GFL_Jan 2026

© BestJANUARY Version Media 2026

Shervin & Marieh Tabeshfar The Art and Mastery Behind Aurelia’s Signature Experience COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE ROY

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

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LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL Andre Passos | The Grounds Guys 571.290.2219 | groundguys.com

LUXURY JEWELRY Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com

PEDIATRIC ORTHODONTICS Gema Island | Island Children Dentistry & Orthodontics 703-790-1320 | www.islandchildrensdentistry.com

COLLEGE CONSULTING & TUTORING SERVICES Elaina Mercatoris | Principia Education 703-442-4700 | www.principiaeducation.com

BUSINESS BROKER Erika Baez-Grimes | Business Coach Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional - The BPH Group, LLC 804.750.3008 | www.NovaBusinessInquiry.com

COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT Emily Grubel | Great Falls Aesthetics (703) 495-3688 | greatfalls-aesthetics.com LIGHT MANAGEMENT & HOME COMFORT EXPERTS Tsykhnenko Viktoriia & Marina Leonova | New Blackout (571) 245 5744 | www.newblackout.com FINANCIAL WELLNESS Lafayette Federal Credit Union Team Lafayette Federal Credit Union 240.747.3166 | www.lfcu.org

FASHION & STYLE Aleena Dhar | House of Alkara info@houseofalkara.com | www.houseofalkara.com PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST, LASH ARTIST Jennifer N. Phung | Touch of Beauty Inc. (301) 346-3098 | MyTouchOfBeauty.com

LUXURY REAL ESTATE EXPERT Jennifer Jo, J.D. Realtor® | CIPS TTR Sotheby’s International Realty 703.489.0935 | jenniferjo.ttrsir.com

To learn more about becoming an EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR, contact Gloria at: 703-868-8071 or gbruni@bestversionmedia.com

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© Best Version Media DEAR GREAT FALLS NEIGHBORS, PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher: Gloria Fonseca Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas Designer: Hannah Argall Contributing Writer: Sofia Roman Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon Photographer: Myrtle Roy

ADVERTISING Contact: Gloria Fonseca Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 703-868-8071

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS Have feedback, ideas or submissions?

We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE (5 days prior to the Submission Deadline; remember Content Submission Deadline dates of the 20th or later refer to a magazine edition 2 months out.)

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January always feels like a fresh breath of air—a moment to pause, reset, and welcome what’s next. I’m so excited to begin a new year with this beautiful magazine and to share stories that truly reflect the heart of our community.

As we talk about new beginnings, I’d love to share one of my own.

This year marks the opening of Helvetia, a dream that has grown from years of listening, learning, and connecting with so many of you. Helvetia is not just a diamond house—it’s what I like to call diamond therapy: a space to celebrate milestones, confidence, and intentional moments. You are always welcome to visit, say hello, and pamper yourself a little. And with that, I’ll stop talking about me.

On our cover this month, we feature Dr. T and his wife, Marieh, the inspiring husband-and-wife team behind Aurelia Dental Boutique.

Their story is one of vision, partnership, and dedication, and a wonderful example of what can happen when passion and purpose are shared.

As we step into the new year, I encourage all of us to set goals that feel meaningful—goals worth showing up for. But beyond that, let’s make ourselves a purpose too. Let’s lift one another up, support small businesses, champion our friends, and share a little more kindness along the way. Together, we can continue to make Great Falls an even better place, one day at a time.

Cheers to a year filled with intention, connection, and growth,

FROM THE SOCIAL DESK

By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator

January invites us to reflect, reset, and move forward with gratitude. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and shape our community.

GREAT FALLS LIVING | 3

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Dr. T & Marieh Witnessing Transformation, One Smile and One Renewed Spirit at a Time

By SOFIA ROMAN | Professional photos by MYRTLE ROY

4 | JANUARY 2026

© Best Version Media There are families whose stories read like elegant compositions, movements of heritage, intellect, artistry, and purpose that rise and fall until they converge into something extraordinary. For the Tabeshfar family, owners of Aurelia Dental Boutique, that composition unfolds like a symphony: precise, intentional, and strikingly beautiful.

