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Senior Matters Radio

Senior Matters Radio is a weekly show dedicated to showcasing experts in the fields that matter most to today's seniors. From insurance to financial planning, long term care to retirement, you'll get useful, actionable advice from leaders in their respective fields. Hosted by Mark Wight of Idaho Estate Planning, a member of the Idaho State Bar, the Taxation, Probate & Trust Law Section of the Idaho Bar, Wealth Counsel, and Elder Counsel. He is also a Certified Academy Attorney with the Academy of VA Pension Planners and an accredited attorney with the Veterans Administration. Mark has co-authored several manuals for attorneys in the areas of Probate Administration, Estate and Estate Tax Planning, and Asset Protection.
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Now displaying: 2018
Dec 31, 2018

The VA pension program, better known as the Aid & Attendance Benefit, has undergone some changes. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released amendments to this needs-based benefit, that will impact the financial and medical aspects of eligibility. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight breaks down what some of these changes mean for veterans and their surviving spouses.

Oct 6, 2018

Although completing a difficult task on your own can bring about great feelings of accomplishment, there are some endeavors that can do more harm in the long-run when going at it alone.

With a number of cost-saving resources available to create your own estate plan, it is tempting to forgo hiring a professional. Before you decide to cut-out the estate planning "middlemen," consider for a minute how hiring counsel from a dedicated estate planning attorney will provide you with options to accomplish your goals, have your documents prepared legally, and ensure appropriate assets are funded into your plan.

If you're still on the fence about the best estate plan option, this episode is for you.

Sep 22, 2018

Making arrangements for your eventual passing is only part of a good estate plan. If you experience cognitive or physical challenges as you age, your finances and health care can negatively be impacted. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight discusses issues surrounding life and disability and ways to stay ahead of the curve by making decisions to protect yourself ahead of time.

Sep 1, 2018

Being diagnosed with dementia is nothing short of devastating. Studies now show that people with untreated hearing loss are more prone to developing this disease. Jacquie Elcox joins us from Treasure Valley Hearing and Balance with Lindsay Meloy, from the Alzheimer's Association Greater Idaho Chapter, to discuss ways to protect your quality of life through early detection.

Aug 25, 2018

Justin Walker of Adalánt financial services returns this week to discuss ways you can be intentional with your estate planning when moving into retirement. Because retirement looks different for everyone, the sooner you begin planning, the easier it will be to cover all your bases and retire with dignity.

Aug 18, 2018

Retirement is a big financial decision and every state has different benefits and guidelines for retirees. On this episode, Justin Walker of Adalánt financial services shares why it's important to review your retirement plan before you make the big move to Idaho.

Aug 11, 2018

Having candid conversations with your family about your estate plan today can prevent a trainwreck of issues in the future. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shares how knowing and clarifying your desires will make it easier for your chosen advocates to honor your wishes.

Aug 4, 2018

Advanced care planning is something that everyone needs but often avoids until it's too late. Margie Zamzow joins us from Saint Alphonsus to discuss planning for future medical care needs and communicating your wishes to loved ones.

Jul 21, 2018

We previously aired an episode discussing "Five Big VA Lies" that hit home with many listeners. The feedback was not surprising since Veterans are frequently met with untruths when it comes to navigating their benefits. With so many misconceptions surrounding the Veterans Pension benefit, we are taking another look at this topic in today's episode.

Jul 14, 2018

Alzheimer's can be a heartbreaking diagnosis. If someone close to you was recently diagnosed, take a breath and know there are resources and strategies to help you along this journey. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shares ways you can approach the onset of Alzheimer's to ensure the best quality of life for you and your loved one.

Jun 30, 2018

Many aging citizens with moderate income and assets may eventually need to rely on Medicaid to pay part or all of their long-term care costs. For most Medicaid recipients, their house is the only asset available if the state chooses to recoup benefits paid for the recipient's care. However, with proper planning, there are ways to protect your home and qualify for Medicaid. On this episode, we discuss a few of those options.

