My Mission Statement
that empowers you to achieve your life goals
and navigate the challenges and changes you encounter.
My Story and Services
Maha Saffarini Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley
Serving McLean, Tysons Corner, and Northern Virginia
My journey into wealth management was inspired by a pivotal moment in my life, driven by a desire to build financial confidence for myself and others. Initially, I was an award-winning author of children's books, but following a personal transition, I became a single mother of four. This experience ignited my determination to create a stable future for my family, despite my initial lack of financial knowledge.
I began my financial career as an insurance agent, specializing in life insurance, long-term care, and Medicare, a role that let me support my children's activities while pursuing graduate studies. Over time, that work grew into something larger: a calling to walk alongside people at every meaningful crossroads of their financial lives.
Who I serve:
Individuals and families seeking comprehensive wealth management and long-term financial security in and around the greater DC Metro area.
People navigating life transitions,including:
- Empty nesters
- Career changes or periods between jobs
- Families planning for college-bound students
- Marriage planning and divorce-related financial planning
Business owners who are:
- Buying or selling a business
-Building exit plans and preparing for liquidity events
Clients who want a goals-based plan - clarifying priorities, making informed choices, and building confidence through education.
Those who value a fiduciary relationship grounded in empathy, integrity, and a best-interests-first approach.
With a background in journalism and media production, I bring strong communication and storytelling skills to my work. My previous career as an investigative journalist and producer took me around the globe, collaborating with esteemed figures and covering significant events. These experiences honed my ability to simplify complex ideas, helping clients view their financial path with clarity and purpose.
Remember me for every transition: marriage, divorce, home purchase, home sale, job changes and anything in-between.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a financial advisor in McLean, VA?
When evaluating a financial advisor, it can be helpful to consider experience, credentials, planning philosophy and how well the advisor understands your personal goals. Many clients look for someone who takes a comprehensive and relationship-based approach.
What happens during an initial meeting?
An introductory conversation is typically focused on understanding your priorities, financial goals and any current planning considerations. It is an opportunity to determine whether there is a strong mutual fit.
When should I begin retirement planning?
Retirement planning often begins well before retirement itself. The appropriate timing and strategy depend on individual circumstances, goals and financial complexity.
How often should a financial plan be reviewed?
Many individuals review their financial strategy annually or quarterly or after major life events such as career changes, business transitions, marriage or retirement.
Do you work with business owners in Northern Virginia?
Maha works with individuals, families and business owners to help coordinate long-term financial strategies aligned with their goals and evolving needs.
What services are included in comprehensive wealth management?
Comprehensive wealth management may include investment strategy, retirement planning, estate considerations, education planning and coordination with other professional advisors where appropriate.
Do you provide guidance for families planning for college expenses?
Education planning can be part of a broader financial strategy and may involve evaluating savings vehicles, timelines and overall family objectives.
How do I get started?
The first step is scheduling a conversation to discuss your goals and determine whether a planning relationship makes sense for your situation.
- Wealth ManagementFootnote1
- AnnuitiesFootnote2
- Business PlanningFootnote3
- Alternative InvestmentsFootnote4
- Business Succession PlanningFootnote5
- Divorce Financial AnalysisFootnote6
- Estate Planning StrategiesFootnote7
- Life InsuranceFootnote8
- Long-term Care InsuranceFootnote9
- Municipal BondsFootnote10
- Planning for Education FundingFootnote11
- Planning for Individuals with Special Needs and their Families
- Retirement PlanningFootnote12
- Trust AccountsFootnote13
NMLS#: 1444693
WORKING WITH YOU
Our relationship begins with an initial discussion aimed towards getting to know you, your lifestyle, and your future goals.
During the discovery meeting, we will work together to establish your financial goals by reviewing your current financial situation and developing an appropriate risk tolerance that can help you achieve the financial outcome you envision for yourself.
Financial plan presentations map our essential factors that play into your financial success such as your employee and employer contributions, liquidity events, and insurance coverage. Examining relevant financial information provides a holistic asset allocation analysis for your accounts, helping ensure a comprehensive financial plan.
After the financial plan presentation, we will follow up with you regarding our analysis and recommendations, which may include adjustments to your financial plan, investment allocation, company benefits and insurance coverage.
The implementation meeting focuses on creating prospective strategies custom designed for your specific needs. Recommended changes could include logistics, tax impact, asset allocation adjustments, and saving/benefit modifications.
