stop creditor contact and prevent further credit score damage. Suitability for bankruptcy depends on individual circumstances, with certain debts like student loans and recent tax debts being non-dischargeable.

Key Moments

00:00 Consumer law attorney, bankruptcy expert since 2009.

03:08 Importance of managing credit scores after spouse's death.

09:17 Utility bills can impact credit if reported.

12:40 Ensure personal account responsibility; avoid joint accounts.

13:24 Keep financial accounts separate to avoid issues.

16:32 Organize finances and passwords for estate planning.

22:07 Check credit reports quarterly to monitor accounts.

24:08 Verify responsibility before paying deceased spouse's bills.

27:42 Consider freezing credit, especially for security.

31:28 Research carefully before entering debt management programs.

35:47 Evaluate finances and debt; bankruptcy may help.

38:25 Chapter 13 bankruptcy can strip 2nd mortgages.

40:09 Older spouse survivor faces reduced income sources.

43:09 Generosity often leads to personal financial debt.

47:27 Merging firms for comprehensive tax and bankruptcy services.

49:00 In-house services streamline, avoid restarts, ensure continuity.

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The latest episode of "Looking Forward Our Way" features an engaging discussion about the pivotal role of advisory councils in addressing the needs of older adults at the state and local levels.

The episode brings together Anna Tobin and Melissa Owens, two prominent figures in the aging services sector, to share their insights and experiences. Grant Ames, Government and Community Relations Manager at the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA), also provides valuable context about the agency's goals and operations.

Anna Tobin: Role as Council Member

Anna Tobin, President of the COAAA Advisory Council and Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Older Adult Alternatives of Fairfield County, shares her extensive experience in social services, emphasizing the importance of advisory councils. Anna describes these councils as invaluable platforms for networking and bringing community needs to the forefront. By participating in advisory council planning sessions, members can support both state and local aging plans. Anna's discussion includes the sharing of legislative information, talking points for advocacy, and insights into funding opportunities, such as the ARPA funds and healthy aging grants. The networking aspect allows for an exchange of vital information with colleagues, enhancing service delivery across regions.

Melissa Owens: Benefits to Counties

Melissa Owens, Executive Director for Licking County Aging Partners, elaborates on the benefits county-level stakeholders gain from council meetings. She stresses the importance of educating county legislators and officials about the federal-state-local system, aiding them in understanding and navigating resources at various governmental levels. These meetings also facilitate connections and knowledge gathering from experienced individuals, thereby equipping counties with the tools needed to effectively serve older adult populations.

Problem-Solving within the Council

Melissa Owens explains the council's role as a resource network for problem-solving, noting that other members may have encountered and resolved similar issues.

Planning and Collaboration

Anna Tobin provides insight into the critical planning process supported by advisory councils, referencing the Ohio Department of Aging's strategic plans. She underscores the importance of aligning local goals with state objectives to ensure quality services for seniors.

Shared Innovations and Learning

Throughout the discussion, the speakers share examples of successful initiatives and collaboration efforts. Anna Tobin mentions a guardianship service board modeled after Franklin County's initiative, highlighting the process of securing startup funding and adapting successful models locally. Melissa Owens talks about adaptable programs like friendly visitor and senior companion programs, adjusted based on county demographics and needs.

Building Connections for New Leaders

Grant Ames stresses the importance of strong regional networks in supporting senior services, pointing out the benefits for new leaders to learn from their experienced counterparts. The advisory councils not only aid in navigating complex systems but also foster professional growth and knowledge sharing.

Key Moments

00:00 Advisory council collaborates on older adult services.

03:42 Grateful senior services leader with extensive experience.

07:45 Networking, community advocacy, planning, implementing support initiatives locally.

10:00 Learning and sharing process knowledge with counties.

12:53 Advisory council efficiently solves nonprofit organization problems.

17:36 Similar issues in urban, suburban, rural areas.

22:28 Supporting aging plans through local strategic implementation.

25:53 Connecting new leaders with experienced mentors strengthens region.

27:21 Contact local aging office; volunteer support needed.

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"This was a a really strong convening then for employers and education to to better communicate and then plan on how to improve that connectivity between graduating students and employment."

We welcome guest experts John Hambrick, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio, and Lauren Stowe Jones, Senior Director of K-12 Partnerships at Columbus State Community College.