The Marriage of Science and Art For Dr. Shervin Tabeshfar and Marieh, their paths crossed at Boston University not as students, but as accomplished professionals already grounded in their careers. Dr. T was a senior prosthodontics resident; Marieh a practicing dental hygienist and academic contributor. Fate intervened the day they were assigned as co-lecturers for the same course. That moment sparked a partnership that would grow into something far greater: a marriage, a shared mission, and ultimately a dental institute that redefines what care should feel like.

Both were raised in cultural traditions shaped by artistry, education, and deep reverence for craftsmanship. Of Persian descent, they moved to Virginia from the historic city of Boston, carrying with them not only advanced clinical training but also a guiding philosophy: excellence is not a single act; it is a lifelong discipline. Dr. T, a prosthodontist with more than fifteen years of specialized experience, is the product of two worlds. His mother, Minoo, spent decades mentoring psychology students before dedicating herself to painting. His father, Dr. Shams Tabesh, was one of the ten founding members of the Iranian Dental

Association in 1963, a visionary who helped shape the profession in his homeland.

Marieh’s story is equally rooted in beauty and mastery. Her uncle introduced her to the ancient art of calligraphy, which she practices with remarkable precision. From her father, Hassan, a respected figure in the Persian rug industry, she inherited an appreciation for intricate patterns and design. Her mother, Mina, cultivated a love of literature and poetry, with elements of empathy and expression woven into everythingshe does.

Together, Dr. T and Marieh represent a rare fusion of science and art,

We would like to thank Nadia Khan Estates for bringing you this month’s cover story.

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Your home will be featured on over 80 premier platforms, including Mansion Global, The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and Luxury Estate, while my cutting-edge marketing—complete with professional HDR photography, cinematic videography, and targeted online advertising ensures your home is seen by thousands of qualified buyers across digital and social platforms.

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“MARIEH IS A WONDER WOMAN OF A HYGIENIST, GENTLE, BRILLIANT, AND IMPECCABLY ELEGANT.”

precision and soul. Outside of Aurelia, Dr. T channels his creativity through music, playing and recording with the same sense of rhythm and harmony that guides his work in dentistry.Marieh, a poet and skilled calligrapher, brings artistry and sensitivity into every space she touches.

Building the Dental Practice They Once Dreamed Of Aurelia Dental Boutique began with a simple truth: when the practice they envisioned didn’t exist, Dr. T and Marieh decided to build it themselves. Echoing Ferdinand Porsche’s famous words, “I couldn’t find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself,” Aurelia stands as the embodiment of their decades of mastery, innovation, and heart.

More than a dental office, Aurelia is an experience crafted with the precision of a prosthodontist and the perspective of an artist. Its foundation rests on two complementary strengths: Dr. T’s technical expertise, surgical precision, and conceptual artistry, and Marieh’s compassionate care, advanced clinical training, and intuitive understanding of comfort and connection.

Their combined approach elevates every smile, shaping it with intention, proportion, and beauty.

6 | JANUARY 2026

Together, they lead their team like a finely tuned ensemble, each member in sync with the next, creating an environment where expertise, artistry, and genuine care work seamlessly in harmony.

What Sets Aurelia Apart Specialized Clinical Expertise Aurelia is led by a highly trained prosthodontist, ensuring that every patient, from routine preventive care to complex restorative cases, receives treatment grounded in specialty- level knowledge. Dr. T’s expertise in reconstruction, implant restorations, and aesthetic rehabilitation supports outcomes that prioritize long-term function, structural integrity, and natural esthetics.

Evidence-Based, Technology-Driven Care Aurelia utilizes advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including AI-supported analysis, 3D imaging, intraoral scanning, and computer-guided surgical systems. These tools enhance accuracy, improve efficiency, and support predictable clinical results. Technology at Aurelia is not optional; it is central to their standard of care.

