A.Description of the Advisory Firm
Horizon Financial Services, LLC, is a limited liability company organized in the state of North Carolina.
This firm has been in business since July 2011, and the principal owner is John Joseph Brais.
B.Types of Advisory Services
Horizon Financial Services, LLC, (hereinafter “HFS”) offers the following services to advisory clients:
Asset Management
HFS offers discretionary asset management services to advisory clients. HFS will offer clients ongoing
portfolio management services after determining individual investment goals, time horizons, objectives, and
risk tolerance. Investment strategies, investment selection, asset allocation, portfolio monitoring, and each
client’s overall investment program will be based on the above factors. Clients will authorize HFS with
discretionary authority to execute selected investment program transactions as stated within the Investment
Advisory Contract.
HFS will hire subadvisors to manage the assets in client accounts. HFS has full discretion to hire and fire
subadvisors as they deem suitable. Subadvisors will maintain the models or investment strategies agreed upon
between subadvisors and HFS. Subadvisors will execute trades on behalf of HFS in client accounts. HFS will
be responsible for the overall direct relationship with clients. HFS retains the authority to terminate subadvisor
relationships at HFS’s discretion.
Variable Annuity Solution
HFS offers a series of portfolios on fee-based variable annuity platforms. Versions of the portfolios are offered
and constructed using the subaccounts made available by the variable annuity platforms. This allows for larger
tax-deferrals and it allows clients to consolidate variable annuity gains under a single contract. With access
to the various subaccounts through the variable annuity platforms, all portfolio models are appropriately
managed and diversified according to the stated investment objective.
Mutual Fund Direct Solution
HFS also offers a series of portfolios on directly-held mutual fund platforms. Versions of the portfolios are
offered and constructed using the mutual funds made available by the platforms. This can provide efficient
diversification for specific account types, ease of making account contributions, and simple access to certain
mutual fund managers.
Donor Advised Funds
HFS also offers discretionary asset management services to Donor Advised Funds. The donor(s) of the
account provides HFS with discretion on the account. These accounts allow the donor(s) to submit grants to
charities on behalf of the donor(s).
Co-Advisor Services
HFS will act as a Co-Advisor with Advisory Alpha, LLC for asset management services. HFS will prepare a
written description of the types of investments and strategies to guide Alpha Advisory’s management of the
account. Advisory Alpha will manage the account based on one or more proprietary model investment
portfolios. HFS will provide recommendations to clients utilizing specific Model Portfolios managed by
Advisory Alpha. HFS will review and monitor, on an on-going basis, each selected Model Portfolio for the
account to ensure suitability. Clients will grant Advisory Alpha limited discretionary authority to manage the
account and HFS discretionary authority to change the Model Portfolio utilized by the account.
ERISA 3(21) Services
HFS offers 3(21) fiduciary services to ERISA plans. At the beginning of the client relationship, HFS works
together with the selected 3(38) fiduciary (if a 3(38) is utilized by the plan sponsor) to prepare a written
description of the types of investments and strategies to guide their management of the Designated Account
(“Investment Policy Statement”). It will include HFS’s recommendations for the investment options made
Form ADV 2A
available to plan participants. With the client’s approval, HFS may amend the client’s Investment Policy
Statement from time to time. As time passes, clients must tell HFS if changes are needed. In preparing the
client’s Investment Policy Statement, HFS will rely upon the information provided by the client without
verification. Clients should promptly inform HFS of any anticipated changes in their financial circumstances
as well as when their circumstances do materially change.
HFS will be reasonably available to the Plan’s participants for the purposes of: (i) explaining the material
features of the Plan; (ii) answering questions and discussing the various classifications of funds that are
available under the Plan; and (iii) assisting them in enrolling in the Plan. These additional services are not
“fiduciary” services within the scope of the ERISA fiduciary standard of care, and will be provided consistent
with our fiduciary duties under the Advisers Act. In no event will HFS provide (i) participant-level investment
advice; or (ii) Plan design, recordkeeping, or other administrative services.
Assets Under Advisement
HFS offers consulting services to individuals on assets not held with the HFS custodian. This includes, but
is not limited to, the following types of qualified plans: 401K, 401A, 403B, TSA, SRA, and 457. In addition,
HFS offers ongoing reviews of variable annuities. HFS will work with individuals to determine their
individual goals, time horizons, objectives, and risk tolerance. Investment strategies, investment selection,
and asset allocation are based on the above factors. HFS will make recommendations on asset allocations
from the investment options available within the plan. Any implementation of these recommendations is at
the sole discretion of the client. HFS encourages clients to make any recommended changes in a timely
manner and to notify HFS when the changes have been made; however, HFS is not responsible for ensuring
changes have been made and shall not be held liable should a client choose not to make its recommended
changes in a timely manner. The accounts will be monitored on at least a quarterly basis, or as requested
otherwise by the client.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
HFS offers financial planning and consulting services to clients. These services cover all areas of financial
planning and consulting from risk management to estate conservation. HFS specializes in helping clients
develop a comprehensive and cohesive financial strategy that fits their unique needs and enables them to meet
both short and long-term objectives. If a conflict of interest exists between the interests of the investment
advisor and the interests of the client, the client is under no obligation to act upon the investment advisor’s
recommendation. If the client elects to act on any of the recommendations, the client is under no obligation
to affect the transaction through HFS.
Seminars and Workshops
HFS holds seminars and workshops to educate the public on retirement and financial planning. These events
are educational in nature and no specific investment or tax advice is given.
C.Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
HFS offers the same suite of services to all of its clients; however, specific client financial plans and their
implementation are dependent upon the Client Investment Policy Statement which outlines each client’s
current situation (income, tax levels, and risk tolerance levels) and is used to construct a client-specific plan
to aid in the selection of a portfolio that matches restrictions, needs, and targets.
Clients may impose restrictions in investing in certain securities or types of securities in accordance with their
values or beliefs.
D.Wrap Fee Programs
HFS does not sponsor a wrap fee program.
E.Amounts Under Management
HFS has the following assets under management:
Form ADV 2A
Discretionary Amounts: Non-discretionary Amounts: Date Calculated:
$177,764,684 $0 12/31/2023