November 19, 2025 • 30 mins
This week on "Kentucky Focus", Scott Fitzgerald sits down with three experts who each hold a unique vantage point on the season ahead. From the forces shaping what fills our tables… to the trends influencing what ends up under the tree… to the pressures affecting the people striving to make it all happen, these guests reveal the hidden dynamics that define this time of year. Whether you’re planning, shopping, celebrating, or simply trying to keep up, Scott's conversation uncovers what most of us feel—but rarely hear explained. Listen to find out what’s really changing, what families should look out for, and what surprising shifts may be impacting you more than you think.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
And welcome to Kentucky Focus. So I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Today
we're diving into several important conversations that head home this
time of year, from the rising costs around the holiday
table one of the rush of seasonal shopping, and the
financial pressures many workers are facing the nationwide. We've got
a lot to unwrap before we get to this Thanksgiving holiday.
(00:21):
I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Being blind doesn't always look how others may think.
Speaker 4 (00:45):
Stargart disease was supposed to define me.
Speaker 5 (00:49):
Ritinitis pigmentosa aimed to overwhelm my family.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
It tried to cut me down.
Speaker 6 (00:56):
A blinding eye disease intended to force me away from
doing what I.
Speaker 7 (01:00):
Was born to do.
Speaker 4 (01:02):
Buddy cannot stop me.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
I have the tools.
Speaker 8 (01:07):
I will keep moving forward.
Speaker 5 (01:10):
Pushing past the limits of this disability.
Speaker 8 (01:15):
I know where to find support and where I can
be seen.
Speaker 5 (01:18):
Great vision doesn't require great site, innovative research, educational resources,
supportive community. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is leading the charge
and finding treatments and cures for blinding diseases. Make your
impact today. Donate now at Fighting Blindness dot org. A
public service message from the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Welcome back to Kentucky Pocus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Joining us
now is Jessica Christiansen. She's head of Crop Science Communications
for Bear, with a career spanning global crop strategy, sustainability,
and scientific invention. Jessica is here to talk about the
factors influencing food prices this holiday season and the cutting
edge work that helps keep your meals on the table
(02:04):
and affordable. Jessica, thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 8 (02:06):
Absolutely, thanks for having.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Me you bet so. Let's talk a little bit about
the cost of groceries. It's been all on top of
the mind for a lot of folks this year, especially
now that we're getting ready to gather around the Thanksgiving table.
What are some of the biggest factors that are driving
the rising costs in wall that we're seeing at the store.
Speaker 8 (02:22):
Yeah, rising costs is absolutely a pain point. I'm a
mom myself, I have two boys, my husband and a
dog that's even a boy. So a lot of boys
in my house, but they eat a lot hi. So yeah.
One of a recent axio studies said that about half
of us are saying it's harder to afford groceries this
(02:43):
year versus last year. Forty seven million of us are
food and secure across one hundred percent of our country.
So this is not an urban rural thing. It's really everywhere.
And so what we're passionate about is Bear crop Science
is making sure we have innovation that keep our farmers
per do seeing more on every single acre. This helps
(03:03):
food price for us as consumers.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
Jessica Christensen is joining us again. She is with Crop Science.
She is the head of Crop Science Communications with Bear
and we're talking about the price, the rising price of
food costs and Jessica, as you talk about those innovations
in lowering the costs for consumers, what sort of innovation
is driving the train here, if you will.
Speaker 8 (03:24):
For our farmers, we have to have a few key
critical technologies. One is crop protection, so these are herbicides
and secticides, pesticides. You know, there's some estimates Without crop
protection tools farmers could lose over eighty percent of yields.
It would cost US ten billion dollars more a year
in food costs as a country. It's a huge number. Yeah,
(03:47):
it's incredible.
Speaker 9 (03:48):
The second piece of seeds, you know, when you think
about you've got to point the right seed on your
field as a farmer, so corn, soybeing cotton in some geographies, vegetables,
and there's a lot of technology and science that goes
into our seeds.
Speaker 8 (04:02):
And then the third piece, i'd say is digital technology.
Thinking about how farmers have advanced their practices have evolved dramatically.
Farmers are some of the best scientists, by the way
the new technology quickly, but digital means they have tools
now like climate field view that can actually help them
understand which hybrid or variety to plan on every single acre,
(04:24):
how to manage those crops for the best productivity, you know.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
And again we're talking with Jessica Christiansen, she's head of
Crop Science Communications for Bear, and we're talking about ways
that the cost of our groceries are being influenced and
what they're doing at Bear to really kind of combat
those so that we don't have to pay so much
when it comes to the holidays and you know, AI
has been talked so much, Jessica, and I think you
kind of quas mentioned it there. How big is AI
in this fight now to help lower these grocery bills
(04:50):
for folks.
Speaker 8 (04:51):
AI can be super instrumental and we're already using this
leading edge digital technology at Bear in several ways. Two
quick examples, I mentioned crop protection and needing more tools
in the toolbox for our farmers. We have an AI
driven model that helps us discover new molecules and on
(05:13):
a screen and a lab setting right, so it opens
the funnel dramatically saying goes for testing new germ plasm,
new types of seed. We can do that virtually in
the digital twin setup, so that we're making the best decisions,
getting more options out to farmers faster.
Speaker 10 (05:32):
You know.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
And Jessica, when you guys are making these improvements, and
that's awesome, you're on the cutting edge of this because
I don't think a lot of people realize what actually
goes into the science behind the foods we eat. People
think farmers just go out there and plant seeds and
then while lat boom, you have your crops and there's
certain things like weather obviously that impact it different genetics.
So when the farmers are pointing, when you're working with
(05:54):
farmers to put this together, is are things what's the
bigger thing here? Is climate change that's really impacted this
or what's kind of the bigger thing that's driving this train?
As you talk to different farmers in the field, it's.
Speaker 8 (06:06):
Multiple Shurm challenges actually they face and this is why
it's so important to support science to dry productivity. So
climate change, certainly it's too hot, too cold, too wet,
too dry, you know, that's you know, the volatility is
really unpredictable for farmers. So we have products like our
Pression smart Corn system. It's a short hybrid that withstands
(06:30):
winds for example. You know we have to ratios that
pass through the central Midwest bread basket on occasion. So
really that climate aspect is critical. With that comes different
pest pressures and weed pressures. So you need to have
a sweetest solutions to help control what we can control
(06:51):
for the farmers.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Jessica Christiansen's joining US head of Crop Science Communications for Baron.
We're talking about the way the ways different influences are changing,
maybe how much our Thanksgiving meal is going to cost
us in years to come. And when you look at
that sort of like the pest issue, Jessica, are we
seeing an increase in maybe unknown pests or different pests
because maybe the world's getting smaller, we're a little bit
(07:14):
more connected. What are you see on that front?
