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5582 West Henrietta Road
West Henrietta, New York 14586
(585) 334-3600
http://www.horizonfinancial.net
BROCHURE
July 23, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc., doing business as Horizon Financial. If you have any
questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at (585) 334-3600 or send an
email to mrcongdon@horizonfinancial.net.
The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority. Horizon
Advisory Services, Inc. is an investment adviser registered with the SEC. Registration does
not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Additional information about Horizon Advisory Services, Inc., also is available on the SEC’s
website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You may search this site using a unique identifying
number, known as a CRD number. The CRD number for Horizon Advisory Services, Inc., is
305239.
ITEM 2 - MATERIAL CHANGES
Since the last annual update of the Firm's Brochures, dated March 25, 2025, we have
updated Items 5 and 12 to describe more fully the asset-based fee charged by Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc. We do not regard this as a material change.
We encourage all clients and prospective clients to read this Brochure in full and
contact us with any questions.
Horizon Financial / Brochure / July 23, 2025
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ITEM 3 - TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 2 - Material Changes ............................................................................................. 2
Item 3 - Table of Contents ............................................................................................ 3
Item 4 - Advisory Business ........................................................................................... 4
Types of Advisory Services ............................................................................................................. 4
Assets Under Management ............................................................................................................. 5
Fiduciary Status for Retirement Investment Advice ........................................................................ 5
Item 5 - Fees and Compensation ................................................................................... 6
Investment Supervisory or Management Services ........................................................................... 6
Other Fees ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Compensation for the Sale of Securities or Other Investment Products .......................................... 7
General Information on Advisory Services and Fees ....................................................................... 8
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ................................. 9
Item 7 - Types of Clients ............................................................................................... 9
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss ........................ 10
Methods Of Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 10
Investment Strategies ................................................................................................................... 10
Risk of Loss .................................................................................................................................. 11
Client Obligations ......................................................................................................................... 12
Item 9 - Disciplinary Information ............................................................................... 12
Item 10 - Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ...................................... 12
Item 11 - Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading ...................................................................................................................... 13
Item 12 - Brokerage Practices .................................................................................... 14
The Custodians And Brokers We Use ............................................................................................ 14
How We Select Brokers/Custodians ............................................................................................. 15
Your Brokerage and Custody Costs ............................................................................................... 15
Products and Services Available to Us from QCs. ......................................................................... 16
Trade Errors ................................................................................................................................. 18
Block Trading and Trade Allocations............................................................................................. 18
Directed Brokerage ....................................................................................................................... 18
Item 13 - Review of Accounts ..................................................................................... 19
Item 14 - Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................... 20
Item 15 - Custody ....................................................................................................... 20
Item 16 - Investment Discretion ................................................................................. 21
Item 17 - Voting Client Securities ............................................................................... 21
Item 18 - Financial Information .................................................................................. 22
Horizon Financial / Brochure / July 23, 2025
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ITEM 4 - ADVISORY BUSINESS
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. (“Horizon”, the “firm”, “we”, or “our”) has been in
business since 1998. It became registered as an investment adviser in 2019. The
firm’s principal owner is Mark Congdon, with Susan Congdon and Michael Congdon as
voting minority shareholders. The firm conducts business under the name “Horizon
Financial.”
Types of Advisory Services
We provide ongoing investment advice and portfolio management services on a
discretionary basis, meaning clients authorize us to make investment decisions,
including the selection and timing of securities transactions, without prior approval
for each trade. We generally do not offer non-discretionary portfolio management
services.
Our advisory process begins with a comprehensive understanding of each client’s
financial circumstances, including their goals, investment objectives, cash flow needs,
tax considerations, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Based on this information, we
recommend and implement an investment strategy tailored to the client’s needs.
Our firm maintains a suite of model portfolios that are developed, monitored, and
maintained by our internal investment management team. These models reflect a
range of asset allocation strategies and are constructed using various investment
types, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), individual stocks and
bonds, and other securities as appropriate. The investment team is responsible for the
selection and ongoing oversight of investments within each model.