Jun 23, 2018

Divorce can affect many aspects of your life, including your estate plans. If you fail to complete all of the paperwork associated with your divorce, you and your intended beneficiaries could run into unexpected issues down the line. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight discusses the changeable nature of family law and the potential effects to your estate plan.

Jun 16, 2018

Joint tenancy is one of the most common forms of asset ownership. When one or more persons hold title to an asset as joint tenants, each of them owns the asset. The full legal expression for this form of ownership is Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS). Nevertheless, as with most things in life, there are hidden hazards when it comes to this form of asset ownership. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight breaks down some of the potential hazards of joint ownership & why keeping your beneficiary designations current is vital to the success of your estate plan.

Jun 9, 2018

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. On June 21, 2018, the longest day of the year and summer solstice, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging people to join together to help end Alzheimer’s. On this episode, we are joined by Catherine Owens, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association Greater Idaho Chapter, to discuss the devastating effects of this disease and ways you can help raise funds for awareness and care.

Jun 2, 2018

It's time to dispel some of the misconceptions of the VA Pension Benefit and get into the facts. Although there are well-meaning people working to help our Vets, there is a considerable amount of inaccurate information going around. Backed by extensive training and several years of assisting Veterans to qualify for claims, the Idaho Estate Planning team knows this area of the law.

May 26, 2018

Is it possible for elderly Veterans who enjoy their independence to age in place? Attorney Mark Wight believes with good preparation it is. On this episode, learn how planning for potential challenges that come with aging makes it possible for Veterans to remain in the comfort of their own home.

May 19, 2018

Eric Collett joins us from A Mind of All Seasons LLC to discuss Alzheimer's dementia. Eric shares some of the underlying causes of this disease and the importance of improving the quality of life of dementia patients and their caregivers.

May 12, 2018

Brandie Kramer joins us from Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center to discuss the 4th Annual Health & Aging Expo. The annual event provides a number of experts and resources for seniors, caregivers, and families to learn about topics dealing with aging.

May 5, 2018

Caregiving is a heart-centered job. When the right person fills the role of a caregiver they can make a meaningful impact on the lives of their clients and their client's families. Brittany Foster joins us on behalf of Healthcare Associates Providing Positive Education and Networking (HAPPEN) to discuss their annual Caregiver of the Year Awards. The May 24th ceremony will recognize CNAs and PCAs in the Treasure Valley who go above and beyond for their clients, year in and year out.

Apr 28, 2018

Love can make things complicated when choosing someone to fill a fiduciary role in your estate planning needs. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shares criteria to consider when deciding on the best person to manage your assets.

Apr 21, 2018

If you already have a trust in place for your loved ones, congratulations, you are off to a good start! On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight will coach you through methods to keep your estate plan updated so you can seamlessly pass your assets from one generation to the next.

Apr 17, 2018

Deciding who you want to serve as your trustee is a matter that should be carefully considered. The myriad of responsibilities designated to trustees is not as simple as it may seem. Attorney Mark Wight explains how training a trustworthy custodian of your assets will ease the transition for your loved ones should you become incapacitated or in your passing.

Apr 7, 2018

A house is a substantial investment for many people, and it is only natural to have concerns about protecting this asset. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shares how you can protect and preserve the value of your home through long-term care planning.

Mar 31, 2018

Although the average life expectancy for humans has increased over the years; there are a number of seniors spending their retirement years in poorer health. One of the costs of our evolutionary longevity is an increase in rates for long-term care insurance. Fortunately, you have a choice in this matter. Justin Walker joins us from Adalánt, a financial services firm based in Emmett, Idaho, for an in-depth conversation about options outside of long-term care insurance.

Mar 24, 2018

As you prepare for Spring cleaning, you may want to include a meeting with your financial and legal planning team to your checklist. Attorney Mark Wight shares the value of adding an annual review of your Estate Plan to your list of things "to-do" as you get your house in order this season.

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