What Happens When Someone Dies - Probate Part 1
Senior Matters Podcast
In this episode of Senior Matters, host Mark E. Wight is joined by estate planning attorney Carly Ward to explain the probate process and why it matters even if you already have a will. They cover what happens when someone dies without a plan, why some assets still go through Idaho probate, and how to navigate court appointments, notice requirements and deadlines, and small estate affidavits. Learn the difference between formal and informal probate, what a personal representative is, and when probate might protect your loved ones. Whether you’re settling an estate or planning your own, this...
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Senior Matters Podcast - The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Memory
Senior Matters Podcast
If you’ve ever asked a loved one to repeat themselves or noticed your parents withdrawing from conversations, this Senior Matters episode is for you. In this episode of Senior Matters, host and estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight talks with the Alzheimer's Association and from the Treasure Valley Hearing and Balance about the growing connection between hearing loss and memory issues. They share eye-opening information about how untreated hearing problems can increase the risk of dementia, including key signs to watch for and the power of early detection. Idaho families are facing a...
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The Story Behind Idaho's Warhawk Air Museum
Senior Matters Podcast
In this heartfelt episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host Mark E. Wight interviews , co-founder of the —a historical landmark in the Treasure Valley dedicated to honoring veterans and preserving military history. What started as a love for restoring WWII fighter planes has become one of Idaho’s most impactful institutions. Sue shares the museum’s beginnings, its deep connections with veterans through programs like the and , and the community’s growing involvement. The episode also highlights the museum’s current expansion, including the creation of a and a special...
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Do I Need a Will or Do I Need a Trust?
Senior Matters Podcast
Host and Estate Planning attorney explores two of the most important estate planning tools—wills and trusts. Learn why probate exists, how it works in Idaho, and how trusts can help your family avoid court, be more protected, and maintain privacy. Whether you want to protect your family, avoid delays, give your family a wonderful gift or understand your options, this episode gives you clear, easy-to-follow guidance. In this episode, you’ll learn: · How probate works (and why it happens) · What a will does—and...
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Right-Sizing Your Home for Seniors
Senior Matters Podcast
In this episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host Mark Wight sits down with Kathleen Reynolds, a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing older adults today: transitioning out of a long-time family home. With compassion, humor, and decades of experience, Kathleen shares how she helps seniors and their families navigate the emotional, physical, and financial aspects of right-sizing, relocating, or preparing a home for sale. From helping aging parents declutter and prepare their home, to understanding what “rightsizing” really means,...
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Inflation and Retirement in Today's Climate, Part 2
Senior Matters Podcast
As life expectancy increases, so do the financial challenges of retirement. In this insightful episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host and estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight sits down with fiduciary advisor Scott Summerlin of Starlifter Wealth Management to unpack the new financial realities facing today’s retirees. The conversation begins with a striking shift in retirement demographics—retirees in the 1970s lived to about 71. Today, a healthy 65-year-old woman can expect to live to 85 or longer. That’s 20+ years of retirement, and without the right planning, inflation and...
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Inflation and Retirement in Today's Climate, Part 1
Senior Matters Podcast
In this essential episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host Mark E. Wight is joined by fiduciary financial advisor Scott Summerlin from Starlifter Wealth Management for a discussion about retirement planning, investment strategy, and the evolving needs of seniors. Scott brings over two decades of experience and holds both Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, giving him the expertise to offer personalized, relationship-based financial advice—free from commission-driven product sales. This episode opens with a clear explanation of what it means to be a fiduciary and why those standards...
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2025 Idaho Legislative Issues Seniors Should Watch, Part 2
Senior Matters Podcast
On this episode of Senior Matters, host Mark E. Wight speaks with Robert Vande Merwe, Executive Director of the Idaho Healthcare Association continue their conversation about major changes impacting senior care and healthcare providers in Idaho. Their conversation is based on the 2025 Idaho Legislative Session. Starting July 1, state regulations for nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies will be eliminated, shifting more responsibility to federal oversight. We discuss how these changes affect care quality, patient admissions, and facility inspections. Robert also addresses...
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2025 Idaho Legislative Issues Seniors Should Watch, Part 1
Senior Matters Podcast
In this compelling episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight welcomes Robert Vande Merwe, Executive Director of the Idaho Health Care Association, for an overview of what seniors can expect from the 2025 Legislative Session. We think it’s important to share what might be impacted by new legislation on senior healthcare services across Idaho. Together, they discuss how Idaho’s senior care facilities—including skilled nursing homes, assisted living centers, and in-home care providers—are struggling to hire and retain qualified staff, particularly...
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Blended Families - Estate Planning Is Essential
Senior Matters Podcast
In this episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight dives into the complex and emotionally charged world of blended families and estate planning. Using real-life stories and decades of experience, Mark walks listeners through familiar challenges that arise when remarried couples have children from previous relationships—what he calls the "Yours, Mine, and Ours" scenario. He discusses how the lack of proper estate planning can unintentionally create financial and emotional rifts between stepfamilies, especially when a family business or separate assets are...
info_outlineIn this essential episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host Mark E. Wight is joined by fiduciary financial advisor Scott Summerlin from Starlifter Wealth Management for a discussion about retirement planning, investment strategy, and the evolving needs of seniors. Scott brings over two decades of experience and holds both Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, giving him the expertise to offer personalized, relationship-based financial advice—free from commission-driven product sales.
This episode opens with a clear explanation of what it means to be a fiduciary and why those standards matters so much, especially for retirees who are relying on fixed income, drawing down assets, and navigating unpredictable markets. Scott explains how the financial industry has shifted away from transactional sales to focus on long-term relationships and trust, and how that benefits clients over time.
Listeners will gain valuable insight into the differences between pre-retirement and post-retirement financial strategies. Unlike younger investors who have decades to rebound from market dips, retirees must manage monthly withdrawals while preserving long-term value. Scott breaks down how market volatility impacts older investors and why timing and recovery windows matter more in retirement.
The conversation also highlights the risks of DIY investing for seniors. From following outdated advice to misjudging market trends, Scott discusses why self-managing finances can be dangerous without a full understanding of evolving products, tax implications, and age-specific needs. He also notes how communication preferences shift with age, with many retirees needing more frequent and supportive interactions than younger clients.
Scott and Mark discuss common investor behavior pitfalls, especially the urge to sell during downturns. Scott emphasizes the importance of staying invested and explains how professional investors outperform retail investors by about 3% annually, not through secret formulas, but through disciplined, long-term strategy and avoiding emotional decision-making.
As inflation and taxes continue to affect retirees' purchasing power, Scott explores how conservative investments can actually lose money in real terms. He explains how Treasury bonds and diversified stock portfolios can help offset inflation if used strategically, while also balancing risk.
This episode is a must-listen for retirees, pre-retirees, and anyone supporting aging family members. Whether you're worried about inflation, market fluctuations, or making your savings last, Scott Summerlin offers practical, expert guidance to help you make sound financial decisions in retirement.
🔎 Topics Covered:
- The fiduciary standard: why it protects you
- Retirement planning before vs. after you stop working
- Market timing myths and investor behavior
- Inflation and tax implications for retirees
- Why working with a professional matters
- Communication preferences for older clients
- DIY pitfalls and emotional investing
🎧 Part 2 of this episode will air on May 13, 2025. Visit https://www.idahoestateplanning.com/podcast