Operational Excellence and Patient Experience The practice is structured to minimize stress and maximize comfort through efficient workflows, attentive staff, and consistently high service protocols. While the environment is refined and tranquil,

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the primary objective remains clear: to support optimal health outcomes through exceptional patient-centered care.

A Patient Experience That Speaks for Itself Patients describe feeling seen, valued, and renewed the moment they arrive. One guest recalled “stepping into the lobby of a world-famous luxury hotel,” praising the extraordinary technology, the seamless teamwork “like a ballet,” and care so thoughtful it “shatters the myth of scary dental work.” Others call Marieh a “Wonder Woman of a hygienist” and Dr. T “a remarkably precise, kind, and integrity-driven prosthodontist.”

These sentiments capture the heart of Aurelia: a place where dentistry becomes transformative, restoring confidence, uplifting spirits, and creating experiences patients will remember long after they leave.

Together, Dr. T and Marieh share a simple yet powerful belief: when practiced with mastery and compassion, dentistry can change a person’s confidence, joy, and quality of life. For them, the greatest reward is witnessing that transformation—one smile, one renewed spirit at a time.

LET YOUR SMILE SHINE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Give yourself the gift of confidence and comfort.

At Aurelia we combine superb quality of care, state-of-the-art technology, and laser focused precision with boutique luxury-from routine dental care and restorations, to custom smile makeovers and implant dentistry delivered by nationally renowned specialist and prosthodontist Dr. T and his hygienist extraordinaire Marieh.

Visit us today and experience dentistry elevated to a luxurious and one of a kind art form.

Request an appointment at www.aureliadental.com or call (571) 617-6465 GREAT FALLS LIVING | 7

© Best Version Media

New Year, New Home?

A Refined Guide to Preparing Your Great Falls Residence for Sale in 2026

By JENNIFER JO, J.D., Realtor® | CIPS / Luxury Real Estate Expert

Great Falls homes are distinguished by more than architecture— they offer privacy, scale, and a serene retreat close to Washington, D.C. Thoughtful preparation is essential to stand out in this highly discerning market. If you are a Great Falls homeowner who is resolved to sell and find something new in 2026, this list is for you.

Condition Communicates Care • Deep cleaning, especially in kitchens and baths, reinforces confidence in the Great Falls buyer.

• Addressing small maintenance issues prevents distractions during showings.

KEY PRINCIPLES FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE IN GREAT FALLS Arrival Matters • Curb appeal sets the tone before buyers step inside.

• Manicured lawns, fresh mulch, pruned trees, and a welcoming entry signal pride of ownership.

• Selective clearing on wooded lots improves sightlines and highlights the home’s setting without disrupting the natural beauty that draws buyers to Great Falls.

Space, Simplified • Editing interiors enhances light, scale, and architectural details.

• Removing excess furniture and personal items allows buyers to envision their own lifestyle.

• Simplicity emphasizes proportion and flow—highly valued by Great Falls buyers.

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Great Falls Starts with The One forLiving You in the Right Great FallsRepresentation Jennifer Jo is a Global Luxury Real Estate Advisor with TTR Sotheby’s A recognized top producing Realtor, Jennifer Jo has more International Realty, specializing in Great Falls and Northern Virginia’s most than 20 years of professional experience combined in law distinguished homes. and real estate. With unrivaled local expertise and access toWith a global likeand no access other, she brings an elevated localnetwork expertise to an unmatched global network, experience, custom-tailored your unique approach needs.

Jennifer provides a refined,topersonalized to buying and selling Because every home is one of a kind. Just like you. luxury properties. ® Jennifer Jo, J.D Realtor Jennifer Jo, J.D Realtor®

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© Best Version Media Staging as Storytelling • Thoughtful staging clarifies how rooms function.

• Neutral palettes and refined furnishings create effortless, livable elegance and a blank canvas for buyers to envision their future in Great Falls.

A Visual Introduction • Professional photography is critical, nearly all buyers first experience the home online.

• Images should capture interiors, outdoor spaces, and the tranquil Great Falls lifestyle.

Market Expertise Matters • Strategic pricing, timing, and presentation are vital.