Speaker 8 (07:16):
Yeah, Pest pressure is a very big science area actually,
so when we were talking about AI and digital tools,
we work with academics and others to really try to
predict which bugs are going to move where. So we're
very global as a society now, so that that risk
is real. So we try to stay ahead of that
(07:37):
with digital science, with our entomologists that work on staff,
working with others so that we can provide tools long
in advance. He can take ten to fifteen years to
get a new product to market to farmers, so we
have to try to think predictively. So those tools help us.
But you do see a shift and pest pressure and
(07:59):
that can change season by season, and this is super
challenging for our farmers.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Just a couple more questions for you, Jessica, having a
great conversation. Jessica Christiansen is joining us again. She's head
of Crop Science Communications for BEAR and talking about the
ways or our Thanksgiving meal this year might be influenced, and
what Bear's doing about it to help bring down those
costs and ways we probably didn't realize. And Jessica, for
the average family that's sitting down to their Thanksgiving meals,
(08:24):
what are some of the scientific breakthroughs maybe outside of
what you talked about, that are actually going to make
a difference in when they hit the grocery aisle? And
then how long does that usually take from when you
say develop a potential solution until we actually see the
results on this set.
Speaker 8 (08:38):
Yeah, I'll give a couple real examples. I mentioned our
oppression smartcorn system that one's being introduced in the US
now to our corn farmers here. That enables better access
using you know, precise inputs, and you can get more
more plants per acre, and that's super key to increase yields.
(09:00):
But we have lots of really cool breeding technology and
our vegetable crops, for example, to make them have better
shelf life, higher nutrition composition, make them taste better so
that our kids will eat them right and maybe some
of you adults. So there's lots of really cool science
behind those type of technologies. And then we have new
crop protection tools. So we have a new herbicide that's
(09:23):
going to be hitting the market soon in the US
as well, and that's important. So we just talked about
all these challenges. So farmers need lots of options, but
all of those things make the reduces the costs for
farmers to produce the food, which then trickles down to
us as a consumer. So the more we can do
(09:45):
upfront to help farmers produce more with less and have
a good profitable business, the better it'll be for us
as consumers when you're at the grocery store.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Right on, Jessica, Christiansen joining us. So one last question
for you, Jessica, you've also been a strong advocate for sustainability, diversity,
and inclusion in agriculture. How do those values intersect with
the work you're doing to support farmers in families.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 8 (10:06):
Absolutely. When we think about our scientists, me being one
and I grew up in a rural community in southern Missouri,
there weren't a lot of scientists out in the field
that were women when I was an undergrad and graduate school,
and that's dramatically changed thanks to companies like Bear and
our farm families. Our farm families are really encouraging, you know,
(10:30):
younger generations. You have multi generations now farming diverse backgrounds.
And as a science based company that Bear is that's
super critical. This is how you really harness breakthroughs and
innovation is we have people from all around the world
sitting right here in Saint Louis helping us innovate and
create amazing technology.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
Wonderful And as someone who recently had a significant weight
loss and have turned out vegetables are a main stable
of my diet, Jessica God, yes, oh that's all I
meant that. My wife's like, you're always at the grocery store,
So that's because I'm always buying this stuff fresh.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
I love my vegetables. And it's so nice to hear
about the work you're doing at Bear and all our
farmers are doing, of course, and that will impact families
across the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the rest of the nation.
And something to think about is you sit down and
enjoy that Thanksgiving meal again. Jessica Christiansen, head of Crop
Science Communications for Bear, Jessica, folks want to learn more
about our conversation or just look more into what you're
(11:28):
doing at Bear, where can they go?
Speaker 8 (11:29):
Go check out sciencedelivers dot com. This is also a
place where you can share your own stories about how
science has impact your life and your family's life. That
we really need to support our scientists and science that's
going to help our farmers and help reduce our cost
at the grocery source. So go check it out sciencedelivers
(11:50):
dot com.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Jessica Christensen, thank you so much. We appreciate you.
Speaker 8 (11:54):
Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving, you guys.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
Happy Thanksgiving. Jessica again, head of Crop Science Communication at Bear,
helping explain how farmers and scientists are working to keep
food affordable through new innovations and crop protection, climate resilience, seeds,
and of course technology. Stay with us. Coming up, we
shift from the kitchen table to a very different part
of the holiday season. That conversation coming up next. I'm
(12:16):
Scott Fitzgerald. Y'all are listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
You guys just didn't want it bad enough. That should
have been an easy win. What were you doing out there?
You got a hustle.
Speaker 11 (12:29):
You could have made that play if you've been open.
Speaker 6 (12:33):
On the car ride home after the game, when you
think you're helping by telling me what I did wrong
and what I need to work on, Holly here is
that I'm not good enough, that I'm supposed to be perfect,
That it's not okay to lose. On the car ride home,
(12:54):
all I need to hear is how much you love
me and enjoy watching me play. That my worth isn't
determined by my performance, That even on my worst day,
I am worthy. That you see me learning, growing and
doing my best, and that is enough.
Speaker 1 (13:15):
Brought to you by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
and the Kentucky Athletic Administrators' Association, Well, welcome back to
Kentucky Focus. We're helping you get ahead of the holiday hustle.
Joining us is Elizabeth Warner. She's one of the industry's
premiere voices and a regular on CBS Mornings and The View.
Elizabeth is here with her top picks of the season.
(13:36):
It must have toys just in time for Black Friday.
From imaginative creations to tech toys to tiny innovators, She's
got everything we need for our wish list. Elizabeth, welcome, Well.
Speaker 4 (13:47):
Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 8 (13:49):
Scott.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
I'm excited to be here.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
It's always great to talk toys, that's for sure, especially
this time of year. And I know a lot of
people are excited, Elizabeth, and with Black Friday just around
the corner, what toys are topping you're must have list
this year?
Speaker 3 (14:01):
Okay, so I've got a whole variety, but I have
to start off with an item that's going to be
perfect for the entire family. Is it a toy, No,
but it's the most perfect family gift. It's called the
LG Smart Monitor Swing. Now, this is a thirty two
inch four K high definition touchscreen monitor. But it's not
(14:21):
just a monitor. It can be your TV. Your monitor.
This comes on this really amazing versatile rolling stand.
Speaker 4 (14:29):
You can lift this TV.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
Up high, bend it down low, all based on the stand, horizontal, vertical, tilt,
you name it. Now, this is the ultimate setup for
work and play. So you start it off in your office, Scott.
Then you roll it out to the living room or
the kitchen or the family room, and now you're going
to be able to use it as your entertainment hub.
It's powered by LG's webOS, so if you've ever had
(14:53):
an LGTV, you're going to be able to instantly access
all your cloud based office apps and favorite streaming services.
You don't even need a PC to be plugged in
this to get your work done and do everything you
need to. This is an amazing family gift that you
bring home at the holidays. That one big gift that's
by the tree with the big old bow.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
Sounds like it's perfect for those that may work from
home too as well. Elizabeth. I mean, if you can
put this all interactive, and it was so many people
doing that, especially around the holidays, So that's a good
that's right.
