The holiday season offers a special opportunity to celebrate connection and community.  At Caledonian Financial, located in Columbia, Tennessee, it is a time of gratitude and spreading holiday cheer with sugar plums and mistletoe.

With more than four decades of experience in financial planning, asset and risk management, and retirement and estate strategies, Montee Sneed serves as CEO at Caledonian Financial in Columbia, Tennessee. Sneed leads with both expertise and a genuine commitment as a trusted advisor holding professional credentials as a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor.

He graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Business Management with an emphasis on Economics and pairs that knowledge with a personalized business approach. His leadership extends far beyond the financial world and is deeply rooted in community. Sneed has dedicated years of service to organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, where he has held roles ranging from Unit Commissioner to District Commissioner and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award, the highest council-level recognition in Scouting, for his distinguished service to youth and the Scouting program within his local council. He is also an active member of Kiwanis International, the Masonic Lodge, and numerous church and civic groups.

Sneed’s balance between professional excellence and genuine commitment to his clients and the community is a defining characteristic. Whether guiding families toward financial security or investing his time in local organizations, he exemplifies the values of trust, service, and leadership. During the holidays, Sneed hosts Sugar Plums & Mistletoe for his clients and their families before the Christmas Parade in downtown Columbia. The annual Sugar Plums & Mistletoe reception is a reflection of his heart for community. More than acting as a financial advisor, he’s fostering lasting relationships with this recent tradition.

The Caledonian office is filled with Christmas spirit, featuring decorations that transform the office into a winter wonderland. Guests are treated to a delightful array of food and beverages, including the event’s namesake, the sugar plum, a favorite of Sneed. The highlight of the event is a special appearance by St. Nicholas, rather than Santa Claus,  bringing a nod to old-world tradition. As an avid reader, one of Sneed’s favorite holiday books is The Immortal Nicholas, by Glenn Beck.

Out front the Caledonian office, Sneed will have a whimsical surprise this year: a mistletoe kissing booth, created as a playful photo opportunity for both clients and passersby. “The goal is to create something charming and magical, the kind of moment people remember,” Sneed said. The reception itself is a private event for Caledonian Financial clients, but the mistletoe booth will charm everyone before the parade begins.

Throughout the years, Sneed and the dedicated staff of 12 have remained steadfast to both its clients and community, continuing to exemplify what it means to be a business rooted in community values. Be sure to stop by Caledonian, located at 708 North Main Street, to take your photo at the mistletoe before the parade this year!

For additional information, visit caledoianfinancial.com or call Sneed at (931) 388-7171 to schedule a financial consultation.

Festive Sugar Plums

This classic holiday sweet dates back centuries, but sugar plums aren’t actually plums at all. Instead, these vintage-style sugar plums are small spiced confections made with dried fruits and nuts, rolled in sugar to sparkle like little ornaments.

Ingredients (Makes 28 pieces)

• 1 cup dried prunes
• 1/2 cup dried dates (pitted) or figs
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 3-4 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup coarse granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Finely chop the dried fruit and nuts by hand or pulse in a food processor until the mixture is coarse but sticky.
2. Stir in cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
3. Add honey a spoonful at a time, mixing until the fruit-and-nut mixture holds together.
4. Roll mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Then roll each ball in granulated sugar until well coated.
5. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper and let sit for about an hour to firm up. Then serve.
6. Store in an airtight container, and sugar plums will keep for up to two weeks.

TIP: Use red, green, or purple colored sugar or coconut flakes for an extra festive touch.