Our Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs) work directly with clients to
recommend one or more of the firm’s model portfolios - or, in some cases, to combine
or adjust models - based on each client’s individual situation. For clients with more
complex financial profiles or unique planning considerations, portfolios may be
further tailored within the scope of the firm’s internal capabilities. IARs also serve as
the primary point of contact for clients, providing ongoing advice, financial planning
guidance, and regular portfolio reviews.
While most clients are invested in our standardized models, we may accommodate
reasonable investment restrictions on a case-by-case basis. Clients must submit any
restriction requests in writing. All requests are reviewed by the Investment Policy
Committee to determine whether they can be reasonably implemented within our
investment framework.
We believe that appropriate portfolio diversification offers the greatest opportunity to
achieve consistent, long-term investment results. A well-diversified portfolio helps
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manage risk by balancing exposure across multiple asset classes and investment
types. While diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss, we
view it as a core principle of prudent portfolio construction.
We provide financial planning services exclusively to clients who engage us for
portfolio management. These services are tailored to the client’s specific needs and
may include guidance on cash flow and net worth, education funding, retirement
planning, tax and insurance considerations, estate planning, and risk management.
Financial planning is integrated into our overall advisory relationship. The financial
plan is not necessarily memorialized in a written report; often, the plan is delivered
verbally through ongoing meetings and consultations.
Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, we manage approximately $455,755,922 in regulatory assets
under management, all of which is managed on a discretionary basis. We do not
currently manage any assets on a non-discretionary basis. This figure is updated
annually as part of our Form ADV filing.
Fiduciary Status for Retirement Investment Advice
When we provide investment advice to you regarding your retirement plan account or
individual retirement account, we are fiduciaries within the meaning of Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as
applicable, which are laws governing retirement accounts. The way we make money
creates some conflicts with your interests, so we operate under a special rule that
requires us to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours.
Under this special rule’s provisions, we must:
• Meet a professional standard of care when making investment
recommendations (give prudent advice);
• Never put our financial interests ahead of yours when making
recommendations (give loyal advice);
• Avoid misleading statements about conflicts of interest, fees, and investments;
• Follow policies and procedures designed to ensure that we give advice that is in
your best interest;
• Charge no more than is reasonable for our services; and
• Give you basic information about conflicts of interest.
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ITEM 5 - FEES AND COMPENSATION
Investment Supervisory or Management Services
Our annual investment management fee is generally 1.00% of the value of the client’s
assets under our management, although this fee is negotiable at the sole discretion of
the firm. The specific fee applicable to each client is set forth in the client’s advisory
agreement and generally applies to all assets within the client’s household or
portfolio, as defined in the agreement.
In addition to the investment management fee, each client account is charged a
technology fee. Accounts with an average daily balance of $5,000 or more are assessed
an annual technology fee of $40, charged quarterly at $10 per quarter. Accounts with
an average daily balance below $5,000 are charged $20 annually, or $5 per quarter.
Clients with multiple accounts are charged separately for each account. If an account
is open for less than a full calendar quarter, the fee is prorated based on the number of
days the account was active during that quarter.
Both the investment management fee and the technology fee are combined and
deducted as a single charge directly from the client’s account. Although these
components are calculated separately, they are billed together as one combined fee for
each applicable quarter.
Investment management fees are calculated using the firm’s portfolio accounting
system, based on the average daily account value over each calendar quarter. This
method accounts for daily fluctuations in account value and is applied consistently
across all managed accounts.
Clients are required, as a condition of engagement, to authorize the custodian to
deduct the total combined fee directly from their accounts. We do not accept clients
who do not provide this authorization.
Fees are billed quarterly in arrears, based on the average daily balance for the
applicable calendar quarter. For clients who engage the firm mid-quarter, the initial
fee is prorated from the account’s inception date through the end of that calendar
quarter. If a client relationship terminates during a quarter, fees are prorated through
and including the effective termination date.
While we do not typically recommend the use of margin in client accounts, clients
should be aware that investment management fees are calculated on the full gross
value of assets in the account, including any margin balances. Clients using margin
will also incur margin interest charges, which are separate from and in addition to our
investment management fees.