Speaker 4 (15:23):
My husband loves it.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
He uses it for video editing, uses it as a
second monitor, and then I roll it out and steal
it for the kids and I.
Speaker 4 (15:31):
So it is a great versatile item.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
Now for the little ones, let's talk about Melissa and
Doug for a minute. Me listen, Doug, they're the number
one preschool brand for wooden toys. Well, they have created
Last year they came out with something called a food kiosk.
You could put like pretend coins in and like food
would come out of a out of a kiosk or
a vending machine. Well, this year they've created a beauty kiosk. Now,
the kids are gonna go wild for this. The butting
(15:55):
makeup artist, the butting skincare divas, you name it.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
What they're gonna do. They put in these cute little coins.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
They're going to be able to push a button and
inside they're going to have a variety.
Speaker 4 (16:06):
Of pretend play makeup.
Speaker 3 (16:09):
Now everything is beautiful, The details are amazing. There are
nine double sided beauty accessories. They insert that coin or
a bank card, because you know all these kids think
you just put a card in and things come out.
They push a corresponding button and literally the makeup, just
like in a real vending machine, drops down and is ready.
You get to refill it up by using the back
(16:30):
of the kiosk. This is made out of wood, couple
feet high, about eighteen inches wide. Open up the back,
refill and you know what, moms and dads are telling us.
They're filling it with other stuff too, not just to
pretend makeup, So they're filling it with other fun things
and the kids are.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
Just loving this outstanding. Elizabeth Warner joining us for a
few minutes as we approach Black fried A. Some of
the hottest concepts, some of the hottest toys, some of
the hottest gadgets. As Elizabeth said, that you can go
grab off the shelves and Elizabeth for parents looking say
from makes of fun and educational value. Are there any
recommendations out there?
Speaker 6 (17:04):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (17:04):
Absolutely, Okay, So we've.
Speaker 3 (17:06):
Got something called the Tony Box two. The reason it's
called two is it's the second generation. This is a
cube shaped audio entertainment system. So it's a speaker, but
not just any speaker. When they take a Tony.
Speaker 4 (17:19):
Character, which by the way, these characters.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Could be Lightning, the Queen, Elmo, Leelo and Stitch, Mowana,
Curious George, Peanuts, or Charlie Brown Christmas.
Speaker 4 (17:27):
All their favorite books, movie stories.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
If you take these little Tony's characters are a couple
inches high, they look just like their favorite character from the.
Speaker 4 (17:34):
Movie, the TV show.
Speaker 3 (17:35):
Pop it on top of this box. The box instantly
knows what's on top and begins to tell the stories.
Sing the songs, go through the adventures with them, National
Geographic learn about the world around you. But the kids
are in charge because they decide what goes on top.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
They get to choose.
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Now they've come out with my first Tonys for the
little ones, ages one and up. They're Big Chunky, the
Cute Little Horse and a pig and an airplane that's
going to help educate. In addition to fun, they also
now have something called Tony Play, which are screened free
interactive games, quizzes and challenges that the kids are loving.
So this is great from ages one to nine, which
(18:14):
as a mother of four, I love that span.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Right.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
Elizabeth Warner joining us for a few minutes now you
can see her, of course, the toy expert. She's on
CBS Mornings The View, and she's talking to us about
some of the trends as Black Friday is upon us.
And speaking of that, Elizabeth, do you have any tips
for those listening, you know, for snagging those popular toys
or tech gadgets without the stress or maybe even the
shipping headaches.
Speaker 4 (18:36):
One hundred percent.
Speaker 3 (18:37):
You've got to go online and search for the item
that you're looking for. Do a price shop, do a
comparison shop. See where you get the best values, See
where you can get free shipping. A lot of the
stores and retailers that you go to every day, a
lot of us don't even realize that they deliver right
to your home even same day, without fees. Some of
them with slight fees, but you don't even have to
(18:58):
go to the parking lot, walk into the store with
the door, let them bring it to you. That's what
they're doing now, and they're all competing in that fashion.
So not just the places that ship in two days,
but literally your favorite retail stores that are right around
the corner. But you don't want to deal with the
hassle now. I have to tell you there's one other
thing that my husband thinks is his favorite this year.
(19:19):
It's called the Marvel the Thing clobren FX fists. These
are huge foam fists that look just like the fists
of the Thing from Marvel. As you put these on
your hand, your hands look ginormous.
Speaker 4 (19:34):
Right, you've literally turned into thing.
Speaker 3 (19:37):
But as you punch, as you hit things like a
hard surface or just punch in the air, you're gonna
hear sound effects that come out of this.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
The kids are gonna think it's hysterical.
Speaker 3 (19:48):
I think I'm getting my exercise on because I'm just
punching to hear the different sounds.
Speaker 4 (19:52):
But these are totally.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
Amazing, and it's gonna help kids reenact their favorite scenes
from their favorite movie, or maybe imagine some of their
own cosmic adventures.
Speaker 4 (20:01):
Where were these things when we were young.
Speaker 1 (20:03):
That's what I want to know, Elizabeth, thanks so much
for giving us a sneak peek of what's hot this
Black Friday. Of course, everything from imaginative kids says you
mentioned tech toys. There is literally something for everybody's wish
list out there and for our folks that are listening
right now, Elizabeth, and they want to see more of
your pigs or see more from you. Where can they go?
Speaker 3 (20:21):
Yes, you can go to our website which is Warnerinfo
dot com, or follow me on social media Elizabeth Warner TV.
Speaker 1 (20:27):
Elizabeth's great job as always, I know we're talking. We'll
be talking to you more throughout the holiday season. I
appreciate your time.
Speaker 4 (20:33):
I can't wait. Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (20:35):
Scott can. Elizabeth is one of the countries leading toy
experts and it certainly shows. You know her from CBS Mornings,
The View and QBC and she's helping families right here
in the Commonwealth navigate the Hannas, pigs and biggest trends
heading into the busy holiday shopping stretch. Hey, don't go anywhere.
After the break, we'll turn to a major issue also
affecting us here at home and workers throughout the state
(20:56):
and what's support they're seeking. That's straight ahead right here
on Kentuck than you Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 7 (21:04):
The best words to hear at the TSA security checkpoint.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
You're here to go.
Speaker 7 (21:08):
All it takes is a little preparation. Get to the
airport early, bring a carry on bag that fits in
the overhead, and have an acceptable ID. Not all state
issued IDs will cut it. Check out TSA dot gov
slash ID and see which TSA acceptable IDs make the
grave like a real ID or passport before you jet.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
Do a little crap and you're good to go.
Speaker 8 (21:29):
Check out TSA dot gov slash ID or the MYTSA app.
Speaker 1 (21:33):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. We're diving
into a topic that affects nearly every American worker to
include yours truly financial wellness. From managing Dady Day expenses
to planning for retirement. Understanding your finances has never been
more important, especially as more employees are turning to their
employers for guidance. Joining US now to discuss insights from
(21:54):
Bank of America's twenty twenty five Workplace Benefits Report is
Ky Walker is managing director of Workplace bets if it's
research and inclusion transformation, Ky, thanks so much for joining us.
