Mountain Views News Saturday, April 25, 2026 
88 
Mountain Views News Saturday, April 25, 2026 
88 
THE HOME WARRANTY FOR 
SENIORS 

For many seniors who own their homes, 
maintaining the property can become increasingly 
challenging—both physically 
and financially. A home warranty can be a 
practical tool to help manage unexpected 
repair costs and provide peace of mind.

 A home warranty is a service contract that 
covers the repair or replacement of major 
home systems and appliances that break 
down due to normal wear and tear. This 
typically includes items such as heating 
and air conditioning systems, plumbing, 
electrical systems, water heaters, and kitchen appliances. For seniors living on a fixed income, these 
unexpected expenses can be disruptive, making a home warranty an appealing option.

 
One of the key benefits of a home warranty is budgeting predictability. Instead of facing a sudden 
$5,000 HVAC replacement, homeowners pay a monthly or annual premium along with a modest 
service fee when repairs are needed. This structure helps seniors better manage their finances and 
avoid large, unplanned expenses.

 Convenience is another major advantage. Most home warranty companies handle the process of 
finding qualified service technicians, scheduling repairs, and overseeing the work. This can be especially 
helpful for seniors who may not have the time, ability, or desire to coordinate home repairs 
themselves.

 However, it’s important to read the fine print. Not all repairs are covered, and there may be limits, 
exclusions, or caps on payouts. Pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance, or certain types of 
equipment may not be included. Seniors should carefully compare plans and providers to ensure 
they are getting the coverage that fits their needs.

 Ultimately, a home warranty can be a valuable safety net for senior homeowners. While it’s not a 
replacement for homeowners insurance, it can complement it by covering everyday breakdowns—
helping seniors remain comfortable, independent, and secure in their homes. 

HOW TO PREPARE TO BE AN EXECUTOR OF AN ESTATE 

Dear Savvy Senior,
My uncle recently asked me to be the executor 
of his will when he dies. I feel honored that 
he asked me, but I’ve never done this before 
and I’m not exactly sure what the job entails. 
What can you tell me about it?
--Helpful Nephew 

Dear Helpful,
Being named executor is indeed an honor. It shows your uncle trusts you. But it can also be a significant 
responsibility, especially if his estate or family situation is complicated. Here’s a look at what the 
role involves so you can decide if it’s something you’re comfortable taking on. 

Executor Duties 
As executor, you’ll be responsible for settling your uncle’s affairs after his death. Depending on the 
estate, your duties may include: 

• Filing paperwork with the probate court to validate the will and officially open the estate. 
• Locating and taking inventory of all assets. 
• Paying outstanding bills, funeral expenses, and any taxes owed using estate funds. 
• Notifying banks, government agencies (including Social Security), credit card companies, andthe post office of his death. 
• Preparing and filing his final income tax return. 
• Distributing remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will. 
Keep in mind that executor responsibilities and deadlines vary by state. Most state bar association 
websites offer probate guides or checklists that outline the rules where you live. 

Get Organized

If you agree to serve, one of the best things you can do now is help your uncle get organized. Make 
sure his will is up to date and find out where important documents are stored – such as deeds, financial 
account statements, insurance policies, passwords, and contact information for advisors. Having 
quick access to these items will save you time and stress later. 

If the estate is complex, you don’t have to handle everything alone. An estate attorney or tax professional 
can guide you through the process, and their fees are typically paid by the estate. To find qualified 
help, you can search directories at the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (naepc.
org) and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.org). 

Prevent Family Conflicts 

One of the biggest challenges executors face is family tension. Ask your uncle to clearly communicate 
his wishes to beneficiaries ahead of time, including who will receive personal belongings and familyheirlooms. Wills often leave these decisions to the executor, which can create unnecessary friction. 

If he hasn’t already, suggest he create a written list outlining how personal property should be distributed. 
Clarity now can prevent conflict later. 

Executor Fees 

Executors are generally entitled to compensation, which is paid by the estate. In many states, fees are 
based on a percentage of the estate’s value, often ranging from 1 to 5 percent, depending on size and 
complexity. 

However, if you’re also a beneficiary, you may choose to waive the fee. Executor compensation is taxable 
income, while inheritances typically are not subject to income tax. 

If you’d like a step-by-step resource to guide you through the process, “The Executor’s Guide: Settlinga Loved One’s Estate or Trust,” from Nolo, is a helpful reference and costs about $32 at nolo.com. 

Serving as executor can be time-consuming, but with good organization and clear communication, 
it’s a manageable responsibility, and a meaningful way to honor your uncle’s trust. 