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Other Fees
In addition to the investment management and technology fees we charge, clients are
responsible for any fees or expenses imposed by third parties in connection with
managing their accounts. These third-party charges are not paid to Horizon and may
include:
• Custodial fees (including, for clients who maintain their accounts at Charles
Schwab & Co., Inc., an asset-based fee of 5 basis points annually on Chargeable
Assets, calculated and billed in accordance with its Asset-Based Pricing
Addendum signed at account opening); transaction charges; account
maintenance fees; and other service fees such as those for overnight check
delivery, wire transfers, or special handling requests)
IRA, qualified plan, or other account-type-specific fees
• Trading or execution-related fees (such as commissions or ticket charges)
•
• Mutual fund and ETF expenses (e.g., management fees, operating expenses,
12b-1 fees)
• Platform or clearing fees imposed by the custodian or broker-dealer
These fees are typically described in the custodial agreement and may vary depending
on the type of transaction (e.g., exchange vs. purchase), the method of placement (e.g.,
electronic vs. phone), and the specific investment vehicles used. Paper trade
confirmations or mailed statements may also trigger additional charges.
Mutual funds and ETFs incur their own internal expenses, which reduce the
investment return to shareholders. These typically include fund management fees,
administrative costs, and, in some cases, marketing or distribution expenses (such as
12b-1 fees). Investors should consult the fund’s prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information to understand these fees before investing.
The selection of a mutual fund share class can also affect the total cost to the investor.
Different share classes carry different internal fees and may include redemption
restrictions or back-end sales charges. We strive to use the lowest-cost share class
available through the client’s custodian; however, not all custodians offer every
available share class.
We do not receive any portion of the third party fees described in this section.
Compensation for the Sale of Securities or Other Investment Products
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. is primarily a fee-based investment advisory firm, and
the majority of the firm’s compensation is derived from the investment management
fees we charge for advisory services.
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However, certain supervised persons of the firm are also registered representatives of
Private Client Services, Inc. (“PCS”), an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member of
FINRA/SIPC. In this separate capacity, they may receive commissions, trails, 12b-1
fees, or other transaction-based compensation from the sale of securities or insurance
products. These commissionable activities are generally limited to legacy brokerage
accounts and previously issued insurance products, and they are separate from our
investment advisory services.
Clients are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase investment or
insurance products through PCS or through any Horizon-affiliated representative.
When clients do engage in brokerage transactions through PCS, the affiliated
representative may receive additional compensation. These arrangements create a
potential conflict of interest, as they may create an incentive to recommend products
that result in additional compensation.
Neither Horizon Advisory Services nor its supervised persons, in their roles as
registered representatives of PCS, monitor or manage brokerage accounts or
brokerage-held investments on an ongoing basis. While we may provide hold or sell
recommendations for positions in brokerage accounts, we generally do not make buy-
side recommendations or actively allocate assets within those accounts.
On occasion, when a client requests to add to an existing position or exchange within a
brokerage account, we may accommodate the request; however, such activity is
limited and must be reviewed and approved in advance by the firm’s Chief Compliance
Officer (CCO). These transactions do not constitute ongoing investment management.
Clients seeking active management or portfolio oversight must engage Horizon
through a signed investment advisory agreement.
We mitigate potential conflicts of interest through transparency, internal oversight,
and by always prioritizing our fiduciary duty when providing investment advisory
services. Recommendations made in our advisory capacity are based solely on what
we believe to be in the best interest of the client.
General Information on Advisory Services and Fees
Our investment management and technology fees are negotiable at the sole discretion
of the firm. As a result, clients with similar account sizes, service needs, or complexity
may be charged different fee rates. The services we offer may also be available from
other providers at lower cost. Clients and prospective clients should consider this
when evaluating our services and fee structure.
We typically do not recommend the use of margin in client accounts. However, if
margin is used - whether at our recommendation or client request - clients should be
aware that our investment management fee is calculated based on the full gross value
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of assets in the account, including assets purchased on margin. This creates a
potential conflict of interest, as it may result in higher advisory fees. We address this
conflict by rarely recommending margin, and only when we determine it is in the
client’s best interest. Margin amplifies both potential gains and losses and may result
in losses greater than the original investment. Clients should review all margin-related
disclosures provided by the custodian before engaging in margin transactions.