Your report shows a significant jump in workers turning to
their employers for financial health. Why do you think so
many Americans are seeking guidance at work rather than elsewhere?
Speaker 12 (22:13):
Yeah, and thank you for that question. You know, I
think as it relates to our report, what we see
are more and more employees looking for help both with
short term and long term financial needs, and naturally the
employer is a great source to turn to for said help.
And I think part of that is the fact that
(22:35):
over the last two years, the number of folks looking
for help with those needs, short term and long term
has nearly doubled. So the good news is when we
also speak to employers, over ninety five percent say they
feel responsible for the financial wellness of their employees. So
there's a couple of things that I might offer in
terms of maybe tips if you will, that employees should
(22:58):
be considering, just given where employers stand today. So the
first is I would say they should seek out guidance
and tools that your employer offers to you. Many are
offered in person, some through an employer website. Those are
great resources to start with. I think education oftentimes seminars
and webinars, things of that nature are offered by the employer.
(23:22):
And then third, it's often the case that we know
we have benefits, but we may not know exactly when
those benefits are available to us. So I'd say, before
the need arises, take stock of the benefit offering that
your employer has for you, such that when those needs
do arise, you are at the ready understanding what those
benefits are and how to access them. And then the
(23:45):
last thing Scott that I'll mention is healthcare has been
all over the news these days, and of course healthcare
costs just continue to rise. And many employees that actually
have access to a healthcare account called the health Savings account,
where you can save for long term healthcare expenses or
you can also use those dollars that you save for
(24:06):
immediate healthcare needs. That's a great way to save for
those rising costs and healthcare.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
We're having a great conversation with Bank of America's Kay Walker,
he's managing director of Workplace Benefit Benefits Research, and we're
talking a little bit about financial education, if you will
buy employees and turning to their workplace for sort of advice,
and workplaces are offering that advice, as you heard Kai say.
And Kai, if someone's listening now and they're an employer,
(24:32):
what actionable steps can companies take to better support their
employees financial wellbeing?
Speaker 12 (24:36):
Yeah, there's a couple of things there, Scott, and I
think the first and thing and foremost is to ensure
that you're communicating with your employees. With your employees, one
of the things that we constantly see is that employers
typically are communicating with employees around benefits only once a year,
typically around open enrollment. And I just believe that to
the extent that you can communicate more often and frequently,
(25:00):
the more present those benefits become to your employees and
the more readily accessible they can become as well. And
then again, ensure that those tools and guidance offerings that
you have for your employees, that you're communicating those so
that participants and employees can take full advantage of those offerings.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
Having a great conversation with benk of America's Kyle Walker,
Managing Director of Workplace Benefits researching Kai, are there any
hidden costs in retirement that savers often overlook?
Speaker 12 (25:26):
Yeah, that's a great question and that also came up
in our research and one of those hidden costs again,
I'll go back to the healthcare space. We asked this
question of employees in terms of what do you think
a couple retiring at the age of sixty five and
recently big good health would have to spend out of pocket?
So this is beyond Medicare things like that, but what
(25:47):
would you spend out of pocket? The answer that came
back most frequently was about five thousand dollars a year,
when in fact, a couple retiring at the age of
sixty five will probably need not as a lump sum upfront,
but would likely be spending over four hundred thousand dollars
wow during the retirement year's pocket. And so that's just
(26:09):
a wake up call for folks again to use the
programs that your employers are offering to save for those
healthcare costs, not only for the present, but also for
the future.
Speaker 1 (26:19):
And last question for you, Kai, again we're talking with
Kyle Walker. He is managing director of Workplace Benefits Research
with Bank of America. Last question for you, Kai. Somebody's
listening to this and they go, you know what, I
just didn't save early enough when I should, I'm way
behind the power curve. What advice do you have for them?
Speaker 12 (26:35):
Yeah, one, I would say, it's never too late, even
if you start small, if you start late, start contributing,
let's say, to your employers for one K plan. Oftentimes,
what we see is many employers will offer what's called
a company matching contribution, and that becomes free money to you.
So they will match in some cases dollar per dollar
up to a certain percentage threshold of the contributions that
(26:58):
you make. So to the extent you're not doing that,
you're kind of leaving free money on the table, and
no one wants to do that. So that's one piece
of advice that would give.
Speaker 1 (27:05):
Okay, and then finally Kai again, managing director of Workplace
Benefits Research at Bank of America. They've come out with
their Workplace Benefits Report. Kai, folks want to learn more.
What's a good jumping off point they can go do
to find out more information?
Speaker 6 (27:18):
Now?
Speaker 12 (27:19):
Absolutely so, certainly go to your employer. Again, websites, resources
that are free and it's available to you might be
a good start. They have a thing that Bank of
America offers is something called better Money Habits it's a
free resource online. It's not an infomercial about the bank.
It's truly educational in nature, everything from how to begin
(27:40):
starting with a budget all the way through a state planning.
If those our needs that you have as well, and
that's better money habits dot.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Com wonderful, great few minutes with Kyle Walker, Managing Director
of Workplace Benefits Research at Bank of America. Ki, thanks
so much for your time, my friend, and I hope
we can be a service to our listeners. I appreciate you, Buddy,
appreciate it. Scott, thank you, and Ki again, the Managing
Director of Workplace Benefits Research and Inclusion Transformation at Bank
of America. I'll breaking down the new findings on employees'
(28:07):
financial stresses, debt, and what sport workers are looking for
from their employers right here at home. Thanks again, Kai,
appreciate your time. We're back to wrap things up after this.
Speaker 10 (28:18):
Snakes, Zombies, public speaking. The list of fears is endless,
but the real danger is in your hand when you're
behind the wheel. Distracted driving is what's really scary and
even deadly. Eyes forward, don't drive distracted. Brought to you
by NITZA and the ad.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
Council and welcome back to Kentucky Focus as we close
out this week. A big thanks again to our guests
Jessica Christensen, Elizabeth Warner and Kay Walker Well for sharing
their expertise sun issues shaping those of us living here
in the Commonwealth this holiday season, and of course thank
you for listening and spending part of your day with us.
(28:53):
From all of us, the Kentucky News Network and of
course Kentucky Focus, we wish you all a very happy
and blessed Thanksgiving. Be safe everybody. We want you back,
not only just for the holiday season, but every week
here at Kentucky Focus. We enjoy our little fireside chats
throughout the state. Have a great day, have a great week,
and have a great Thanksgiving. We'll talk to you next
time on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens. We
cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (29:32):
I need a tax prepare?
Speaker 9 (29:34):
How should I choose one?
Speaker 11 (29:36):
Using a paid tax prepare this year? Before paying someone
to do your taxes, make sure they're qualified, ask about
their fees, experience, and training. Check with a better business bureau.