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, 
Norman, OK 73070. 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …APRIL BIRTHDAYS* 


Howard Rubin, Anita Hardy, Hattie Harris, Marilyn Diaz, Virginia Elliott,
Elma Flores, Betty Jo Gregg, Barbara Lampman, Betty Mackie, Elizabeth 
Rassmusen, Maria Reyes, Marian DeMars, Anne Schryver, Chrisine 
Bachwansky, Colleen McKernan, Sandy Swanson, Hank Landsberg,
Shannon Vandevelde, Barbara Rounkle, Wendy Senour 

* To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required 
Enjoy classic and family-friendly films at our Senior Cinema series, held 
at the Hart Park House. Join us for a relaxed and social movie experience 
with a variety of titles throughout April. 

Upcoming Showings: 

• April 1 -McFarland, USA 
• April 8 -Ray
• April 15 -Evan Almighty
• April 15 -The Story of Us 
• April 29 -You've Got Mail 
For more information, please visit sierramadreca.gov or call 
626-355-5278. 


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 

MULTITASKING IS NOT MY CUP OF TEA 

Usually, I have a lot of work on my desk, from writing to radio programs. 
Even though I have many projects, I can only do one at a time. 

I have often wished I could multitask, which would help me get through 
many more projects more quickly. But that has never been my style of 
working. I focus on one project at a time and move on to the next when 
it is finished. 

Some people can multitask, but that is not me. Often, it would be great if I could multitask 
and get a bunch of projects done at the same time. I have tried that, but it has not worked 
for me. 

Multitasking is not my way of working. 

For many years, I looked into multitasking to learn how to do it. I figured out that if I could 
do that, I could accomplish much more in my life. The more I studied it, the less I understood 
what it was all about. 

When it comes to multitasking The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is the Queen. I am 
not sure how many she can do at once, but it is more than I can even think of. When she is 
doing something, she is doing everything. I only wish I had that skill. 

Now that we are retired, her multitasking has grown even bigger. Whenever I walk by her 
craft room, I see her doing several things at once, and I am not quite sure how she manages 
it. 

As I learn a little more about this multitasking, I begin to understand The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage more. 

For example, when she is speaking to me, I really cannot follow all that she is saying because 
she is talking about at least six things at the same time. In her speaking, she does not 
have any "periods." Everything flows together, but I do not understand multitasking, so I 
do not understand what she is talking about. 

Often she will say, "Don't you remember what I said yesterday?" 

That is completely beyond my mental scope. Because yesterday she probably said a thousand 
things, and I did not get a handle on any of them. 

I do not know if this is true, but I read somewhere that women speak 20,000 words a day, 
while men speak 7,000. I am not sure where they get that, but I'm not going to doubt that 
for a moment. It is pretty close to reality. 

The reason women speak 20,000 words to a man while he only speaks 7,000 is that they 
multitask while speaking. A man can never multitask while speaking, whereas a woman 
can multitask even while speaking. 

When I am speaking, for example, I am thinking about one particular thought. I usuallydo not go beyond that one thought. I have noticed that when The Gracious Mistress of the 
Parsonage is speaking, she has many thoughts at that moment. Because I cannot multitask,
I cannot figure out what she is talking about. That is what gets me into trouble all the time. 

Don't get me wrong, I would sure enjoy being able to multitask like her. Of course, if I could 
multitask like her, we would never finish talking because we would be all over the place, not 
knowing exactly what we were talking about. 

Often when she is talking, she will stop and say, "Did you hear what I just said?" 

I do not say this, but I am thinking, "Yes, but I haven't been able to sort it out to find what 
you were talking about." 

I listen, but I cannot keep up with everything she says at the time. Much of what she says is 
unrelated to each other, which is why I am often confused about what she is saying. 

What she is saying is good, you can be sure, but it is not related to each other, which is whyI get confused when she talks to me like that. 

I try to be a thoughtful person and think before I speak. I cannot process half a dozen 
thoughts at once. 

At my stage in life, I will probably never learn to multitask. I have tried studying that for a 
very long time, and I really have not discovered its secret. 

I did find a secret to this multitasking in my relationship with The Gracious Mistress of the 
Parsonage. Now that I know a little bit of how she multitasks, especially when she is talking,
I can pretend to understand and go along with it. It does no good for me to try to sort out 
what she is saying, because by the time I do, she is on to another multitasking talk. 

This year, we celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary. After all those years of being married, 
I have discovered that marital bliss is not about agreeing on everything. Rather, it is 
not contesting what you do not understand at the time. 

A verse of scripture came to my mind on this subject. 

James 1:19, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, 
slow to wrath.” 

This has become an important verse for me. I am trying to focus on hearing and not on 
speaking. The less I speak the less trouble I get into. What could be better? 

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