• Consult a Realtor with local expertise and an elevated marketing plan to ensure your home is positioned for maximum impact.

Jennifer Jo is a top producing Realtor with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, based in Great Falls and serving the greater Northern Virginia area. Jennifer also co-hosts the American Dream, an Emmy Nominated/Telly Award winning television program. Her work highlights the people, places, and stories that define the region, including a recent feature on Celebrate Great Falls that will be available for viewing on multiple streaming services in January.

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WINDOW TREATMENTS • SHADES • DRAPES • BLINDS • CUSTOM INSTALLATIONS

By CASEY WHITMORE | Photography by MYRTLE ROY

In interior design, true distinction often lies in the details; those elements that quietly shape how a space feels, functions, and endures. For homeowners, designers, and builders throughout McLean and the surrounding region, New Blackout has become a trusted name for refined, custom window treatments rooted in craftsmanship, experience, and global design sensibility.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Founded by Tsykhnenko Viktoriia and Maryna Leonova, New Blackout brings more than two decades of expertise to every project. Maryna, who has been working in the drapery and window treatment industry for over 20 years, has built her career around precision, technique, and an unwavering commitment to quality. That depth of experience is evident in every stitch, fold, and finished installation.

What truly sets New Blackout apart is its exclusive fabric sourcing. Rather than relying on mass-market suppliers, the company imports fabrics directly from manufacturers in Europe, including Italy, Spain, and Turkey. This hands-on approach allows New Blackout to offer unique collections not commonly found elsewhere—materials chosen for their texture, durability, and timeless appeal. The result is window treatments that feel both elevated and distinctly personal.

New Blackout works closely with interior designers, architects, and builders, serving as a collaborative partner on both residential and commercial projects. From private homes and luxury residences to offices and largerscale developments, the team understands how window treatments must function within a broader design vision. Each project is approached with technical expertise and aesthetic awareness, ensuring the final result complements the space as a whole.

Customization is at the heart of the New Blackout experience. The Greensboro Drive showroom showcases a wide range of solutions, including custom drapes, roman and pleated shades, blinds, blackout systems, and motorized options compatible with smart home technology. Clients are guided through every step; from fabric selection and measurements to fabrication and installation; with careful attention to detail and personalized service.

In an industry driven by trends, New Blackout stands out for its focus on lasting quality, exclusive materials, and experienced hands.

For those seeking window treatments that

Behind it all is a team united not only by skill, but by shared heritage. The owners, seamstresses, and installers are all from Ukraine, bringing with them a strong tradition of craftsmanship,

combine beauty, function, and thoughtful design; whether for a single room or a full- scale project; New Blackout offers solutions shaped by experience and elevated by craftsmanship.

resilience, and pride in their work. This collective expertise translates into meticulous execution and a deep respect for the art of making something well.

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Celebrating 10 Years of Smile Wonders A Decade of Gratitude, Growth & Bright Smiles

By CAYLEIGH SMITH from Smile Wonders | Photos by ALIYAH DASTOUR from Alimond photography

Dr. Rishita Jaju is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, Laser Frenectomy Expert and Educator, TEDx Speaker, Harvard Trained Mommy Dentist and DC Children's Hospital Chief Resident alum. These are a few qualifications and passions of Dr. Rishita Jaju, who has served the NoVA community for the past decade.

From the beginning, Dr. Rishita Jaju set out to change how infants, toddlers, kids and children with variable needs and abilities experience the dentist. Many of us remember the anxiety of drills, needles, and long visits. But thanks to Dr. Rishita’s commitment to advanced technology and compassionate care, today’s children get something completely different—comfort, precision, and a gentle experience they can actually feel good about. One of the biggest difference-makers that has set Smile Wonders apart over the past decade has been the commitment to Laser Dentistry. Unlike traditional drills, this all-tissue laser treats both teeth and soft tissues with remarkable accuracy. It removes only the decayed part of a tooth — nothing extra — and often eliminates the need for needles or numbing shots. No drooling. No numb lips.