Avoid anyone who promises a higher refund, and revew your
tax return before you sign it, and make sure your
preparer signs it too. For more tips, visit IRS dot
(29:57):
gov and search choosing a prepare
And welcome to Kentucky Focus. So I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Today
we're diving into several important conversations that head home this
time of year, from the rising costs around the holiday
table one of the rush of seasonal shopping, and the
financial pressures many workers are facing the nationwide. We've got
a lot to unwrap before we get to this Thanksgiving holiday.
(00:21):
I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Being blind doesn't always look how others may think.
Speaker 4 (00:45):
Stargart disease was supposed to define me.
Speaker 5 (00:49):
Ritinitis pigmentosa aimed to overwhelm my family.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
It tried to cut me down.
Speaker 6 (00:56):
A blinding eye disease intended to force me away from
doing what I.
Speaker 7 (01:00):
Was born to do.
Speaker 4 (01:02):
Buddy cannot stop me.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
I have the tools.
Speaker 8 (01:07):
I will keep moving forward.
Speaker 5 (01:10):
Pushing past the limits of this disability.
Speaker 8 (01:15):
I know where to find support and where I can
be seen.
Speaker 5 (01:18):
Great vision doesn't require great site, innovative research, educational resources,
supportive community. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is leading the charge
and finding treatments and cures for blinding diseases. Make your
impact today. Donate now at Fighting Blindness dot org. A
public service message from the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
Welcome back to Kentucky Pocus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Joining us
now is Jessica Christiansen. She's head of Crop Science Communications
for Bear, with a career spanning global crop strategy, sustainability,
and scientific invention. Jessica is here to talk about the
factors influencing food prices this holiday season and the cutting
edge work that helps keep your meals on the table
(02:04):
and affordable. Jessica, thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 8 (02:06):
Absolutely, thanks for having.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Me you bet so. Let's talk a little bit about
the cost of groceries. It's been all on top of
the mind for a lot of folks this year, especially
now that we're getting ready to gather around the Thanksgiving table.
What are some of the biggest factors that are driving
the rising costs in wall that we're seeing at the store.
Speaker 8 (02:22):
Yeah, rising costs is absolutely a pain point. I'm a
mom myself, I have two boys, my husband and a
dog that's even a boy. So a lot of boys
in my house, but they eat a lot hi. So yeah.
One of a recent axio studies said that about half
of us are saying it's harder to afford groceries this
(02:43):
year versus last year. Forty seven million of us are
food and secure across one hundred percent of our country.
So this is not an urban rural thing. It's really everywhere.
And so what we're passionate about is Bear crop Science
is making sure we have innovation that keep our farmers
per do seeing more on every single acre. This helps
(03:03):
food price for us as consumers.
Speaker 1 (03:06):
Jessica Christensen is joining us again. She is with Crop Science.
She is the head of Crop Science Communications with Bear
and we're talking about the price, the rising price of
food costs and Jessica, as you talk about those innovations
in lowering the costs for consumers, what sort of innovation
is driving the train here, if you will.
Speaker 8 (03:24):
For our farmers, we have to have a few key
critical technologies. One is crop protection, so these are herbicides
and secticides, pesticides. You know, there's some estimates Without crop
protection tools farmers could lose over eighty percent of yields.
It would cost US ten billion dollars more a year
in food costs as a country. It's a huge number. Yeah,
(03:47):
it's incredible.
Speaker 9 (03:48):
The second piece of seeds, you know, when you think
about you've got to point the right seed on your
field as a farmer, so corn, soybeing cotton in some geographies, vegetables,
and there's a lot of technology and science that goes
into our seeds.
Speaker 8 (04:02):
And then the third piece, i'd say is digital technology.
Thinking about how farmers have advanced their practices have evolved dramatically.
Farmers are some of the best scientists, by the way
the new technology quickly, but digital means they have tools
now like climate field view that can actually help them
understand which hybrid or variety to plan on every single acre,
(04:24):
how to manage those crops for the best productivity, you know.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
And again we're talking with Jessica Christiansen, she's head of
Crop Science Communications for Bear, and we're talking about ways
that the cost of our groceries are being influenced and
what they're doing at Bear to really kind of combat
those so that we don't have to pay so much
when it comes to the holidays and you know, AI
has been talked so much, Jessica, and I think you
kind of quas mentioned it there. How big is AI
in this fight now to help lower these grocery bills
(04:50):
for folks.
Speaker 8 (04:51):
AI can be super instrumental and we're already using this
leading edge digital technology at Bear in several ways. Two
quick examples, I mentioned crop protection and needing more tools
in the toolbox for our farmers. We have an AI
driven model that helps us discover new molecules and on
(05:13):
a screen and a lab setting right, so it opens
the funnel dramatically saying goes for testing new germ plasm,
new types of seed. We can do that virtually in
the digital twin setup, so that we're making the best decisions,
getting more options out to farmers faster.
Speaker 10 (05:32):
You know.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
And Jessica, when you guys are making these improvements, and
that's awesome, you're on the cutting edge of this because
I don't think a lot of people realize what actually
goes into the science behind the foods we eat. People
think farmers just go out there and plant seeds and
then while lat boom, you have your crops and there's
certain things like weather obviously that impact it different genetics.
So when the farmers are pointing, when you're working with
(05:54):
farmers to put this together, is are things what's the
bigger thing here? Is climate change that's really impacted this
or what's kind of the bigger thing that's driving this train?
As you talk to different farmers in the field, it's.
Speaker 8 (06:06):
Multiple Shurm challenges actually they face and this is why
it's so important to support science to dry productivity. So
climate change, certainly it's too hot, too cold, too wet,
too dry, you know, that's you know, the volatility is
really unpredictable for farmers. So we have products like our
Pression smart Corn system. It's a short hybrid that withstands
(06:30):
winds for example. You know we have to ratios that
pass through the central Midwest bread basket on occasion. So
really that climate aspect is critical. With that comes different
pest pressures and weed pressures. So you need to have
a sweetest solutions to help control what we can control
(06:51):
for the farmers.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Jessica Christiansen's joining US head of Crop Science Communications for Baron.
We're talking about the way the ways different influences are changing,
maybe how much our Thanksgiving meal is going to cost
us in years to come. And when you look at
that sort of like the pest issue, Jessica, are we
seeing an increase in maybe unknown pests or different pests
because maybe the world's getting smaller, we're a little bit
(07:14):
more connected. What are you see on that front?
Speaker 8 (07:16):
Yeah, Pest pressure is a very big science area actually,
so when we were talking about AI and digital tools,
we work with academics and others to really try to
predict which bugs are going to move where. So we're
very global as a society now, so that that risk
is real. So we try to stay ahead of that
(07:37):
with digital science, with our entomologists that work on staff,
working with others so that we can provide tools long
in advance. He can take ten to fifteen years to
get a new product to market to farmers, so we
have to try to think predictively. So those tools help us.
