Good Day Alabama for January 31, 2011

Here is what you saw on Good Day Alabama for January 31, 2011:

JEH JEH LIVE - One day. One massive opportunity to support Alabama nonprofits! February 2nd is your opportunity to join thousands of Alabamians in being part of a history making event that aims to raise millions of dollars for hundreds of Alabama nonprofits in just 24 hours. Inspired by other Gives Days in the nation, Alabama Gives Day provides nonprofits an opportunity to showcase the impact of the incredible work they do that helps improve the quality of life for everyone in our state. Every donation matters. Whether you have a favorite cause or not, you are encouraged to explore the many missions of the participating nonprofits and help show Alabama's unparalleled generosity to the world by making your tax-deductible gift on February 2nd, 2012. For more information, visit www.alabamanonprofits.org.

MONEY TUESDAY - Stewart Welch joined us with financial advice. Most people are not aware of the Savers Tax Credit whereby the federal government will pay you for contributing to your 401k plan, IRA, Roth IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, 457, 403b or other similar retirement plans.  This program is designed to encourage lower income individuals and families to invest in retirement plans so as to make them less dependent upon government plans during their retirement years. Here's how it works: You contribute to a qualified retirement plan such as a company 401k plan and then when you file your tax return you apply for the savers tax credit.  The amount of your tax credit depends on your marital status and income.  Remember, a tax credit is different than a tax deduction.  If you get a $1,000 tax credit, that full amount is either sent to you directly from the federal government or applied dollar-for-dollar against income taxes you owe.  The Savers Tax Credit is limited to a dollar limit of $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly).   The lower your income, the higher the tax credit. For more information and details on how it works, visit www.welchgroup.com.

OVARIAN CYCLE RIDE - Ovarian Cycle Rides into Birmingham to fund Ovarian Cancer Research! The kick off for 5th Ovarian Cycle was January 14 at area fitness facilities culminating with the big event at the LJCC on February 26th which will feature individual and teams riding side by side in this 6 hour celebration.  It's adrenaline packed, inspiring, and a site to see!  This event has contributed more than $200,000 to Ovarian Cancer Research over the past four years. The Norma Livingston Foundation has donated more than $1 million to cancer research. At the event, riders pedal their way toward a healthier body while gathering pledges to fund research to find a reliable screening test for ovarian cancer.  Training is open to registered participants and began January 15 at the Levite Jewish Community Center and other area fitness facilities. Participants must raise $100 per hour in pledges for each hour they ride.  Registration fee is $40. Instructors lead weekly training classes to prepare participants for a final ride of 100 virtual miles on indoor cycling equipment.  Donations to individuals and teams can be made online at https://ovariancycle.org. The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation promotes awareness of ovarian cancer and raises funds for research to defeat this deadly disease. The foundation was founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 2004 by Lori J. Livingston, who lost her mother, Norma, to ovarian cancer.

ASK THE ANGLER - Reed Montgomery answered viewer questions about fishing. You can contact him with your questions at (205) 663-1504 or on his website - fishingalabama.com - there you can find lake reports, fishing tips, upcoming events, and more.

Tomorrow on Good Day Alabama, one area school district looks for new options to discourage dropouts! Mickey heads to the Birmingham Zoo to meet some new friends! The doctor joins us with a look at new minimally invasive approaches to gynecology related surgeries. And we're gardening with Jon Culver! That and more tomorrow on Good Day Alabama!