According to survey results recently released by the city at the Jan. 13 City Council meeting, 79% of Manassas City residents think it's an excellent or good place to live.

The survey, conducted by ETC Institute, a national market research firm for local governments, was conducted in 2024 as part of the city's efforts to poll its residents every two years on a wide variety of issues, city services, public safety and quality of life. The last citywide survey was conducted in 2022 by ETC, which has been working with the city since 2014.

This article requires a paid Locals Only Membership to read. Please Sign In or Upgrade to a paid membership. Thank you.

Discover how the FREEDOM Map from Peden Accounting Services helps you align your financial goals with your life priorities, breaking down big dreams into manageable steps for a sustainable and fulfilling future.

At Peden Accounting Services, we understand that achieving financial success is about more than just numbers—it’s about aligning your goals with your life and building a sustainable future. That’s why we created the FREEDOM Map, a holistic approach to financial planning that sets us apart from traditional methods.

“My wife and I always said that we’re building the business around our life,” says Chris Peden. “You can’t just focus on making money. You need to think about the lifestyle you want and the impact you want to have on your community.”

The FREEDOM Map takes into account your personal values, family priorities, and the bigger picture. It’s about creating a life where your business and personal goals work in harmony. As Peden puts it, “We don’t just want to help you become a millionaire—we want to help you build a life you’re proud of.”

Turning Goals into Achievable Milestones

One of the key elements of the FREEDOM Map is helping clients break down their big annual goals into manageable steps. “We start with yearly objectives and break them into quarterly and monthly milestones,” Peden explains. “Then we ask, ‘Does this feel achievable?’ It’s important to focus on one key lever at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed.”

This approach allows business owners to make consistent progress without getting bogged down in the details. By tackling the most impactful priorities first, clients can see tangible results and maintain their momentum.

Overcoming Challenges with Support

Setting financial goals often feels overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling profit and loss statements, cash flow concerns, and competing demands. That’s where Peden Accounting Services comes in. “We help clients focus on just one or two critical areas at a time to keep things manageable,” Peden says. “It’s about creating clarity and building confidence.”

Clients also value Peden’s approachable style. “I make sure they feel heard and at ease,” he explains. “Whether they bring me a strange question or a complex issue, I’m here to help without judgment.”

Why Peden Accounting Services?

The FREEDOM Map is more than a financial tool—it’s a roadmap for creating a life that reflects your values and aspirations. “We always start by asking what you need to live the lifestyle you want and what impact you want to have,” Peden says. “It’s not just about making money. It’s about creating a sustainable, fulfilling future.”

At Peden Accounting Services, we’re committed to helping you build the business—and the life—you’ve always dreamed of. Ready to chart your course? Let’s create your FREEDOM Map today.

Are you eyeing 2025 as the year you finally trade your daily commute for days spent traveling, relaxing, or chasing long-postponed dreams? You’re not alone. Many soon-to-be retirees are mapping out a fresh chapter—but hold up. Before you sail into the sunset, there are a few key financial moves you should have on lock.

Below, we’ll look at the top five “must-dos” that can help you retire with confidence—covering everything from making sure you don’t outlive your savings to nailing your Social Security timing. Because let’s face it: Retirement is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a financial pivot, and you want it to be a smooth one.

Travel in the 18th century was an adventure filled with challenges. Roads were rough, weather unpredictable, and inns often crowded and uncomfortable. While a journey that takes an hour by car today might have taken days by horseback, these struggles shaped the lives of colonial Virginians and tell the story of a bygone era.

Prince William County invites you to step back in time and explore preserved portions of the King’s Highway, an essential travel route of the American colonies. This historic path connected Boston to Charleston, serving as a lifeline for trade, communication, and movement during colonial times. Travelers like George Washington braved these routes, often relying on the hospitality of friends or local citizens for lodging—choosing a friendly bed over the shared accommodations of a bustling tavern.

Now, you can follow in their footsteps by visiting sections of the King’s Highway along the Prince William Revolutionary War Trail. Imagine the journeys of those who shaped our nation as you walk these historic routes, marveling at how far we’ve come from the days of muddy ruts and slow travel by carriage or horseback.

Explore history where it happened! Visit Prince William County’s historic properties and preserved trails to experience the stories of resilience, ingenuity, and community that built the foundation of America.

Learn more about the Prince William Revolutionary War Trail and plan your visit today! Click here to start your journey.

Preserving history, connecting communities.

Get ready for KidFest, the most exciting event of the year, coming to the Fredericksburg Convention Center on February 8 and 9.

Packed with fun for kids and families, this action-packed weekend features bounce houses, laser tag, fire trucks, summer camp registrations, and so much more. It’s a perfect way to make memories and spend quality time together.

Event hours:
Saturday, February 8: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, February 9: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tickets include all activities (fees apply for face painting and spin wheel), and children three and under are free.

Do you have an event to share? Submit it for free on Potomac Local News.

How to submit:
1. Visit this link: form.jotform.com/221630757468058.
2. Fill out the form with event details like date, time, and description.
3. Submit and reach thousands of local readers.

Don’t miss the chance to share your event with the community—it’s free, quick, and easy. Start today.

 

Looking for a furry companion to brighten your days? Meet Montero, affectionately known as Monty, a sweet and cuddly pup ready to find his forever home!

Monty loves outdoor adventures and enjoys playing with his favorite toys, but what he truly adores is curling up on the couch for quality snuggle time with his humans. He’s a pro on the leash during his daily walks and will happily take snuggle breaks along the way. Bonus: Monty gets along wonderfully with cats, making him an excellent addition to any family with feline friends!

Monty is available for adoption at the Prince William County Animal Shelter, located at 14807 Bristow Road, Manassas,. If you’d like to meet Monty and see if he’s your perfect match, visit the shelter during their operating hours or call 703-792-6465 for more information.

You can also learn more about Monty and see his photos on the shelter’s Facebook page.

Today, Monday, January 20, 2025, marks Inauguration Day in the United States. Donald J. Trump is being sworn in as the 47th President, becoming the second individual after Grover Cleveland to serve non-consecutive presidential terms.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

If you're planning to attend outdoor festivities or events this Inauguration Day, bundle up! The National Weather Service has issued a frigid forecast for the day, with Arctic air making its presence known across the region.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.