Senior Matters Podcast

Mark Wight and Dominic Lovotti explain the ins and outs of guardianships and conservatorships. (Come up with a better summary)

For our 200th episode (Wow!) we welcome Dominic Lovotti, our new team member at Idaho Estate Planning. Today, Dominic discusses with Mark Wight the "whats," "whens," and "whys" of the probate process and how an attorney can help you avoid probate or, when it's unavoidable, navigate the probate process successfully.

Eric Collett and Randy

Brandie Kramer, Senior Care Program Specialist for St. Alphonsus Hospital, joins Mark today to discuss the upcoming "Health and Aging Expo" hosted by the Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. The "Health and Aging Expo" is on Saturday, June 1st, from 8 am to noon in the McCleary Auditorium. There will be over 40 vendors, all there to be a resource to help you age in place healthily. Classes are...

In this week's episode, Mark Wight helps us navigate the complicated relationship between gifting and taxes. Leaning on his years of experience, Mark advises us on what to do and what NOT to do when it comes to gifting and avoiding the extra taxes that can come with gifting.

In the past, parents have been advised to disinherit their children with specials needs so those children could continue to qualify for Medicaid. Well, Mark has news for you; there's a trust out there to fit your needs! Don't listen to the advice to cut off your child from their inheritance. Listen to Mark explain how we can provide a special trust for your loved ones with special needs in this ep...

You are invited to recommend an extraordinary person in your life for the Caregiver of the Year Award through HAPPEN Idaho! HAPPEN stands for Healthcare Associates Providing Positive Education and Networking and has been serving the Boise area since 1997. It is a unique, local non-profit that connects and instructs professionals from all sorts of sectors that work with seniors. Get your nomination...

In this episode, Donna Rogers of Idaho Living Realty joins Mark to discuss real estate for seniors. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, she has special training to be aware and sensitive to the emotional needs of seniors in deciding to sell their homes. Moving from the family home is a big decision, and Donna acts as an impartial, compassionate guide during that process. Listen to learn more about...

After a quick review of the last episode, we finish discussing and grading the Department of Veterans Affairs' adjustments from October, 2018

Get out your red pencil because we're going to grade the VA! Join Mark as he examines the changes made in October, 2018, and checks if they have accomplished what they were meant to accomplish within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mark has noticed many reasons why people choose to estate plan over his many years serving the Treasure Valley. Listen to this episode to learn about the top ten things to consider when making an estate plan.

Learn about the six main types of basic estate plans that people can use to plan and protect their future.

The last episode in a 3 part series, Mark and Bill wrap up the last of the frequently asked questions they receive about estate planning.

It's Pi Day this month and that's got us thinking about all kinds of pie: apple, cherry, chocolate, AND your own personal pie. The kind you may want to share in a specific way or preserve for future generations. Tune in to hear how good estate planning means you say how that pie is treated in the long term.

Join in as we continue on with our most common frequently asked questions about estate planning. Mark Wight is joined again by Bill Poulsen.

There are so many times we get asked questions about estate planning, wills, aging in place, and more. Listen in to hear Mark and Bill go over some of these most frequently asked questions.

Often the discussion that happens when we're aging is "How can we stay home?" The reality is that staying in your current house isn't always the best or right option. That doesn't mean you can't be home! Finding somewhere to age comfortably and safely is key. In this episode, Mark is joined by Catherine Owens to talk about different options for "home".

Is your financial plan an actual plan? Is there an underlying strategy and design for your future? Or are you just "winging it"? Even if you don't consider yourself wealthy, you're probably planning on retirement of some kind, and almost all of us get old (whether we want to or not). So listen in to this episode to hear about how financial planning with purpose can make all the difference as you m...

How current are your financial and estate plans? Have you experienced a life change that could impact those plans? Learn from financial planner Justin Walker and estate planning attorney Mark Wight about what could trigger a change and what you need to do to stay current.

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...

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.

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-tun...

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.

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.

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.