In 2026, our nation will mark a historic milestone, 250 years since the founding of the United States.

To honor this anniversary, FVCbank is launching “13 Stars of America,” a year-long series recognizing thirteen of our nation’s original Founders and the enduring values they embodied: leadership, integrity, resilience, enterprise, and service.

These principles shaped a nation.

They continue to shape strong businesses and strong communities today. Each post in this series will spotlight one Founder, a brief moment from history, and a timeless leadership lesson that still matters, nearly 250 years later. We invite you to follow along as we honor the people and principles that helped define America.

13 Stars of America | Honoring the Founders who shaped a nation

David W. Pijor, Esq., Chairman & CEO
Patricia A. Ferrick, President

Star #6 of 13 — Samuel Adams

Value: Advocacy & Conviction

Samuel Adams understood the power of civic engagement and collective action.

His conviction reminds us that meaningful change often begins with individuals committed to a cause larger than themselves.

Engaged leadership strengthens communities.

13 Stars of America | Honoring the Founders who shaped a nation
#America250 #Leadership #Principle #Courage #FVCbank #13StarsofAmerica

Star #6 of 13 — John Hancock

Value: Accountability & Commitment

John Hancock’s signature became a symbol of accountability.

By standing visibly behind his convictions, he reminds us that leadership means owning decisions and standing by them.

Commitment builds confidence.

13 Stars of America | Honoring the Founders who shaped a nation
#America250 #Leadership #Principle #Courage #FVCbank #13StarsofAmerica

Star #5 of 13 — James Madison

Value: Balance & Governance

James Madison helped design a system built on balance—protecting freedom while ensuring stability.

His belief that thoughtful governance strengthens institutions remains relevant wherever leadership and accountability matter.

Strong systems endure because they are carefully built.

13 Stars of America | Honoring the Founders who shaped a nation
#America250 #Leadership #Principle #Courage #FVCbank #13StarsofAmerica

Star #4 of 13 — Alexander Hamilton

Value: Financial Stability & Discipline

Alexander Hamilton recognized that a strong nation required a sound financial foundation.

His work establishing America’s financial system emphasized discipline, trust, and long-term thinking — principles that remain essential to economic growth and stability today.

Sound financial leadership builds lasting confidence.

13 Stars of America | Honoring the Founders who shaped a nation
#America250 #Leadership #Principle #Courage #FVCbank #13StarsofAmerica

Star #4 of 13 — Benjamin Franklin

Value: Ingenuity & Collaboration

Benjamin Franklin understood that progress comes from curiosity, learning, and collaboration.

A printer, inventor, diplomat, and statesman, Franklin believed knowledge should serve the public good—a principle that still resonates today.

Innovation thrives where ideas are shared and partnerships are valued.

13 Stars of America | Honoring the Founders who shaped a nation
#America250 #Leadership #Principle #Courage #FVCbank #13StarsofAmerica

Star #3 of 13 — Thomas Jefferson

Value: Vision & Opportunity

Thomas Jefferson helped articulate a bold idea: that opportunity and liberty should be accessible, not reserved.

His vision challenged the status quo and expanded the promise of what America could become.

Vision remains the foundation of growth, whether for a nation, a business, or a community.

13 Stars of America
#America250 #Vision #Opportunity #Leadership #FVCbank

Star #2 of 13 — John Adams

Value: Independence & Principle

John Adams believed that leadership required courage, especially when standing alone.

His unwavering commitment to independence, even when it was unpopular, reminds us that progress often demands conviction guided by principle.

Strong institutions are built by leaders willing to make difficult, principled decisions.

13 Stars of America | Honoring the Founders who shaped a nation
#America250 #Leadership #Principle #Courage #FVCbank #13StarsofAmerica

Star #1 of 13 — George Washington

Value: Integrity & Service
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we begin by honoring George Washington.

Washington led not for personal gain, but from a deep sense of duty—placing the needs of a young nation above his own ambitions. His leadership set the standard for integrity, restraint, and service.

These values remain essential today: in leadership, in business, and in the communities we serve.