Advisory services may be terminated at any time by either party with written notice, or
as otherwise provided in the advisory agreement. Upon termination, we will calculate
and deduct any earned but unpaid fees through the effective termination date. If a
client transfers assets to another firm without prior written notice - such as via an
ACAT (Automated Customer Account Transfer) - and fees cannot be deducted from the
account prior to transfer, the client will receive a final invoice for any earned, unpaid
fees. Although we typically bill in arrears, if any fees were prepaid and unearned, we
will refund the applicable portion. Any fees or charges imposed by custodians or other
third parties—such as account closing fees, transaction charges, or administrative
costs—are the responsibility of the client and will not be refunded by Horizon.
Fees are calculated and billed quarterly in arrears based on the average daily account
value during the calendar quarter. For clients who begin or terminate service mid-
quarter, fees are prorated based on the number of days services were provided. Fee
deductions are made directly from client accounts, and all fee activity is reported on
custodial statements. Clients are encouraged to review all account statements
carefully and contact us with any questions or concerns regarding fee calculations.
ITEM 6 - PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE
MANAGEMENT
Horizon does not charge performance-based fees. We do not assess fees based on
capital gains or a percentage of profits in client accounts. All clients are charged asset-
based fees according to the terms of their individual advisory agreements.
Because we do not charge performance-based fees, we do not engage in side-by-side
management of accounts with different fee structures. This helps to reduce the
potential for conflicts of interest related to the allocation of investment opportunities,
time, or resources among client accounts.
ITEM 7 - TYPES OF CLIENTS
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. provides investment advisory services primarily to
individuals and families, including taxable accounts, trusts, and retirement accounts.
While we do not impose a firm-wide minimum account size, certain investment
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strategies or operational constraints may result in account minimums at the advisor's
discretion. These minimums, if applicable, will be disclosed to the client in advance
and included in the advisory agreement.
ITEM 8 - METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, AND
RISK OF LOSS
Methods Of Analysis
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. uses a combination of fundamental and quantitative
analysis to evaluate and select investments for our model portfolios. Our internal
investment team analyzes factors such as fund expenses, historical performance, risk-
adjusted returns, portfolio composition, manager tenure, and alignment with the
intended role in the portfolio.
Fundamental analysis involves reviewing financial statements, management track
records, industry outlook, and other publicly available data to estimate a security’s
intrinsic value. As with any analysis, there is a risk that our interpretation of the data
may be incorrect or that market prices will not adjust as anticipated.
Our primary source for investment research and data is YCharts, which provides
analytical tools and comprehensive data for securities, funds, and economic
indicators. We may also supplement our analysis with additional resources, including
but not limited to:
• Research provided through custodial platforms, including Schwab
• Public SEC filings and company-specific disclosures
• Financial publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and
Bloomberg
• Company websites, annual reports, earnings calls, and investor presentations
• Financial data aggregators such as Yahoo! Finance and Google Finance
We do not rely on technical analysis or short-term trading signals. Our focus is on
long-term value and portfolio-level alignment with client goals.
Investment Strategies
Our investment philosophy is built on the principles of asset allocation and
diversification. The firm’s Investment Committee develops and maintains a suite of
model portfolios, each aligned with a specific investment objective and risk profile.
These models typically include allocations to multiple asset classes—such as U.S. and
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international equities, fixed income, and cash equivalents—and are primarily
implemented using mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
We follow a top-down process, first determining the appropriate asset allocation, then
selecting investment vehicles to fill each allocation. Models are reviewed regularly and
updated based on our outlook for the economy and capital markets.
For clients with sufficient account size or more complex needs, individual stocks and
bonds may be used in place of pooled investment vehicles. All portfolios are tailored
using the firm’s core model framework, and each client’s representative recommends
an allocation that reflects the client’s goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial
profile.
We manage portfolios using a long-term, buy-and-hold strategy, and rebalance
periodically or as needed to maintain alignment with the target allocation. While we
monitor economic and market trends, we do not engage in frequent trading or short-
term market timing.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. The
value of a client’s portfolio may fluctuate due to market conditions, economic events,
interest rate movements, geopolitical factors, and issuer-specific developments.