John Hambrick, who moved to Columbus in 1998, transitioned from a background in education and restaurant industry work into non-profit roles, ultimately leading him to his current position in workforce development at ESC of Central Ohio. The Educational Service Center serves 30 member school districts across eight counties, working to bridge the gap between K-12 education and industry needs.

Lauren Stowe Jones started her educational journey as a 7th-grade teacher in Boston but returned to Central Ohio due to high living costs. She joined Columbus State Community College, where she worked on reforming developmental education to reduce the need for remedial courses. Presently, she oversees 10,000 high school students taking college credit courses through the College Credit Plus program. This significant initiative offers free college courses to high school students, impacting their educational pathways.

Both guests emphasize preparing students for future job markets by aligning educational programs with evolving industry demands in Central Ohio. They highlight dual enrollment and teacher education programs as critical strategies. Lauren discusses how dual enrollment influences teaching demographics and necessitates changes in teacher preparation to deploy educators quickly and support their continuous development. John highlights Ohio's emphasis on expanding registered apprenticeship programs, especially to address teacher shortages, and mentions the creation of teacher academies in school districts as pre-apprenticeships.

Ohio's alternative licensure models are also a focal point, creating pathways for veterans and industry professionals to enter teaching roles. John outlines significant state funding to support education, including a $100 million investment from the Ohio legislature for career technical education equipment and workforce boot camps. While the full impact of these initiatives on students remains to be seen, the guests express optimism about creating more informed and prepared students.

The conversation turns to the integration of technology, particularly the role of AI, in education. AI is viewed as a complement to traditional teaching methods rather than a replacement. Teachers will need to adapt, and educational policies will have to guide the use of AI in schools. Community involvement is also essential, with partnerships between colleges, businesses, and economic development sectors shaping educational messages and providing resources.

Educational innovation is discussed, including the creation of innovation labs equipped with VR, 3D printers, and augmented reality tools. These efforts aim to provide equitable access to technology for all students. Programs like the Intel project highlight economic development activities, with a need to communicate future manufacturing and economic opportunities to the community. Columbus State has introduced career educators focused on in-demand industries and developed tailored educational materials for various audiences to spread awareness about regional career opportunities.

Partnerships with economic development partners are crucial to bring business insights into the educational realm, helping prepare students for new career pathways. Emerging technologies, smart mobility, and connected technology in Central Ohio are also highlighted, with resources provided by entities like the Department of Transportation and DriveOhio. Columbus State’s advanced training center in New Albany serves as a hub for technology and business-education interactions.

We take a look at a shift in educational focus, integrating career relevance within disciplines and emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptability in response to rapid technological changes, particularly post-COVID-19. The importance of critical thinking skills in employability contexts is underlined, and the discussion covers the need to equip students with broader skill sets necessary for job market readiness.

Dual enrollment programs and career education paths are becoming essential as high school education alone no longer suffices for well-paying jobs. Community colleges play a significant role, providing flexible and tailored programs to transition students into careers efficiently. Initiatives such as the Central Ohio Compact exemplify regional cooperation between K-12, higher education, and employers, facilitating direct feedback loops to ensure education aligns with workforce needs.

Efforts to embed career experiences within regular high school curricula and the importance of early exposure to career pathways are discussed. Programs like those initiated by Columbus State in response to the semiconductor industry's needs exemplify the dynamic relationship between educational institutions and employers. Emphasizing advanced manufacturing, now reframed as "advanced technology," reflects a need for continuous training for competitiveness.

Lastly, we talk about the challenges like securing funding for training programs and addressing the shortage of teaching staff in advanced technologies. Overall, proactive collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, and the community is essential to successfully prepare the next generation for the workforce.

Key Moments

09:11 College experiences vary; continuous education ensures success.

12:14 Developing semiconductor program: industry collaboration, curriculum expansion.

18:44 Building career pathways through school-employer partnerships.

24:15 Central Ohio hospitals collaborated for student healthcare event.

28:00 AI demands rapid adaptation in higher education.

32:16 Training is essential beyond high school education.

41:39 Lack of teaching staff and effective training.

43:36 Competitive rates, affordability, and opportunities in education.

48:17 Funding enhances educational pathways and career training.

54:25 Creative tech in education: VR, AI crucial.

01:00:11 Promoting career awareness in Central Ohio schools.

