If you have children who are finishing college or embarking on their first full-time job, you obviously want them to get off to a good start in their adult and working lives.

And by virtue of your years of experience, you probably have some good advice to offer — especially when it comes to making smart financial moves.

Of course, you can find a broad array of financial topics to discuss. But if you want to concentrate on just a few, you might consider these for starters:

Investing for the future. When young people are paying off student loans, they may not think they can also afford to invest for the future.

Indeed, this can be challenging — but it’s not impossible. So, if your children go to work for an employer that offers a retirement plan, such as a 401(k), you may want to point out that they can have money automatically invested — and since they never really “had” this money in the first place, they are less likely to miss it. They can start by deferring small amounts; when their earnings rise, they can increase their contributions.

Buying a home and paying off a mortgage. With interest rates still low, now is not a bad time for prospective first-time homebuyers.

Of course, if your children truly are starting out in the working world, it will likely take them a few years to save up enough for a down payment. But even after they reach that goal, you may want to warn them not to become “house poor” by spending a large portion of their total income on home ownership.

If they do buy a house, though, and their incomes go up as their careers progress, they may wonder if they should pay down their mortgage quicker. While they might feel good about lowering that debt, you may want to point out that an argument could be made for putting money in assets that will likely be more liquid, such as stocks and bonds.

For one thing, if your children were to lose their jobs, and they needed cash to tide them over until they were once again employed, they’d likely find it much harder to get money out of their homes than their investment accounts. Also, in terms of accumulating resources for retirement, they might better off building up their investment portfolios, rather than sinking every extra dollar into their homes.

Using credit wisely. Urge your children to avoid taking on excessive credit card debt and taking out non-essential loans.

As you know, having a good credit score can pay off in several ways, including getting better rates on mortgages. You may want to risk sounding “old fashioned” by encouraging your children to live within their means.

And consider pointing out that it’s often the people who are the most frugal today who may end up with the most money tomorrow.

It’s not always easy for young people to get off on the right foot, financially speaking. But as someone who knows a thing or two about saving, investing and controlling debt, you can help your children out by imparting a few words of wisdom. 

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SHANKLIN: Talk to your adult children about smart financial moves

Florida has the highest number of sea turtles of any state in the continental U.S.  Three species — loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles — are common here. 

However, the Federal Endangered Species Act lists all Florida sea turtles as threatened or endangered. So if you see a sea turtle nesting, or nest hatching, stay quiet, keep your distance, and turn any lights off (that means no flash photography).

You should never try to touch a wild sea turtle. Also, do not touch or move any hatchlings. The small turtles need to crawl on the beach to imprint their birth beach on their memory.

During nesting season, keep the beaches "clean, dark and flat." Clean, by removing everything you brought to the beach including trash, food, chairs and toys; dark, by keeping lights off, using sea turtle-friendly lighting and red LED flashlights if necessary; and flat, filling all holes and knocking down sand castles before leaving the beach. 

If you see anyone harassing a sea turtle or a sea turtle in distress, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission hotline, 1-888-404-3922.

If you want to see a sea turtle and learn more about these fascinating creatures, visit the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island.

Laura Tiu is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

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DID YOU KNOW?

●Sea turtle nesting season for the area began May 1, 2016.

●Adult females only nest every two to three years.

●At 20 to 35 years old, adult loggerhead and green female turtles return to the beach of their birth to nest. At this age, they are about 3 feet long and 250-300 pounds. 

●The turtles will lay their eggs from May through September, with 50 to 150 baby turtles hatching after 45 to 60 days, usually at night.

●One female may nest several times in one season.

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BY THE NUMBERS

Source: 2015 Florida Statewide Nesting Beach Survey, available at: www.myfwc.com.

DID YOU KNOW?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: TIU: Tips to protect Okaloosa and Walton's sea turtles

Historical fiction never goes out of style as a literary genre. No longer derided as “bodice-rippers” with anachronisms or boring textbooks dressed up with poor plots, historical fiction is gaining the respect of critics and readers, and regularly appears on bestseller lists around the world.

Definitions vary as to how far in the past the time setting must be to qualify, but Walter Scott, who is credited with “inventing” the historical novel in English during the early 19th century, provides a useful criterion in the subtitle of “Waverley,” his initial historical novel, the story of Scottish life at the time of the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745: “‘Tis Sixty Years Since.”

Generally, this limits it to events that take place at least 60 years before publication, during a historical period with which the author has no personal experience.

Historical fiction is one of the more demanding narrative forms, as the author must master verifiability and invention. The historical novelist must balance the difficulties of representing history accurately and telling a good story while imaginatively filling in the gaps and lack of historical record. Take too much latitude with the facts of history and the illusion of authenticity is shattered; take too little and the information of history never comes to life.

Booklist Online recently listed these as outstanding historical novels (for both adults and youths) of the past year:

“The Marriage of Opposites” by Alice Hoffman

Opening in 1807 in a Jewish enclave on the Caribbean island of Saint Thomas, home to headstrong yet mystical Rachel Pomié, Hoffman’s rhapsodic novel uncloaks the family history of impressionist painter Camille Pissarro.

“The Secret Chord” by Geraldine Brooks

In her gorgeously written novel of ambition, courage, retribution and triumph, Brooks imagines the life and character of King David in all his complexity, from his humble childhood through old age.

“The Sympathizer” by Viet Thanh Nguyen

In this dark and unsettling novel of war and disillusionment, Nguyen portrays a nameless spy, interrogator and Vietnamese Communist sympathizer at the mercy of those he once supported. Winner of the 2016 Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction.