13 Stars of America | Honoring the Founders who shaped a nation
#America250 #Leadership #Integrity #Service #FVCbank

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That’s why we kicked off 15 Days of Giving to celebrate this milestone, engaging both FVCbank employees and community members alike in the series of public events. Since September and continuing through the end of 2022, the events range from food drives and free public document shredding, to supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities Red Shoe 5K Run and Walk, to community activities with the Fairfax Humane Society and Lamb Center; the series is a showcase of the Bank’s 15 years of dedication to communities.

Through the end of the year, the Bank will spearhead additional local food drives other events to help bring joy to families in this holiday season. Stay tuned for additional event information on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages!

Where We’re Headed

Over 15 years, we’ve charted a different path. We strive as a company and as individuals to improve the quality of life. Beyond serving households, businesses and organizations with banking and credit needs, our dedicated employees volunteer their time and talents in each of our local communities. We look forward to continuing to underwrite success for the foundations of counties, cities, towns and villages that we’re fortunate to call our customers.

The post Commemorating 15 years of community banking with 15 days of community engagement appeared first on FVCbank.

Given that HELOCs are asset-backed securities, they typically carry more favorable interest rates and higher credit limits than other types of loans or credit cards. HELOCs also generally have variable interest rates. If you can’t repay your HELOC loan, your home can go into foreclosure, which means you can lose it. One of the most common reasons homeowners take out HELOCs is to perform home improvements such as bathroom or kitchen remodels or renovations of exterior structures such as patios. However, HELOCs can also be used to finance things such as cars, trips, or weddings.

How Do HELOC Loans Work?

Much like a credit card, a HELOC allows you to borrow money up to a defined maximum. Most HELOCs have a withdrawal period between 5 and 10 years and the repayment period lasts between 10 and 20 years. After the loan has closed, your lender can offer you a credit card or special checks. Lenders often have minimum or maximum withdrawal amounts.

To determine your credit limit, most lenders will typically take a percentage of your property’s appraised value and subtract the balance you owe on your mortgage. Many lenders require a DTI ratio of 50% or lower or a FICO credit score of 675 or higher.

With some HELOCs, you can make fixed monthly payments during the reimbursement period. In this case, you may be obligated to make a “balloon” payment once this period ends if you can’t cover the entire principal plus interest with this fixed monthly amount.

It’s important to note that the risk of debt reloading associated with HELOCs is substantially high. Debt reloading occurs when you take out a new loan to repay an existing one as a means to benefit from a lower interest rate (or as a debt consolidation tactic). If you have a large amount of credit card debt with interest that is accruing rapidly, reloading may be a sound financial option to pursue.

Interest Rates On HELOCs

Variable interest rates on HELOCs are in part determined by public indexes such as the U.S. prime rate. This is a rate that banks and other major lending institutions across the country use as a benchmark for pricing several short and medium-term loans and other debt instruments. The federal funds rate (which is the rate banks charge each other for short-term loans) influences the prime rate.

Certain lenders offer you the option of having a HELOC with a fixed interest rate, which means part of this line of credit becomes a home equity loan. Locking in part of your HELOC can ultimately benefit you financially during times of economic uncertainty such as the current market, which is marked by high volatility for many equities coupled with inflation (especially high gas and food prices). One notable benefit of a fixed interest rate is a lower borrowing cost. Many HELOCs also have introductory rates (adjustable rates during the initial withdrawal period) and rate limits, so be sure to understand these before making your final decision. If you have previously taken out loans with a given bank or credit institution, you may also qualify for special discounts, so be sure to take advantage of these as well when applying for a HELOC.

Speak To The HELOC Experts

Contact the professionals at FVCbank in Fairfax, Virginia to learn more about HELOCs and how they work. Since 2007, we have been dedicated to helping customers make sound financial decisions by offering high-quality products and solutions. Our team believes that every individual deserves to be financially secure, regardless of their income or overall life situation. A HELOC allows you to borrow up to 80% of your home’s value at an interest rate equal to the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 1.50%. Call FVCbank today at (703) 436-4740 or email us at consumerloans@fvcbank.com for more information.

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