Just quick, precise care that lets kids jump right back into school or play.

Parents are often surprised to learn that not every dentist uses lasers. That’s because this technology requires significant training, dedication, and investment—something Dr. Jaju has passionately embraced. Today, Smile Wonders is proud to be a leader in laser fillings, soft-tissue care, infant and toddler frenectomies, and gentle treatment for inflammation or gum concerns.

Dr. Jaju's experience and knowledge is respected by her colleagues for providing the most comprehensive and collaborative diagnostic approach and skillful frenectomy procedures for her patient families. She is the only pediatric dentist in the Mid-Atlantic region who has achieved Advanced Laser Proficiency Certification and Master Status from the Academy of Laser Dentistry. After completing thousands of frenectomy procedures for infants, toddlers, kids and children of varying abilities over the past decade, Dr. Jaju has now launched the Pediatric Dental Laser Academy. Here, she welcomes fellow pediatric dentists and their teams to her office for Pediatric Dentistry and Laser Frenectomy Master class where she provides didactic, hands-on and live patient observations.

12 | JANUARY 2026

© BestEXPERT Version CONTRIBUTORMedia

This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Smile Wonders — 10 years of caring for Northern Virginia families.

As we reflect on this decade of service, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the children, parents, and community who have trusted us with their smiles. Your support has fueled our growth, inspired collaboration with our medical colleagues, and made each day a joyful celebration of the work we love. We are honored to care for the thousands of tiny teeth, growing families, and joyful milestones shared with us.

Find out why kids love Smile Wonders and parents trust Dr. Rishita by scheduling for one of their services in their boutique, state of the art facility that uses digital technology and childsized friendly equipment that eliminates uncertainties and fosters the importance of oral health in kids today.

Cheers to the next decade of smiles!

Here’s to gratitude for the past, growth for the future, and a continued commitment to making every child’s dental journey brighter, gentler, and full of magical wonder.

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© Best Version Media THE BEST KEPT SECRET OF GREAT FALLS

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© BestBUSINESS Version MINUTE Media January ~The Best Time to Make One Hard Decision

By ERIKA BAEZ-GRIMES, CM&AP, Founder | The BPH Group, LLC

Businesses carry at least one element that quietly suppresses its long term worth. A low margin service line, a hand full of high maintenance low quality clients, revenue that only exists because of the owners deep involvement etc…..

These operational issues may feel “minor” but to the contrary, they cause significant impact and disruption to a company value!

Exit readiness is built years in advance. One decisive move made early in the year can significantly improve enterprise value and expand future options.

The strongest exits are intentional. Let the month begin with intentionality and strategy!

Let’s Connect….

Most acquirers stay clear from paying premiums for complexity.

They invest in businesses that are clean, repeatable, and transferable. This quarter, look at your company through a buyer’s lens and identify what would raise concerns or trigger discounts.

Erika Baez-Grimes, CM&AP Founder | The BPH Group, LLC For more information, email Erika@Erikathebroker.com.

Phone: 804.750.3008

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© BestTHEVersion FASHION THREADMedia

January Intentions The Art of Becoming

By ALEENA DHAR, Style Advisor and Founder of House of Alkara

There’s something special about January. It feels like a quiet pause — a moment to breathe, reset, and step into the year with a little more clarity and intention. For me, this month is less about resolutions and more about reflecting on who we are becoming.

Style has a way of supporting that journey. What we wear, what we choose, and even what we gift ourselves or those we love — it all carries energy into the year ahead. At House of Alkara, I’ve always believed that clothing and jewelry are more than accessories; they are small expressions of identity, confidence, and joy.

THE ART

COLLECTOR For the woman who wants the year to feel creative and intentional. She cherishes pieces that feel thoughtful, unique, and crafted with love. Her style is her canvas.

This month, I wanted to highlight a few pieces inspired by the many beautiful sides of women — because each of us enters the new year in our own way.

THE MINIMALIST

ROMANTIC For the woman who craves simplicity and ease as she steps into the year. She chooses calm silhouettes, soft draping, and pieces that let her breathe while still feeling elegant.

