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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: Category: Estate Planning
Feb 23, 2019

When it comes to dividing assets, people tend to spend the most time allocating money, stocks, and homes, in estate planning. However, family disputes after a loved one's passing are often caused by sentimental items that go overlooked. So, before you leave it up to your family to decide who will inherit the family album or serving plates, consider the tips in this episode before taking that route.

Feb 23, 2019

After 30 plus years of assisting families with estate planning, Attorney Mark Wight has seen how grieving the death of a parent can drastically change family dynamics. On this episode, Mark shares some of the causes of strained relationships after a parent's passing and ways to prevent this from happening.

Feb 1, 2019

Giving gifts as part of an estate plan is not as simple as many people think. On this episode, we navigate the complicated world of gifting and its effect on taxes and Medicaid. If you're thinking of giving or receiving a gift that could significantly reduce the size of an estate, use this episode as a starting point to plan your next steps.

Feb 1, 2019

On past episodes, we've discussed how visiting senior family members during the holidays is the perfect opportunity to inspect any issues of concern surrounding their health. However; it is just as crucial for those who are aging in place to maintain social relationships. Today we discuss how social engagements and having a network of support can benefit your mental and emotional well-being.

Feb 1, 2019

The New Year prompts many people to make resolutions that don't often stick. On this episode, we'll delve into Shawn Achor's book "The Happiness Advantage," to discover ways of developing habits that make us happier instead. If you're wondering what this has to do with issues surrounding seniors and aging, you will be surprised to find that those who have the happiness mentality can often fine-tune their mental and physical well-being as they age.

Jan 12, 2019

Death is a natural part of life that many people often turn a blind eye. On this episode, Brian Owings, Funeral Director of Summers Funeral Home, joins us to discuss planning for our transitions, dealing with grief, and celebrating life.

Jan 4, 2019

The holidays are a perfect time to check-in with family. Visiting senior family members, in particular, will give you a good idea of their health and welfare. This episode recaps red flags to pay attention to during your family get-togethers and tips for handling difficult situations.

Jan 2, 2019

You've got questions, we've got answers! Idaho Estate Planning has been a leader in Idaho in teaching others about the options available in estate planning and how best to preserve assets, protect loved ones, and promote personal choice. On this episode, Attorney Mark Wight shines some light on topics he frequently comes across in estate planning, to help you start thinking of the best options to serve you and your family's needs.

 

Jan 1, 2019

On today's episode, we address the potential issues that occur with aging and the eventuality we all face- death. Approaching these difficult topics early on empowers you to take control of your future. If you're ready to get real about your estate planning, this episode is for you!

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.

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