Finally, we will be constantly monitoring your assets and analyzing your performance tracking data, seeking to ensure your financial expectations are being met and adjusted accordingly. We will keep a high degree of communication with you to make sure your concerns and requests are always addressed.
MODERN WEALTH MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Morgan Stanley's comprehensive suite of digital tools are designed to help enhance every aspect of your financial portfolio. Take some time to learn about some of the many Modern Wealth Management resources that we offer to our clients.
Seamlessly and securely manage your investments and everyday finances in one place. Have access to key information and the ability to make transfers and trades on Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) or the Morgan Stanley app.
Digital Vault lets you easily and securely manage and share important documents such as account statements, authorizations, tax filings and other relevant documents with your Financial Advisor.
Total Wealth View allows you and your advisor to view a complete financial picture of your investments to identify opportunities or risks across all your accounts. By linking your account information, you will benefit from more informed wealth planning, more secure data access, and convenient connectivity.
It's Easy to Get the App Just download it on your mobile device and use your Morgan Stanley Online username and password to log in.
Our Portfolio Risk Platform, backed by institutional-caliber analytics, assesses thousands of risk factors using a holdings-based approach to assess a portfolio's exposures, analyze how securities behave together across portfolios and forecast how they influence risk and return moving forward.
Where Creativity, Family and Financial Purpose Intersect.
In my free time, I enjoy reading and writing children's books, as well as mentoring writers who are developing their works in progress. I am the author of three published children's books.
I love traveling, especially to destinations with scenic sea views. Spending time with my family is the most fulfilling part of my life. Cooking with family and friends is something I truly cherish, and we also enjoy dining out together and sharing situations that far outdo comedy shows.
I am passionate about advocating for work–life balance and mentoring others on how to build happier, more fulfilling lives. After all it's all about Work Life Financial balance.
Client Service Team
Ben is a 2014 graduate from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA with a major in Business and a minor in Economics. After graduation, he became Series 7 and 66 registered, insurance licensed, and has held the CFP® designation since 2018. Ben has 10+ years of experience with Morgan Stanley as a registered client service associate, with particular interest in business development and financial planning.
Ben has one son, Theo, and is happiest when spending time with his family!
Sharayah is a 2012 alumna of Old Dominion University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She was born and raised in Winchester, Virginia, and currently resides in Winchester with her children, Liam and Mila. Sharayah and family are food enthusiasts and love trying new establishments and introducing the children to a variety of foods. In her free time, she enjoys watching her son play soccer, her daughter in gymnastics, reading a good book, and journaling.
Joining the Wealth Management team, Van serves as a Client Services Associate to support the team and clients. She is currently holding the SIE, the Series 66, and the Series 7. Outside of work, Van loves working out, hanging out with friends and families, travelling, and exploring different local cuisines.
Outside of work, Joey plays soccer on weekends and weekdays as he's part of an FXA team. He loves to spend time with his family and loves to eat his mom’s homemade food every afternoon. He loves spending time with his dog Milo, especially when they go on their daily long walks.
He grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and studied Finance at George Mason University. He holds a Series 7 license, Series 66 license and is currently working towards the Virginia life, Health, and Variable insurance license. Reimy is passionate about traveling and spending time with his family.
Location
Portfolio Insights
Retirement
- 401(k) Rollovers
- IRA Plans
- Retirement income strategies
- Retirement plan participants
- Annuities
Investing
- Asset Management
- Wealth Planning
- Traditional Investments
- Alternative Investments
- Impact Investing
Family
- Estate Planning Strategies
- 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
- Long Term Care Insurance
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Services
Business Planning
- Succession Planning
- Business Planning
- Qualified Retirement Plans
Philanthropy
- Endowments
- Foundations
- Donor Advised Funds
- Impact Investing
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Annuities are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
3Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
4Alternative Investments are speculative and include a high degree of risk. An investor could lose all or a substantial amount of his/her investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for qualified, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time.
5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
6Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
7Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
8Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
9Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
10Municipal bonds may not be appropriate for all investors. Income generated from an investment in a municipal bond is generally exempt from federal income taxes. Some income may be subject to state and local taxes and to the federal alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to tax.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) and its Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide any tax/legal advice. Consult your own tax/legal advisor before making any tax or legal-related investment decisions.
11When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.
12When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
13Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
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