Clients should be prepared to bear the risk of loss associated with investing.
While diversification and strategic asset allocation are core components of our
investment approach, they do not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in declining
markets. No investment strategy can eliminate all risk or assure future returns.
Examples of common investment risks include, but are not limited to:
• Market Risk – General market movements that affect the value of most
investments
•
Interest Rate Risk – The potential for bond prices to decline as interest rates rise
•
Inflation Risk – The erosion of purchasing power over time due to rising prices
• Currency Risk – Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates affecting international
investments
• Liquidity Risk – Difficulty selling an investment without significantly impacting
its price
• Reinvestment Risk – The chance of having to reinvest proceeds at lower interest
rates
• Business Risk – Risks specific to a company’s financial health or business
model
• Financial Risk – Risks associated with a company’s use of debt or leverage
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Additionally, there is a risk that the securities we select for a portfolio may
underperform their peers, benchmarks, or the broader market. Past performance is
not a guarantee of future results, and no assurance can be made that any investment
strategy will achieve its objectives.
Client Obligations
The effectiveness of our investment advisory services depends on accurate and timely
information from the client. We rely on each client to provide a complete and up-to-
date picture of their financial circumstances, investment goals, cash flow needs, and
risk tolerance.
Clients are responsible for promptly notifying us of any material changes in their
financial situation, investment objectives, or other relevant factors that may impact
how we manage their accounts. Failure to provide such updates may result in a
portfolio strategy that no longer aligns with the client’s needs.
We are not required to verify the accuracy of information received from the client or
from third-party professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants), and we are expressly
authorized to rely on that information in making investment decisions or
recommendations.
Clients should also regularly review account statements and performance reports, and
contact us with any questions or concerns regarding their accounts or our services.
ITEM 9 - DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. has not been involved in any legal or disciplinary
events that are material to a client’s or prospective client’s evaluation of our advisory
business or the integrity of our management team.
We are required to disclose any such events if they had occurred within the past ten
years or are otherwise material. If that changes in the future, we will promptly update
this Brochure and notify affected clients as required by law.
ITEM 10 - OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND
AFFILIATIONS
Certain supervised persons of Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. are also registered
representatives of Private Client Services, Inc. (“PCS”), an SEC-registered broker-
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dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. In this separate capacity, they may receive
commissions or other transaction-based compensation from the sale of securities.
Some of our supervised persons are also licensed insurance agents and may receive
compensation for the sale of insurance products.
Clients should be aware that this dual relationship creates a conflict of interest. We
place our clients’ interests first as part of our fiduciary duty, and clients are under no
obligation, contractually or otherwise, to execute securities or insurance transactions
through PCS or through our personnel in their roles as registered representatives or
insurance agents.
Horizon Advisory Services is not owned by or affiliated with PCS or any insurance
carrier. These relationships are based on the individual licensing or registration of our
supervised persons. When acting in a brokerage or insurance capacity, these
individuals are not acting as representatives of Horizon Advisory Services.
We manage potential conflicts through clear disclosure, supervisory oversight, and by
ensuring that all recommendations made in an advisory capacity are based solely on
what we believe to be in the best interest of the client.
ITEM 11 - CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT
TRANSACTIONS AND PERSONAL TRADING
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) in
compliance with SEC Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The
Code sets forth the professional and ethical standards expected of all supervised
persons of the firm. Its purpose is to protect client interests and ensure we meet our
fiduciary obligations of honesty, good faith, and fair dealing—while also permitting
employees to invest for their own accounts in a responsible and transparent manner.
The Code includes policies related to the confidentiality of client information, a
prohibition on insider trading, limits on the acceptance of gifts or business
entertainment, and personal securities trading procedures, among other topics. All
supervised persons are required to acknowledge the Code annually and upon any
material amendments.