But you do see a shift and pest pressure and
(07:59):
that can change season by season, and this is super
challenging for our farmers.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Just a couple more questions for you, Jessica, having a
great conversation. Jessica Christiansen is joining us again. She's head
of Crop Science Communications for BEAR and talking about the
ways or our Thanksgiving meal this year might be influenced, and
what Bear's doing about it to help bring down those
costs and ways we probably didn't realize. And Jessica, for
the average family that's sitting down to their Thanksgiving meals,
(08:24):
what are some of the scientific breakthroughs maybe outside of
what you talked about, that are actually going to make
a difference in when they hit the grocery aisle? And
then how long does that usually take from when you
say develop a potential solution until we actually see the
results on this set.
Speaker 8 (08:38):
Yeah, I'll give a couple real examples. I mentioned our
oppression smartcorn system that one's being introduced in the US
now to our corn farmers here. That enables better access
using you know, precise inputs, and you can get more
more plants per acre, and that's super key to increase yields.
(09:00):
But we have lots of really cool breeding technology and
our vegetable crops, for example, to make them have better
shelf life, higher nutrition composition, make them taste better so
that our kids will eat them right and maybe some
of you adults. So there's lots of really cool science
behind those type of technologies. And then we have new
crop protection tools. So we have a new herbicide that's
(09:23):
going to be hitting the market soon in the US
as well, and that's important. So we just talked about
all these challenges. So farmers need lots of options, but
all of those things make the reduces the costs for
farmers to produce the food, which then trickles down to
us as a consumer. So the more we can do
(09:45):
upfront to help farmers produce more with less and have
a good profitable business, the better it'll be for us
as consumers when you're at the grocery store.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Right on, Jessica, Christiansen joining us. So one last question
for you, Jessica, you've also been a strong advocate for sustainability, diversity,
and inclusion in agriculture. How do those values intersect with
the work you're doing to support farmers in families.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 8 (10:06):
Absolutely. When we think about our scientists, me being one
and I grew up in a rural community in southern Missouri,
there weren't a lot of scientists out in the field
that were women when I was an undergrad and graduate school,
and that's dramatically changed thanks to companies like Bear and
our farm families. Our farm families are really encouraging, you know,
(10:30):
younger generations. You have multi generations now farming diverse backgrounds.
And as a science based company that Bear is that's
super critical. This is how you really harness breakthroughs and
innovation is we have people from all around the world
sitting right here in Saint Louis helping us innovate and
create amazing technology.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
Wonderful And as someone who recently had a significant weight
loss and have turned out vegetables are a main stable
of my diet, Jessica God, yes, oh that's all I
meant that. My wife's like, you're always at the grocery store,
So that's because I'm always buying this stuff fresh.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (11:06):
I love my vegetables. And it's so nice to hear
about the work you're doing at Bear and all our
farmers are doing, of course, and that will impact families
across the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the rest of the nation.
And something to think about is you sit down and
enjoy that Thanksgiving meal again. Jessica Christiansen, head of Crop
Science Communications for Bear, Jessica, folks want to learn more
about our conversation or just look more into what you're
(11:28):
doing at Bear, where can they go?
Speaker 8 (11:29):
Go check out sciencedelivers dot com. This is also a
place where you can share your own stories about how
science has impact your life and your family's life. That
we really need to support our scientists and science that's
going to help our farmers and help reduce our cost
at the grocery source. So go check it out sciencedelivers
(11:50):
dot com.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Jessica Christensen, thank you so much. We appreciate you.
Speaker 8 (11:54):
Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving, you guys.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
Happy Thanksgiving. Jessica again, head of Crop Science Communication at Bear,
helping explain how farmers and scientists are working to keep
food affordable through new innovations and crop protection, climate resilience, seeds,
and of course technology. Stay with us. Coming up, we
shift from the kitchen table to a very different part
of the holiday season. That conversation coming up next. I'm
(12:16):
Scott Fitzgerald. Y'all are listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
You guys just didn't want it bad enough. That should
have been an easy win. What were you doing out there?
You got a hustle.
Speaker 11 (12:29):
You could have made that play if you've been open.
Speaker 6 (12:33):
On the car ride home after the game, when you
think you're helping by telling me what I did wrong
and what I need to work on, Holly here is
that I'm not good enough, that I'm supposed to be perfect,
That it's not okay to lose. On the car ride home,
(12:54):
all I need to hear is how much you love
me and enjoy watching me play. That my worth isn't
determined by my performance, That even on my worst day,
I am worthy. That you see me learning, growing and
doing my best, and that is enough.
Speaker 1 (13:15):
Brought to you by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
and the Kentucky Athletic Administrators' Association, Well, welcome back to
Kentucky Focus. We're helping you get ahead of the holiday hustle.
Joining us is Elizabeth Warner. She's one of the industry's
premiere voices and a regular on CBS Mornings and The View.
Elizabeth is here with her top picks of the season.
(13:36):
It must have toys just in time for Black Friday.
From imaginative creations to tech toys to tiny innovators, She's
got everything we need for our wish list. Elizabeth, welcome, Well.
Speaker 4 (13:47):
Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 8 (13:49):
Scott.
Speaker 4 (13:49):
I'm excited to be here.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
It's always great to talk toys, that's for sure, especially
this time of year. And I know a lot of
people are excited, Elizabeth, and with Black Friday just around
the corner, what toys are topping you're must have list
this year?
Speaker 3 (14:01):
Okay, so I've got a whole variety, but I have
to start off with an item that's going to be
perfect for the entire family. Is it a toy, No,
but it's the most perfect family gift. It's called the
LG Smart Monitor Swing. Now, this is a thirty two
inch four K high definition touchscreen monitor. But it's not
(14:21):
just a monitor. It can be your TV. Your monitor.
This comes on this really amazing versatile rolling stand.
Speaker 4 (14:29):
You can lift this TV.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
Up high, bend it down low, all based on the stand, horizontal, vertical, tilt,
you name it. Now, this is the ultimate setup for
work and play. So you start it off in your office, Scott.
Then you roll it out to the living room or
the kitchen or the family room, and now you're going
to be able to use it as your entertainment hub.
It's powered by LG's webOS, so if you've ever had
(14:53):
an LGTV, you're going to be able to instantly access
all your cloud based office apps and favorite streaming services.
You don't even need a PC to be plugged in
this to get your work done and do everything you
need to. This is an amazing family gift that you
bring home at the holidays. That one big gift that's
by the tree with the big old bow.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
Sounds like it's perfect for those that may work from
home too as well. Elizabeth. I mean, if you can
put this all interactive, and it was so many people
doing that, especially around the holidays, So that's a good
that's right.
Speaker 4 (15:23):
My husband loves it.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
He uses it for video editing, uses it as a
second monitor, and then I roll it out and steal
it for the kids and I.
Speaker 4 (15:31):
So it is a great versatile item.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
Now for the little ones, let's talk about Melissa and
Doug for a minute. Me listen, Doug, they're the number
one preschool brand for wooden toys. Well, they have created
Last year they came out with something called a food kiosk.
