Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, December 9, 2023

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 Mountain Views News Saturday, December 9, 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS*

Maria Decker, Nancy Dorn, Prudence Levine Pat Karamitros, Joan 
Hufnagel, Mary Alice Cervera, Carol Horejsi, Shirley Anhalt, Helen Reese, 
Levon Yapoujian, Toni Buckner, Lottie Bugl, Sheila Wohler, Nan Murphy, 
Eleanor Hensel, Sylvia Curl, Elizabeth Levie, Gayle Licher, Cindy Barran, 
and Melissa Stute, Sheila Woehler. * To add your name to this distinguished 
list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required


WHAT IS THE RETIREMENT SAVER'S CREDIT & HOW DOES IT WORK?


Dear Savvy Senior,

Can you explain to me how the retirement saver’s tax 
credit works? My wife and I are in our fifties and are 
looking for creative ways to boost our retirement savings 
beyond our 401(k). Is this something we may be 
eligible for? Struggling to Save

Dear Struggling:

If your income is low to moderate and you participate 
in your employer-sponsored retirement plan or 
an IRA, the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit 
(aka “Saver’s Credit”) is a frequently overlooked 
tool that can help boost your retirement savings 
even more. Here’s how it works.

If you contribute to a retirement-savings account 
like a traditional or Roth IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457, 
Thrift Savings Plan, Simplified Employee Pension 
or SIMPLE plan, the Saver’s Credit will allow you to 
claim 10, 20 or 50 percent of your contribution of up 
to $4,000 per year for couples or $2,000 for singles.

Keep in mind that a credit is not the same as a tax 
deduction – it’s better: While a tax deduction just 
reduces the amount of your income that is subject 
to taxes, a tax credit reduces your actual tax bill 
dollar-for-dollar.

To qualify, you must also be at least 18 years old 
and not a full-time student and were not claimed 
as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. And 
your adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2023 must 
be below $73,000 or less as a married couple filing 
jointly, $54,750 or less if filing as head of household, 
or $36,500 or less if you’re a single filer. These income 
limits are adjusted annually to keep pace with 
inflation.

To get the 50 percent credit, you’ll need to have an 
income below $43,500 for married couples filing 
jointly; $32,625 if you’re filing as head of household; 
and $21,750 if you’re a single filer in 2023.

The 20 percent credit rate applies to couples earning 
between $43,501 to $47,500; for head of household 
filers it’s $32,626 to $35,625; and for individuals it’s 
$21,751 to $23,750.

And the 10 percent rate is for couples with an adjusted 
gross income between $47,501 and $73,000; 
for head of household filers $35,626 to $54,750; and 
individuals it’s between $23,751 and $36,500.

Here’s an example of how this works. Let’s say that 
you and your wife earned $75,000 in 2023. Over the 
course of the year, you contributed $4,000 to your 
employer’s 401(k) plan. After deducting your 401(k) 
contribution, your adjusted gross income (AGI) on 
your joint return is now $71,000. Since your AGI 
puts you in the 10 percent credit bracket, and you’ve 
contributed the $4,000 maximum that can be considered 
for the credit, you are entitled to a $400 
Saver’s Credit on your tax return.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Saver’s Credit is 
in addition to any other tax benefits you get for your 
retirement contributions. So, in the previous example, 
not only would you be entitled to a $400 credit, 
but you would also be able to exclude the $4,000 
401(k) contribution from your taxable income. So, 
if you’re in the 12 percent tax bracket, this translates 
to an additional $480 in savings, for a total of $880.

How to Claim

To claim the Saver’s Credit, you will need to fill out 
Form 8880 (see IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8880.pdf) and 
attach it to your Form 1040 or 1040NR when you 
file your tax return.

For more information on the Saver’s Credit, see IRS 
Publication 590-A “Contributions to Individual 
Retirement Arrangements” (IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/
p590a.pdf).

The IRS also offers an online quiz you can take to 
help you determine if you qualify for the Saver’s 
Credit. To access it go to IRS.gov/Help/ITA – click 
on “Do I Qualify for the Retirement Savings Contributions 
Credit?” under the “Credits” tab.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 
5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim 
Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author 
of “The Savvy Senior” book.


REMEMBER THE HELMET!

 by Michele Silence


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness professional 
who offers semi-private/virtual fitness classes 
and a weight management support group. If you have 
questions or ideas for this column 

Contact Michele at michele@kid-fit.com. 

Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness.

It’s a pet peeve of mine. Every time I see someone, 
especially a child, riding a bike without a helmet I cringe. 
This time of year you may be considering buying a nice 
new bike for a child dear to you. If you are please get 
a helmet for them too and make sure they promise to 
wear it.

Gifting a child—or anyone—a bike, skates, scooter, or 
skateboard without a helmet is like buying a car without 
seatbelts: incomplete and potentially dangerous. 
Despite the thrill these wheeled gifts bring, neglecting 
the helmet, the most crucial accessory, is a misstep that 
can lead to severe consequences.

The statistics on helmet use—or rather, the lack 
thereof—paint a worrisome picture. A 2020 study in 
Injury Epidemiology revealed a distressing reality: while younger children are more prone to injuries while 
riding a bike, only half of them wear a helmet. These injuries aren’t just scrapes and bruises; we’re talking about 
traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—the kind that incapacitate football players after a hard hit or lead to long-
term neurological issues in boxers.

The gravity of these statistics amplifies in high-traffic areas where the margin for error shrinks. Rushing 
motorists might fail to notice a child on a bike or misjudge the speed of a teen on a skateboard. However, 
there’s hope amidst this concerning scenario—helmets significantly reduce injury severity. Studies suggest 
that about 85% of head injuries from serious bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles could be prevented if 
the rider wore a helmet.

The efficacy of helmets in preventing severe head injuries cannot be overstated. They act as a shield, absorbing 
impact and protecting the brain from the full force of a collision. Despite this, oversight or disregard for helmets 
persists, often due to negligence, forgetfulness, or lack of awareness about their paramount importance.

So, what’s the solution? It’s simple: the helmet should be an integral part of the gift package when giving bikes, 
skates, scooters, or skateboards. It’s not just an accessory; it’s vital safety equipment ensuring the recipient’s 
well-being. If it’s going to a child, make it a rule for them to wear the helmet. From day one.

Education plays such a pivotal role here. Emphasizing helmet significance through awareness campaigns, 
school programs, and community initiatives can instill a culture of safety from a young age. Parents, guardians, 
and gift-givers must impart the message that wearing a helmet isn’t negotiable—it’s a non-negotiable safety 
measure. Ensure your child wears their helmet every time they ride their bike, skateboard, scooter, etc. 
Cultivating this habit early makes buckling up second nature, rather than a sign of not being cool in their teen 
years. And if you ride with them, make sure you have a helmet and wear it too!

Regarding the law, it varies by state. In California, minors under 18 must wear a helmet when biking. While 
there’s a $25 fine for non-compliance, it’s insufficient to incentivize greater usage. This is unfortunate, 
considering that helmet-wearing children were found to be 76% less likely to be diagnosed with a head injury 
after a serious crash.

It’s time to shift the narrative around helmets. They aren’t cumbersome add-ons; they’re life-saving tools. 
They don’t hinder the fun of riding; they enhance it by providing peace of mind and safeguarding against 
potentially devastating outcomes.

Looking to buy the helmet is the first step. Ensuring it fits properly and is worn regularly is next. Measure 
and get the right fit. A helmet that is too big may not fit tight enough to protect the rider in a fall, can slide 
around easily and obstruct visibility. One that is too small may be uncomfortable and tight affecting the rider’s 
concentration. It may not offer the right coverage or cushioning on the head. The right size fit is the best 
way to ensure that the impact absorbing materials in the helmet function as intended and reduce the force of 
an impact. And if the helmet is involved in a crash get a new one. Even if you can’t visibly see any damage, 
helmets are designed to absorb the impact of a single accident only. Using the same one afterwards is risky.

The San Gabriel Police Department recently received a $55,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic 
Safety to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety. This includes helmet fitting inspections and providing helmets 
to those in need. Inquire about places offering free or low-cost helmets and school education presentations. 

The San Gabriel Valley Bike Education Center, a non-profit organization, offers bicycle safety classes as well.

Starting this habit early can save injuries and lives. Once someone you love gets injured you can’t turn back 
time. It’s not worth the risk. Think safety first.

OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder


FROM ROAST TURKEY TO REINDEER

Nothing is more confusing 
than being in the middle of two 
holidays. I have just finished 
Thanksgiving, and now Christmas 
is before me. Each year, it gets more difficult 
to adjust to the next holiday. It’s hard for 
me to keep up.

For months, the focus was on that roast turkey 
for Thanksgiving. And boy, was it a delicious 
roast turkey. I have a hard time comparing 
this year's roast turkey to last year's because I 
always love the one I'm eating at the time. And 
I cannot go back in time to last year's turkey. 
That turkey has been digested a long time ago.

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and 
I were sitting in the living room, resting from 
all the activity during the season and watching 
TV. I think she outdid herself this year because 
everything seemed to be perfect. Everybody in 
the family complimented her on the Thanksgiving 
dinner.

It will be challenging for her to outdo the 
Thanksgiving dinner at the Christmas dinner. 
But I know she's up for the challenge.

I began complimenting her on this year's roast 
turkey and telling her how much I loved it. I 
wasn't lying because I did like the turkey this 
year. Not only the turkey we had on Thanksgiving 
Day but also all the leftover turkey we 
had the following week. Nothing is better than 
leftovers, as far as I'm concerned.

We had enough leftovers at Thanksgiving dinner 
to serve dinner every day for the next week. 
I ain't complaining.

Sitting in the living room, I looked at The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage and asked, 
"Are you planning to make roast reindeer for 
Christmas?"

She just scowled at me and did not answer. I 
wasn't going to give up.

"After all," I said, "your roast turkey this year 
was absolutely supreme. The best you've ever 
done. I bet you could do a great job roasting a 
reindeer this year."

Looking at me, she said, "Do you want to get off 
Santa's naughty list this year?"

Where did that come from?

I did not know what to say because I did not 
know if she was joking or what. Being on Santa's 
naughty list in our house is a very dangerous 
position. For some reason, The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage has a connection 
with Santa Claus. I'm not sure what that connection 
is, and I'm not in a position where I can 
ask.

I was quiet for a few minutes, then cleared my 
throat, and looking at The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage, I asked, "How did I get on 
Santa's naughty list this year?"

Staring at me, she said, "Do you really want me 
to tell you?"

There is nothing like being between a turkey 
and a reindeer during the holiday season to 
wreck your nerves.

The question that burned in my heart was, 
what did I do to get on Santa's naughty list? I 
knew I would be in more trouble if I asked her 
to tell me. So, I thought about another angle.

"Can you tell me," I asked as soberly as possible, 
"how I can get off Santa's naughty list?"

She stared at the TV for a moment and did 
not seem to hear what I was saying. I briefly 
thought, should I repeat myself? In the past, repeating 
myself has gotten me into more trouble 
than it was worth.

Finally, she turned, looked at me for a few moments 
and then said, "Do you really want to 
know how to get off of Santa's naughty list?"

Oh boy. What's coming next?

If I don't know how I got on Santa's naughty 
list, how in the world am I going to figure out 
how to get off?

Looking at her, I smiled gently and said, "If getting 
off Santa's naughty list makes you happy, 
then that's exactly what I want to do." I finished 
with a big smile on my face.

"Well," she said rather thoughtfully, "maybe if 
this week you take me thrift store shopping I 
might be able to think about it and figure it out 
for you."

That caught me by surprise. That would be the 
last thing in the world that I would ever want to 
do. Spending a whole day going from one thrift 
store to another is not my idea of having fun.

"And," she said, "if in our thrift store shopping 
we find a reindeer, you can buy it, and I will 
roast it for you."

I never know if she is joking or setting me up. 
I had to think about that for some time, not 
knowing the proper answer.

Finally, I sighed deeply and said, "OK, my dear, 
I'll be glad to take you thrift store shopping 
anytime this week. And, I'll be glad to purchase 
that reindeer when you find it." I tried to smile 
back at her, but it was very difficult to find an 
appropriate smile in my inventory.

"Ha, ha, ha," she laughed very heartily.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Oh my dear," she laughed, "you just got off of 
Santa's naughty list. Congratulations."

Later that day, as I was considering this, I was 
reminded of what Amos said, "Can two walk 
together, except they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3).

Sometimes, life is better when two people 
agree. It may be difficult to come to an agreement, 
but the rewards are worth the effort.

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the 
Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Telephone 
1-352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.
com, website www.jamessnyderministries.
com.

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com