Horizon’s supervised persons may invest in the same securities we recommend to
clients. When this occurs, we require all personal trading to be conducted in
accordance with the Code. Our policies are designed to ensure that employee trading
activities do not interfere with our ability to make and implement decisions in the best
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interest of clients. Among other safeguards, the Code:
• Requires pre-clearance of employee participation in initial public offerings,
limited offerings and other personal securities transactions
• Requires reporting and monitoring of personal securities transactions to
prevent conflicts with client trading
• Prohibits employees from using non-public information for personal gain
• Requires ongoing reporting and monitoring of personal accounts
Despite these controls, there is a possibility that an employee may benefit from market
activity initiated by a client. To address this, the firm conducts regular reviews of
employee trading to detect and prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
We will provide a copy of our Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon
request.
ITEM 12 - BROKERAGE PRACTICES
The Custodians And Brokers We Use
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. does not maintain physical custody of client assets.
However, we are deemed to have constructive custody in certain situations—such as
when clients authorize us to deduct advisory fees directly from their accounts. All
client assets must be held with a qualified custodian, typically a FINRA-registered
broker-dealer or a bank, which maintains possession of the account and provides
clients with regular statements.
We generally recommend that clients custody their assets with Charles Schwab & Co.,
Inc. (“Schwab”), a registered broker-dealer and member of SIPC. Schwab provides
custody, trade execution, and related services to independent investment advisers
through its institutional platform. Horizon is independently owned and operated and is
not affiliated with Schwab or any other custodian.
Clients open their accounts by signing an account agreement directly with the
qualified custodian. While we assist clients with the account-opening process, we do
not open accounts on their behalf. The custodian holds client assets, processes
deposits and withdrawals, and executes trades as instructed by Horizon.
Clients who wish to use a custodian other than Schwab must obtain mutual agreement
from Horizon. If we do not mutually agree on an acceptable custodian, we will not be
able to provide investment advisory services for that account.
While most trades are executed through the account’s custodian, we reserve the right
to use other brokers for trade execution when we believe doing so is in the client’s
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best interest, as described further below.
How We Select Brokers/Custodians
When recommending a broker-dealer or custodian, Horizon Advisory Services, Inc.
seeks to select firms that provide overall value and service quality for our clients. We
consider a range of factors to determine whether a provider can deliver execution and
custody services on terms we believe are in the best interests of our clients,
considering both cost and service capabilities.
Our evaluation includes, but is not limited to, the following considerations:
• Integrated trade execution and custody services (typically with no separate
custody fee)
• Access to lowest-cost share classes of mutual funds where available
• Capability to execute, clear, and settle transactions efficiently
• Support for client-directed transactions, including wires, ACH transfers, check
requests, and disbursements
• Breadth of available investment products (e.g., stocks, bonds, mutual funds,
ETFs)
• Availability of institutional research, trading tools, and technology that assist us
in serving clients
• Quality and responsiveness of the firm’s client service team
• Competitive pricing on trading, margin, and administrative services
• Financial strength, reputation, and regulatory standing
• Historical service experience with our firm and our clients
• Access to other non-monetary services or benefits that support our advisory
business (described in the following section)
We do not consider these factors in isolation. Instead, we evaluate the overall balance
of cost, capabilities, and service when determining whether a custodian or broker-
dealer is appropriate for client use.
Your Brokerage and Custody Costs
The qualified custodian (“QC”) that holds your account is entitled to charge fees for
custody and brokerage services in several ways. Depending on the custodian and
account type, these fees can include:
• An asset-based fee (such as the 5-basis-point fee that Charles Schwab & Co.,
Inc., charges annually on Chargeable Assets, calculated and billed in
accordance with its Asset-Based Pricing Addendum signed at account opening)
• Commissions or transaction fees on trades that are executed through the
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custodian or settle into your account
• Payment for order flow or rebates, which the custodian receives from some
trading venues when routing client orders
In addition, if Horizon arranges for a trade to be executed by a broker-dealer other
than your custodian—a practice known as a “trade away”—your QC may charge you a
flat “trade away” or “prime broker” fee for settling the transaction into your account.
These fees are separate from, and in addition to, any commission paid to the executing
broker-dealer.
