The average credit card debt in Ohio increased to about $6,300 in the third quarter of 2024.

In today’s Morning Briefing, we tell you why financial advisors say this spells trouble for consumers. We also share some sobering numbers about suicide rates in the state.

If you have thoughts or feedback on this newsletter or other news tips, please let me know at Greg.Lynch@coxinc.com.

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The newsletter should take about 4 minutes, 13 seconds to read.

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Ohioans are carrying more credit card debt and delinquencies are up

Credit card delinquency increased more in Ohio than in all but nine other U.S. states last year.

• Not paying it off each month: The average credit card debt in Ohio increased to about $6,300 in the third quarter of 2024, and about a quarter of credit cards used in the Buckeye state were delinquent during that same time.

• Financial trouble: Advisors say it’s not good that more people are turning to credit cards to borrow money to pay off their other debts.

• Why it happens: Consumers can end up in credit card debt because of unexpected life events and economic shocks like job losses, medical emergencies, divorce, wage reductions and emergency home or auto repairs.

• It can be costly: In general, credit cards tend to have much higher borrowing costs than other financial tools, with interest rates averaging above 20%.

Despite drop in past 3 years, 5 Ohioans die a day from suicide

While Ohio saw about a 1% decline in deaths due to suicide in 2023 compared to 2022, the state is still losing about five Ohioans a day to suicide.

• Sobering numbers: In 2023, the most recent year with full data, there were 1,777 suicide deaths in Ohio. Suicide remained the second-leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 10-14 and 20-34.

• What they are saying: “These are moms, dads, brothers, sisters, neighbors, coworkers, and all of these losses...are truly a human tragedy and they’re a reminder that we have to do more,” said LeeAnne Cornyn, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

• Local impact: In the region, Montgomery County saw the highest number of suicide deaths in 2023, which was 93 deaths.

• Call for help: One of the biggest areas of impact the state has seen is through the 988 national suicide crisis hotline, also called the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

— Ohio has the largest network of call centers with 19 call centers all across the state, ensuring that no matter where you are, you’re reaching someone close to your very own community who understands the needs and resources that may exist in that community.

— Since launching in July 2022, Ohio has experienced 440,000 contacts through 988, including calls, texts and chats through the website at 988lifeline.org.

What to know today

• Tip of the day: The Ohio State Buckeyes will celebrate their national championship Sunday at Ohio Stadium. The free event is open to the public.

• Person to know today: Heather Jones. Get to know this textile artist working out of Front Street, the massive complex of industrial buildings turned into creative spaces at Third and North Dutoit streets in Dayton.

• Big move of the day: The new owners of a former Vandalia church plan to open an indoor pickleball facility, Dayton Metro Pickleball, on the property.

• Dayton eats: Carillon Brewing Co. is teaming up with Dayton Barbecue Company for the rebirth of its food program with local chef Ashley Ashbrook at the reins.

• Dayton history: Meet Bill Stepp, Dayton’s drag-racing gangster who slipped past case after case for decades.

• Things to do: Jurassic Quest, the largest dinosaur experience in the United States, will be back at the Dayton Convention Center this year.

• Photo of the day: La Comedia Dinner Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. Check out our collection of photos from the popular entertainment venue.