It's almost Thanksgiving, a holiday that once celebrated the harvest season.

Although many of us today may not be directly connected to agriculture, we still gather on Thanksgiving with our loved ones to share whatever "bounty" we may have.

But this practice doesn't have to begin and end with food. Why not incorporate the spirit of sharing into your overall financial strategy?

Here are a few suggestions for doing just that:

Make financial gifts. You could give shares of stock to your loved ones, or perhaps give them money to help fund their IRAs. (They must have earned income, however, to be eligible to contribute to an IRA.)

You can give up to $14,000 per year, per recipient. If you are married, you and your spouse can each give up to the $14,000 yearly limit.

Invest in your children's future. To help your children meet the high costs of higher education, you might want to invest in a college savings vehicle.

One option is to consider is a 529 plan. When you contribute to a 529 plan, your earnings are subject to tax-free growth potential, and distributions are free of federal taxes, provided they are used for qualified higher education expenses. (Keep in mind, though, that Section 529 plan distributions not used for these qualified expenses may be subject to income tax and a 10 percent penalty.)

Furthermore, if you invest in your home state's 529 plan, you may receive state tax incentives. Tax issues for 529 plans can be complex, though, so you'll need to consult with your tax adviser about your situation.

Another benefit of 529 plans: You control the assets right up to the point at which they are actually used. So, if you have been putting away money for a particular child (or grandchild) and he or she decides against college, you can easily switch to another beneficiary.

Review your insurance policies. If something were to happen to you, is your life insurance sufficient to take care of your family?

In other words, would there be enough money available to pay off your mortgage, send your children to college and help your surviving spouse meet at least some of his or her retirement expenses?

A financial professional can help you determine if your life insurance is sufficient for your needs.

Consider involving your family with your estate plans. To help ensure your wishes get carried out the way you intended, consider keeping family members informed of your estate strategy, which could involve your will, living trust, power of attorney and other legal documents.

And don't forget to keep your beneficiary designations up to date on your retirement accounts and your life insurance policy. So if you've gone through changes in your family situation, such as a divorce or remarriage, work with your professional team, including your financial adviser and your tax and legal advisers, to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your estate goals.

Once the turkey is eaten and the football games have ended, Thanksgiving will draw to a close.

But consider these strategies sharing your "bounty" with your loved ones all year long — and throughout your lifetime.

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: Share your 'bounty' with your loved ones

This Thursday, Thanksgiving, is a day set aside particularly for giving thanks to God for:

●All we have.

●All the blessings we have received.

●All we have accomplished.

●All we have endured.

This day has a specific purpose — or at least it used to.

Is giving thanks what the day is still for? Yes. Is that what it is used for? Hmmm. Maybe not.

Weeks ago, I heard people planning to go shopping right after lunch on Thanksgiving; that’s when all the great sales begin. They plan to be out until the wee hours.

Many people plan to get in line early for Black Friday — the one day of the year retailers expect to make up for sagging sales the rest of the year.

I wonder if we will hear reports, once again, about angry, greedy people pushing and shoving in stores.

I wonder if we will hear reports about someone being trampled as the last big item is snatched up during a frenzy.

I wonder how many words of thanks will be uttered around tables that day.

Have you ever stopped to think that you might want something because someone else has convinced you that you just have to have a particular item?

Have you ever stopped to think that you have been masterfully manipulated by clever advertising?

Have you ever stopped to think that you already have plenty and do not need to be greedy for more?

The Bible tells us to give thanks to God for all his goodness. Jesus tells us to not store up treasures for ourselves on Earth, but to strive for God’s kingdom and his righteousness.

Alas, I fear those words will continue to fall on more and more deaf ears. But to those who will listen, be sure to give thanks for all the blessings you have received: friends, family, food, clothing, breath, the ability to love and be loved.

Do not worry about tomorrow, what you shall eat, what you shall drink, what you should wear. God knows your every need and cares for you.

May you have a happy day of giving thanks!

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Remembering Thanksgiving's true meaning

Carols, crafts and cookies — how can you miss? Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa with us at the Crestview Public Library

The 12th annual Noel Night begins at 6 p.m. and wraps up around 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17.

Here's what to expect:

●Crestview High School's Chanticleer, led by Kevin Lusk, and soloist J.R. Lewis will fill the library with Christmas music.  

●We are making a Yoda ornament this year while supplies last.

●Scavenge the library for a certain Kwanzaa word and win a prize.

●You can also win a prize by playing dreidel.

●We may even have a surprise visit from — well, you’ll just have to see for yourself!    

All ages are welcome to attend Noel Night, and registration is not required.

We’d like to thank our Friends of the Crestview Library for baking yummy cookies and helping to make Noel Night free for you!

If you’d like to give back to your community, please bring a nonperishable item, and we’ll make sure it gets to Sharing and Caring.

Please call 682-4432 with any questions.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NITZEL: Noel Night coming to Crestview library