Because trade away fees can increase your overall trading costs, we generally execute
client trades directly through your custodian. We have determined that using the QC
for most transactions is consistent with our obligation to seek best execution, which
refers to obtaining the most favorable overall terms for your transactions, considering
a range of factors including price, execution quality, costs, speed, and reliability.
All such brokerage or custodial fees are charged by the custodian and are not retained
by Horizon.
Products and Services Available to Us from QCs.
Qualified custodians (“QCs”) provide Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. and our clients
with access to institutional brokerage and custody services, which are typically not
available to retail investors. These services may include trade execution, custody of
client assets, account reporting, and access to a broad range of investment products.
In addition, QCs make available a variety of support services that help us manage
client accounts and operate our business.
These support services are generally offered unsolicited and at no direct charge to
Horizon. Some of these services directly benefit you and your account; others benefit
us by enhancing our operational infrastructure, even if they don’t have a direct effect
on your account.
Services That Benefit You - These services support the management of your portfolio
and include:
• A wide selection of investment products, including lower-cost share classes
and institutional funds
• Efficient trade execution and settlement
• Secure custody of assets
• Access to institutional-level tools and features that may not be available to retail
investors
• Streamlined account administration and operational support
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These services enhance our ability to provide you with a higher standard of
investment management.
Services That Indirectly Benefit You - QCs also provide us with access to investment
research, portfolio management tools, and account administration technology. While
these services may not directly benefit a particular client account, they support our
ability to manage client portfolios effectively and consistently. Examples include:
• Access to client account data (such as duplicate trade confirmations and
account statements)
• Trade execution and allocation tools for managing block orders
• Market data and security pricing tools
• Systems for fee billing, reporting, and recordkeeping
These tools improve our firm’s efficiency and the consistency of service across all
client accounts.
Services That Benefit Horizon - In addition to custodial and portfolio management
tools, QCs also offer services intended to help us grow and manage our business.
These include:
• Educational conferences, webinars, and practice management resources
• Consulting services on compliance, operations, technology, and business
planning
• Publications and tools related to business succession and human capital
support
• Discounts or payments for third party services arranged by the custodian
• Occasional business entertainment or non-cash benefits (e.g. meals, event
invitations)
These benefits are provided to Horizon, not to individual clients, and may create a
potential conflict of interest.
Our Interest in QC Services and Potential Conflicts of Interest - The availability of
these products and services creates a potential conflict of interest. We are not
required to pay for many of these resources as long as a minimum level of client assets
are custodied with the QC. Although we do not receive direct compensation from QCs,
the ability to access these services without cost provides us with an incentive to
recommend custodians who offer them.
We mitigate this conflict by selecting custodians based on what we believe is in the
best interests of our clients. Our evaluation prioritizes the overall value, service
quality, and cost of custody and execution—not the ancillary benefits made available
to us as an adviser. We continue to believe that the custodians we recommend provide
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excellent value and service for our clients.
Trade Errors
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. has procedures in place to identify and correct trade
errors in a timely and equitable manner. If a trade error occurs in a client account and
results in a loss, we will take appropriate steps to ensure that the client is made
whole. Clients will not bear the cost of errors caused by the firm.
Clients are not permitted to retain profits that result from trade errors. If a correction
results in a gain, that profit is typically retained by the custodian, not by the client or
by Horizon. Our firm does not keep any profits from trade errors. If an error causes a
loss, Horizon is responsible for covering the loss and will be billed by the custodian
accordingly.
Our goal is to ensure that trade errors are handled consistently, fairly, and in a way
that protects the interests of our clients.
Block Trading and Trade Allocations
When appropriate, Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. may aggregate, or “block,” orders
to buy or sell the same security across multiple client accounts. This practice allows
us to execute trades more efficiently and may help reduce transaction costs and
improve execution quality.
Block trading is typically used when we are executing trades in individual securities,
such as stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), for multiple clients at the same time.
If multiple executions are required to complete a block trade, each participating
account will receive the average execution price for the block, and transaction costs
will be allocated pro rata based on the size of each client’s order.
We use a pre-determined, non-discretionary allocation method to ensure that all
participating accounts are treated fairly and equitably. No account is favored over
another, and clients benefit equally from the average pricing and cost savings that may
result from aggregating orders.