01:06:47 Addressing barriers for underserved students' education success.

01:09:43 Education evolving; encourage parental involvement and awareness.

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Employee resource groups (ERGs) are vital in providing support to veterans, helping them feel less isolated and more integrated into their new work environments.

Empowering Voters: Understanding Campaign Financing, Fair Districting, and Poll Participation

Brett and Carol chat with Jen Miller, the Executive Director of the League of Women Voters Ohio, about the nitty-gritty of ballot issues and voting policies.

Jen talks about a cool bipartisan effort to draft a new amendment (Issue 1), mentioning notable figures like Maureen O'Connor and Yvette McGee Brown. This amendment has some serious backing from a wide range of groups, including teachers' and nurses' unions, the NAACP, and even the Libertarian Party.

The conversation takes a turn towards the topic of dark money in politics, which became a hot issue after the Citizens United decision. Jen underscores the need for transparency so voters know who’s funding political ads. She’s passionate about ending gerrymandering, believing it would make legislatures more responsive and improve policymaking. Gerrymandering, she argues, kills voter satisfaction and participation.

More engagement and compromise in the legislature would tone down extremism and serve citizens better. Jen encourages everyone to get involved in democracy, pointing to resources like vote411.org and voteohio.gov. She also talks about the importance of becoming poll workers and making sure our communities are ready to vote.

Jen criticizes gerrymandering for reducing accountability and allowing representatives to focus more on party extremes and big donors rather than a broader voter base. Despite these obstacles, she urges citizens to stay vocal and visit district offices.

The League of Women Voters Ohio is highlighted as a diverse organization in terms of age, offering great opportunities for mentorship between older and younger members. Jen gives tips on making voting less intimidating for young voters, like checking registration and polling locations since these frequently change.

We talk about Ohio’s strict voter ID requirements—now including passports and specific veteran IDs while excluding county veteran IDs. Jen calls for veterans to advocate for changes to these laws. There's also a mention of fewer candidates participating in forums, which reduces chances for voter-candidate interactions. The League organizes forums with a “speed dating” style to let voters meet candidates without heated debates.

Jen and Brett discuss the rise of misinformation and the need for consuming diverse media to keep from getting stuck in echo chambers. Brett expresses frustration when candidates don't take forum questions seriously, feeling it reflects poorly on their ability to serve in office. They both mention the impact of gerrymandering on these issues.

In Ohio, recent changes to the election process have led to voter dissatisfaction, partly fueled by misinformation from elected officials. Jen suggests voters hold state authorities like the Secretary of State accountable for election integrity. She also lists ways to engage, like attending hearings, contacting election boards, volunteering as poll workers, and using the Election Protection Hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) for any issues.

The League of Women Voters is all about fair election practices and doesn't play sides. They've been around since the Ohio Women's Suffrage Association days, focusing on empowering voters, especially women. They operate on national, state, and local levels and rely heavily on volunteers to keep things running smoothly.

Jen emphasizes the importance of informed voting and spells out the steps for absentee/mail voters, urging them not to procrastinate. Tips include mailing ballots early and using county dropboxes to avoid delays. She also goes over Ohio's strict ID requirements again, stressing that voters need to check what’s valid now.

Jen dives deeper into gerrymandering, explaining Issue 1 (OH), which aims to reform the redistricting process. The goal is to keep politicians and lobbyists out, ensure a balanced commission, and maintain transparency. Past efforts to end gerrymandering in Ohio didn’t pan out well, but the League is committed to pushing for fair district maps and getting citizens involved.

While the voting system isn't perfect, continuous efforts and active participation can lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Key Moments

00:00 Ohio Women's Suffrage evolved into inclusive voting league.

05:39 Ohio League's strength lies in national connection.

15:38 Frustration arises from misallocated responsibilities and misunderstanding.

17:24 Connecting voters and candidates through local forums.

26:41 Gerrymandering undermines fair elections and representation.

32:04 Check ID requirements; Ohio's strict voter rules.

36:27 Security ensures bipartisan participation and de-escalation volunteers.

40:46 Check voting plan, ID required, hours change.

52:12 Independent voices in Ohio redistricting, preventing secrecy.

57:27 League watchdogs educate public on map processes.

01:03:57 Advocate for transparency, end gerrymandering, promote solutions.

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