“Villa America” by Liza Klaussmann

Klaussmann fictionalizes the lives of Gerald and Sara Murphy, the well-off, alluringly unconventional expat couple who inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Tender Is the Night,” in this enrapturing historical novel of a loving marriage complicated by suppressed desire during a time of now-legendary creative ferment.

“Burn Baby Burn” by Meg Medina (for ninth- through 12^th-graders)

This atmospheric novel sets Cuban American Nora’s teenage struggles with family and independence against the backdrop of New York’s infamous summer of 1977, marked by blackouts, arson and the Son of Sam killings.

“The Lie Tree” by Frances Hardinge (for seventh- through 12^th-graders)

When 14-year-old Faith’s father meets a tragic end, she investigates his death while caring for a dangerous plant specimen. The result is a layered mystery that examines science, religion and gender roles in 1868.

“Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965” by Jonah Winter (for first- through fourth-graders)

This vibrantly illustrated picture book follows the footsteps of an elderly African American woman on her way to the ballot box while recalling her family’s journey to obtain the right to vote.

“Salt to the Sea” by Ruta Sepetys (for ninth- through 12^th-graders)

Four young people give voice to history’s worst maritime disaster, the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff during World War II. With exquisite prose, Sepetys shapes a haunting narrative that won’t soon be forgotten. 

Sandra Dreaden is the Crestview Public Library's reference librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DREADEN: 8 historical fiction books you should 'check out'

Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Researchers at Colorado State University and North Carolina State University predict an active season in 2016.

In fact, we have already had a hurricane this year. A rare occurrence, Hurricane Alex, formed in January, affecting Bermuda and the Azores. 

Here are a few tips to prepare your livestock for a possible storm:

●Livestock are safer in a large pasture free of debris.  Barns can easily fail during a storm, leaving animals injured, trapped or dead.  Perimeter fences should be sturdy — preferably woven wire — and not electric in case of power outages.

●Livestock should have enough room to escape fallen power lines, trees and debris. 

●If you have livestock confined to an area smaller than 5 acres, you may consider evacuating with your livestock. 

●If you decide to evacuate, make plans early. Plan your evacuation route and know where you are going. Also, pack an evacuation kit that contains necessary health papers, handling supplies and first-aid supplies. Plan early and leave early. It will take you longer to evacuate with your livestock.

●If you decide to stay, have plenty of supplies such as hay, feed and water stored in a safe place. Depending on the storm’s severity, it is sometimes difficult to transport feed and hay to the area.

Planning ahead always helps during and after a storm.  Make sure to have a first-aid kit for your livestock and your family. 

For more information about preparing for a hurricane with livestock or for livestock shelters in your area, contact your local extension agent.

Jennifer Bearden is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

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BEFORE A STORM COMES…

●Have a photo of you and your animal on hand, along with important records and papers

●Know, in advance, pet-friendly hotels or equine shelters where you can stay

●Prepare an evacuation route

●Set up and store a first aid kit

●Pack food, water and medications

●Have a leash, pet carriers and halters on hand

●Have a photo of you and your animal on hand, along with important records and papers

●Know, in advance, pet-friendly hotels or equine shelters where you can stay

●Prepare an evacuation route

●Set up and store a first aid kit

●Pack food, water and medications

●Have a leash, pet carriers and halters on hand

BEFORE A STORM COMES…

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BEARDEN: Livestock owners, prepare for an active hurricane season

“Life Beneath A Cemetery — 1862,” by Bob Newkirk and edited by Michael J. Veith, is a historical fiction novel that will appeal to readers of Michael and Jeff Shaara, Bruce Catton, Shelby Foote, Larry J. Daniel, Owen Parry and Winston Groom’s works.

The author shares:

“A history professor visits a cemetery in western Tennessee. Through a chain of events he is taken back into the year 1862. In the camp of Confederate Gen. Albert Sydney Johnston, he eavesdrops on high-ranking officers as they plan to attack General Grant’s Union Army camped 20 miles away. He travels north to Pittsburg Landing, where he bears silent witness to the discussions of General Grant and other Union officers prior to the Battle of Shiloh. In the Union camp, he locates his 19-year-old great-grandfather and follows him throughout the two-day battle.

“The professor experiences sights, sounds and smells that cannot be conveyed in history books or photographs. Walking the battlefield after dark, he sees horrendous casualties on both sides and listens to the fears and pleas of the wounded and dying. He witnesses surgeries performed in and around hospital tents and General Grant complimenting his troops after the battle.

“Dodging bullets, soldiers and horses pulling limbers and cannon, he later swims for his life in the Tennessee River. The professor knows he cannot change the outcome of the battle — ‘our two worlds would not connect.’”

Newkirk — a lifelong student of the Civil War — retired after a 32-year career in air traffic control, serving as a general aviation pilot and a number of years as a federal air marshal. He now volunteers as a guide at the Air Force Armament Museum.

Newkirk’s fishing articles have appeared in The Palm Beach Post and Field & Stream Magazine. Most recently, his articles have appeared in The Retired Eastern Airlines Pilots Association Magazine. 

His book is available for purchase through Amazon and available for checkout in the Crestview Public Library’s local author section. 

Please contact the author at CivilWarNovel1862@gmail.com for more information about his work.

Marie Garcia is the Crestview Public Library's director.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: GARCIA: Focus on local author Bob Newkirk