You could put like pretend coins in and like food
would come out of a out of a kiosk or
a vending machine. Well, this year they've created a beauty kiosk. Now,
the kids are gonna go wild for this. The butting
(15:55):
makeup artist, the butting skincare divas, you name it.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
What they're gonna do. They put in these cute little coins.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
They're going to be able to push a button and
inside they're going to have a variety.
Speaker 4 (16:06):
Of pretend play makeup.
Speaker 3 (16:09):
Now everything is beautiful, The details are amazing. There are
nine double sided beauty accessories. They insert that coin or
a bank card, because you know all these kids think
you just put a card in and things come out.
They push a corresponding button and literally the makeup, just
like in a real vending machine, drops down and is ready.
You get to refill it up by using the back
(16:30):
of the kiosk. This is made out of wood, couple
feet high, about eighteen inches wide. Open up the back,
refill and you know what, moms and dads are telling us.
They're filling it with other stuff too, not just to
pretend makeup, So they're filling it with other fun things
and the kids are.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
Just loving this outstanding. Elizabeth Warner joining us for a
few minutes as we approach Black fried A. Some of
the hottest concepts, some of the hottest toys, some of
the hottest gadgets. As Elizabeth said, that you can go
grab off the shelves and Elizabeth for parents looking say
from makes of fun and educational value. Are there any
recommendations out there?
Speaker 6 (17:04):
Yes?
Speaker 4 (17:04):
Absolutely, Okay, So we've.
Speaker 3 (17:06):
Got something called the Tony Box two. The reason it's
called two is it's the second generation. This is a
cube shaped audio entertainment system. So it's a speaker, but
not just any speaker. When they take a Tony.
Speaker 4 (17:19):
Character, which by the way, these characters.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
Could be Lightning, the Queen, Elmo, Leelo and Stitch, Mowana,
Curious George, Peanuts, or Charlie Brown Christmas.
Speaker 4 (17:27):
All their favorite books, movie stories.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
If you take these little Tony's characters are a couple
inches high, they look just like their favorite character from the.
Speaker 4 (17:34):
Movie, the TV show.
Speaker 3 (17:35):
Pop it on top of this box. The box instantly
knows what's on top and begins to tell the stories.
Sing the songs, go through the adventures with them, National
Geographic learn about the world around you. But the kids
are in charge because they decide what goes on top.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
They get to choose.
Speaker 3 (17:52):
Now they've come out with my first Tonys for the
little ones, ages one and up. They're Big Chunky, the
Cute Little Horse and a pig and an airplane that's
going to help educate. In addition to fun, they also
now have something called Tony Play, which are screened free
interactive games, quizzes and challenges that the kids are loving.
So this is great from ages one to nine, which
(18:14):
as a mother of four, I love that span.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Right.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
Elizabeth Warner joining us for a few minutes now you
can see her, of course, the toy expert. She's on
CBS Mornings The View, and she's talking to us about
some of the trends as Black Friday is upon us.
And speaking of that, Elizabeth, do you have any tips
for those listening, you know, for snagging those popular toys
or tech gadgets without the stress or maybe even the
shipping headaches.
Speaker 4 (18:36):
One hundred percent.
Speaker 3 (18:37):
You've got to go online and search for the item
that you're looking for. Do a price shop, do a
comparison shop. See where you get the best values, See
where you can get free shipping. A lot of the
stores and retailers that you go to every day, a
lot of us don't even realize that they deliver right
to your home even same day, without fees. Some of
them with slight fees, but you don't even have to
(18:58):
go to the parking lot, walk into the store with
the door, let them bring it to you. That's what
they're doing now, and they're all competing in that fashion.
So not just the places that ship in two days,
but literally your favorite retail stores that are right around
the corner. But you don't want to deal with the
hassle now. I have to tell you there's one other
thing that my husband thinks is his favorite this year.
(19:19):
It's called the Marvel the Thing clobren FX fists. These
are huge foam fists that look just like the fists
of the Thing from Marvel. As you put these on
your hand, your hands look ginormous.
Speaker 4 (19:34):
Right, you've literally turned into thing.
Speaker 3 (19:37):
But as you punch, as you hit things like a
hard surface or just punch in the air, you're gonna
hear sound effects that come out of this.
Speaker 4 (19:46):
The kids are gonna think it's hysterical.
Speaker 3 (19:48):
I think I'm getting my exercise on because I'm just
punching to hear the different sounds.
Speaker 4 (19:52):
But these are totally.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
Amazing, and it's gonna help kids reenact their favorite scenes
from their favorite movie, or maybe imagine some of their
own cosmic adventures.
Speaker 4 (20:01):
Where were these things when we were young.
Speaker 1 (20:03):
That's what I want to know, Elizabeth, thanks so much
for giving us a sneak peek of what's hot this
Black Friday. Of course, everything from imaginative kids says you
mentioned tech toys. There is literally something for everybody's wish
list out there and for our folks that are listening
right now, Elizabeth, and they want to see more of
your pigs or see more from you. Where can they go?
Speaker 3 (20:21):
Yes, you can go to our website which is Warnerinfo
dot com, or follow me on social media Elizabeth Warner TV.
Speaker 1 (20:27):
Elizabeth's great job as always, I know we're talking. We'll
be talking to you more throughout the holiday season. I
appreciate your time.
Speaker 4 (20:33):
I can't wait. Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (20:35):
Scott can. Elizabeth is one of the countries leading toy
experts and it certainly shows. You know her from CBS Mornings,
The View and QBC and she's helping families right here
in the Commonwealth navigate the Hannas, pigs and biggest trends
heading into the busy holiday shopping stretch. Hey, don't go anywhere.
After the break, we'll turn to a major issue also
affecting us here at home and workers throughout the state
(20:56):
and what's support they're seeking. That's straight ahead right here
on Kentuck than you Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
Speaker 7 (21:04):
The best words to hear at the TSA security checkpoint.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
You're here to go.
Speaker 7 (21:08):
All it takes is a little preparation. Get to the
airport early, bring a carry on bag that fits in
the overhead, and have an acceptable ID. Not all state
issued IDs will cut it. Check out TSA dot gov
slash ID and see which TSA acceptable IDs make the
grave like a real ID or passport before you jet.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
Do a little crap and you're good to go.
Speaker 8 (21:29):
Check out TSA dot gov slash ID or the MYTSA app.
Speaker 1 (21:33):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. We're diving
into a topic that affects nearly every American worker to
include yours truly financial wellness. From managing Dady Day expenses
to planning for retirement. Understanding your finances has never been
more important, especially as more employees are turning to their
employers for guidance. Joining US now to discuss insights from
(21:54):
Bank of America's twenty twenty five Workplace Benefits Report is
Ky Walker is managing director of Workplace bets if it's
research and inclusion transformation, Ky, thanks so much for joining us.