THE MODERN

MUSE For the woman stepping into the year with clarity and confidence. Clean lines, modern silhouettes, bold gemstones — she chooses pieces that support her presence and power.

THE GLOBAL

Elevate Your Everyday

WANDERER

Crafted by Artisans, Inspired by You! Timeless Jewelry for the Modern Muse

For the woman who welcomes the new year with curiosity, openness, and adventure. Whether she’s traveling or simply exploring new parts of herself, she gravitates toward expressive prints and artistic movement.

Discover handcrafted pieces designed to celebrate your individuality. From necklace sets to delicate rings, every creation tells a story of bold elegance and refined beauty.

16 | JANUARY 2026

Ethically Made ⁜ Unapologetically You • info@houseofalkara.com • houseofalkara.com

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By SOFIA ROMAN | Photos by MYRTLE ROY Our community has a new name to know, and behind it is a dream years in the making. Helvetia is the latest chapter from our publisher and CEO, Gloria Fonseca, a refined fine jewelry house where diamond therapy is thoughtfully served and every piece tells a story.

Helvetia is not a traditional jewelry store, and that is entirely designed.

Founded by publisher and community builder Gloria Fonseca, Helvetia is an elevated fine jewelry house created for those who want more than a purchase. It is a space where life’s most meaningful moments are transformed into custom-designed diamond and fine jewelry pieces, each one crafted with intention, emotion, and purpose.

What truly sets Helvetia apart is the experience itself. From personalized guidance to refined details throughout the process, every client is meant to feel seen, confident, and celebrated.

“Life isn’t generic,” Gloria shares. “Our milestones shouldn’t be either.” With Helvetia, Gloria Fonseca redefines luxury, not as excess, but as meaning.

Here, stories are not just remembered; they are turned into heirlooms.

To begin your own diamond therapy experience, visit Helvetia Fine Jewelry at 1305 Vincent Place, McLean, VA 22101, and discover a space where every piece is designed with purpose, emotion, and care.

NOT EVERYTHING MEANINGFUL NEEDS AN ANNOUNCEMENT Some moments are meant to be marked quietly.

Every client journey starts by understanding the story behind the piece: milestones, transitions, celebrations, and new beginnings. From there, emotions are translated into design, stones are chosen with care, and each setting becomes a reflection of the moment it represents. Gloria often refers to the process as diamond therapy: thoughtful, personal, and deeply empowering.

Personal.

Timeless. Yours.

At Helvetia, we design custom jewelry to honor life’s chapters.

Helvetia’s designs celebrate real life in all its forms, power rings for women marking new chapters, anniversary and retirement pieces, coming-of-age jewelry, purity bracelets, and fully custom creations that honor strength, love, and growth.

1305 VINCENT PL McLEAN VA 22101

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New Year Planning

Protecting and Growing Generational Wealth

By MARC ERAZO - Great Falls Branch Manager, Lafayette Federal Credit Union

A new year brings opportunities to reassess your financial journey and help your family achieve financial success.

Whether passing down wealth or discussing plans with your parents, consider these strategic moves: • Create a comprehensive will and consider trusts to manage and distribute assets. Trusts create paths to pass on assets with minimal impact.

• Use a diversification strategy with your investments.

Consider creating a family investment partnership to pool resources into a single entity to manage and grow wealth collectively.

• Educate family members about financial management, share your knowledge, listen to concerns, and look for answers that benefit everyone.

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• Establish a family foundation to manage charitable giving and instill a sense of responsibility and legacy.

• Consider Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) for control and tax benefits, and even Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) to protect assets and provide flexibility in managing investments.

By combining these strategies, you can help ensure your family’s wealth is preserved and passed down through generations.

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Lafayette Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA. Membership required.

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JANUARY

YO U R

LEGACY BEGINS

AT H O M E

Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to luxury, or investing in your family’s future, Puneet Bhagi and his team at Ikon Realty Luxury provide personalized service, unmatched local expertise, and a boutique experience tailored to you.Every home has a story—let us help you find yours.

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