Your report shows a significant jump in workers turning to
their employers for financial health. Why do you think so
many Americans are seeking guidance at work rather than elsewhere?
Speaker 12 (22:13):
Yeah, and thank you for that question. You know, I
think as it relates to our report, what we see
are more and more employees looking for help both with
short term and long term financial needs, and naturally the
employer is a great source to turn to for said help.
And I think part of that is the fact that
(22:35):
over the last two years, the number of folks looking
for help with those needs, short term and long term
has nearly doubled. So the good news is when we
also speak to employers, over ninety five percent say they
feel responsible for the financial wellness of their employees. So
there's a couple of things that I might offer in
terms of maybe tips if you will, that employees should
(22:58):
be considering, just given where employers stand today. So the
first is I would say they should seek out guidance
and tools that your employer offers to you. Many are
offered in person, some through an employer website. Those are
great resources to start with. I think education oftentimes seminars
and webinars, things of that nature are offered by the employer.
(23:22):
And then third, it's often the case that we know
we have benefits, but we may not know exactly when
those benefits are available to us. So I'd say, before
the need arises, take stock of the benefit offering that
your employer has for you, such that when those needs
do arise, you are at the ready understanding what those
benefits are and how to access them. And then the
(23:45):
last thing Scott that I'll mention is healthcare has been
all over the news these days, and of course healthcare
costs just continue to rise. And many employees that actually
have access to a healthcare account called the health Savings account,
where you can save for long term healthcare expenses or
you can also use those dollars that you save for
(24:06):
immediate healthcare needs. That's a great way to save for
those rising costs and healthcare.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
We're having a great conversation with Bank of America's Kay Walker,
he's managing director of Workplace Benefit Benefits Research, and we're
talking a little bit about financial education, if you will
buy employees and turning to their workplace for sort of advice,
and workplaces are offering that advice, as you heard Kai say.
And Kai, if someone's listening now and they're an employer,
(24:32):
what actionable steps can companies take to better support their
employees financial wellbeing?
Speaker 12 (24:36):
Yeah, there's a couple of things there, Scott, and I
think the first and thing and foremost is to ensure
that you're communicating with your employees. With your employees, one
of the things that we constantly see is that employers
typically are communicating with employees around benefits only once a year,
typically around open enrollment. And I just believe that to
the extent that you can communicate more often and frequently,
(25:00):
the more present those benefits become to your employees and
the more readily accessible they can become as well. And
then again, ensure that those tools and guidance offerings that
you have for your employees, that you're communicating those so
that participants and employees can take full advantage of those offerings.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
Having a great conversation with benk of America's Kyle Walker,
Managing Director of Workplace Benefits researching Kai, are there any
hidden costs in retirement that savers often overlook?
Speaker 12 (25:26):
Yeah, that's a great question and that also came up
in our research and one of those hidden costs again,
I'll go back to the healthcare space. We asked this
question of employees in terms of what do you think
a couple retiring at the age of sixty five and
recently big good health would have to spend out of pocket?
So this is beyond Medicare things like that, but what
(25:47):
would you spend out of pocket? The answer that came
back most frequently was about five thousand dollars a year,
when in fact, a couple retiring at the age of
sixty five will probably need not as a lump sum upfront,
but would likely be spending over four hundred thousand dollars
wow during the retirement year's pocket. And so that's just
(26:09):
a wake up call for folks again to use the
programs that your employers are offering to save for those
healthcare costs, not only for the present, but also for
the future.
Speaker 1 (26:19):
And last question for you, Kai, again we're talking with
Kyle Walker. He is managing director of Workplace Benefits Research
with Bank of America. Last question for you, Kai. Somebody's
listening to this and they go, you know what, I
just didn't save early enough when I should, I'm way
behind the power curve. What advice do you have for them?
Speaker 12 (26:35):
Yeah, one, I would say, it's never too late, even
if you start small, if you start late, start contributing,
let's say, to your employers for one K plan. Oftentimes,
what we see is many employers will offer what's called
a company matching contribution, and that becomes free money to you.
So they will match in some cases dollar per dollar
up to a certain percentage threshold of the contributions that
(26:58):
you make. So to the extent you're not doing that,
you're kind of leaving free money on the table, and
no one wants to do that. So that's one piece
of advice that would give.
Speaker 1 (27:05):
Okay, and then finally Kai again, managing director of Workplace
Benefits Research at Bank of America. They've come out with
their Workplace Benefits Report. Kai, folks want to learn more.
What's a good jumping off point they can go do
to find out more information?
Speaker 6 (27:18):
Now?
Speaker 12 (27:19):
Absolutely so, certainly go to your employer. Again, websites, resources
that are free and it's available to you might be
a good start. They have a thing that Bank of
America offers is something called better Money Habits it's a
free resource online. It's not an infomercial about the bank.
It's truly educational in nature, everything from how to begin
(27:40):
starting with a budget all the way through a state planning.
If those our needs that you have as well, and
that's better money habits dot.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Com wonderful, great few minutes with Kyle Walker, Managing Director
of Workplace Benefits Research at Bank of America. Ki, thanks
so much for your time, my friend, and I hope
we can be a service to our listeners. I appreciate you, Buddy,
appreciate it. Scott, thank you, and Ki again, the Managing
Director of Workplace Benefits Research and Inclusion Transformation at Bank
of America. I'll breaking down the new findings on employees'
(28:07):
financial stresses, debt, and what sport workers are looking for
from their employers right here at home. Thanks again, Kai,
appreciate your time. We're back to wrap things up after this.
Speaker 10 (28:18):
Snakes, Zombies, public speaking. The list of fears is endless,
but the real danger is in your hand when you're
behind the wheel. Distracted driving is what's really scary and
even deadly. Eyes forward, don't drive distracted. Brought to you
by NITZA and the ad.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
Council and welcome back to Kentucky Focus as we close
out this week. A big thanks again to our guests
Jessica Christensen, Elizabeth Warner and Kay Walker Well for sharing
their expertise sun issues shaping those of us living here
in the Commonwealth this holiday season, and of course thank
you for listening and spending part of your day with us.
(28:53):
From all of us, the Kentucky News Network and of
course Kentucky Focus, we wish you all a very happy
and blessed Thanksgiving. Be safe everybody. We want you back,
not only just for the holiday season, but every week
here at Kentucky Focus. We enjoy our little fireside chats
throughout the state. Have a great day, have a great week,
and have a great Thanksgiving. We'll talk to you next
time on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (29:14):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens. We
cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (29:32):
I need a tax prepare?
Speaker 9 (29:34):
How should I choose one?
Speaker 11 (29:36):
Using a paid tax prepare this year? Before paying someone
to do your taxes, make sure they're qualified, ask about
their fees, experience, and training. Check with a better business bureau.
Avoid anyone who promises a higher refund, and revew your
tax return before you sign it, and make sure your
preparer signs it too. For more tips, visit IRS dot
(29:57):
gov and search choosing a prepare
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.