Not all trades are executed as block trades. Whether a trade is aggregated depends on
a variety of factors, including the type of security, client-specific timing requirements,
and operational logistics. When block trading is not possible or practical, we execute
client orders individually and continue to seek best execution on all trades.
Directed Brokerage
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. does not typically permit clients to direct brokerage.
We generally require that clients use the custodians and broker-dealers we
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recommend in order to maintain consistent trading practices, operational efficiency,
and best execution standards.
• In very limited or exceptional cases, we may consider accommodating a
directed brokerage request. However, clients should understand that doing so
may:
• Limit our ability to aggregate orders or negotiate transaction costs
• Prevent us from seeking best execution across platforms
• Result in higher trading expenses or delayed execution
Clients who request directed brokerage assume the risks associated with these
limitations. Any such arrangement must be mutually agreed upon in writing and is
subject to the firm’s discretion.
ITEM 13 - REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. reviews client accounts on both a scheduled and
ongoing basis. At a minimum, each client is offered an annual review. Many clients
receive two or more reviews per year, depending on their complexity, engagement
preferences, or evolving financial needs.
Reviews are conducted by the client’s Investment Adviser Representative (IAR), who
evaluates changes in the client’s financial situation, goals, risk tolerance, or cash flow
needs. IARs also conduct ad hoc reviews when made aware of material life events or
at the client's request. Clients are encouraged to notify us of any significant changes
that may affect their financial plan or investment strategy.
In addition to advisor-led reviews, client portfolios are monitored on an ongoing basis
by our internal investment management team. This team is responsible for:
• Ensuring portfolios remain within acceptable drift ranges based on client-
specific allocation targets
• Reviewing and updating model portfolios to confirm each holding aligns with
the intended mission of the model
• Overseeing consistency and investment discipline across all client accounts
Clients receive monthly or quarterly account statements directly from the qualified
custodian, depending on account activity. Horizon also provides clients with access to
Albridge, a secure client portal where they can view portfolio performance and
account-level reporting at their discretion. Horizon does not deliver performance
reports on a regular cadence, but clients may log in to access reports at any time.
Clients should promptly notify us of any concerns or discrepancies they identify in
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custodial statements, investment holdings, or performance data.
ITEM 14 - CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. receives economic benefits from custodians and
service providers in the form of support services, as described in Item 12: Brokerage
Practices. These include access to technology platforms, investment research,
practice management resources, and trading tools. While these services are not paid
for directly by clients, they may create a conflict of interest, which we mitigate by
making recommendations based on the best interests of each client.
In addition, some of our supervised persons are also registered representatives of
Private Client Services, Inc. (“PCS”), a registered broker-dealer, and/or licensed
insurance agents. In these separate roles, they may receive commissions, trails, or
other compensation from third parties for the sale of securities or insurance products.
These activities are described in more detail in Items 5 and 10 of this Brochure. Clients
are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to purchase investment or
insurance products through these individuals.
Horizon does not currently engage promoters (formerly called solicitors) to refer new
clients to the firm. However, we previously maintained a relationship with a third-
party promoter who no longer actively refers clients, but continues to receive
compensation for legacy relationships established under that agreement. These
arrangements were fully disclosed at the time and remain in place only for those
specific clients. No new clients are being referred under that agreement.
ITEM 15 - CUSTODY
Under SEC rules, Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. is deemed to have custody of client
assets in certain situations - most commonly when clients authorize us to deduct our
advisory fees directly from their account held at a qualified custodian. We may also be
deemed to have custody if a client grants us standing authority to transfer funds to a
third party (e.g., via a standing letter of authorization or SLOA).
While we may be deemed to have custody for regulatory purposes, Horizon does not
maintain physical custody of client funds or securities. Client assets are held by a
qualified custodian (“QC”), typically a FINRA-registered broker-dealer or a bank,
which is responsible for safeguarding the assets and issuing account statements.
Clients will receive statements directly from the custodian at least quarterly, sent to
the email or mailing address on file with the custodian. These statements are the
official record of the account and should be reviewed promptly.
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Clients are strongly encouraged to compare any reports or statements received from
Horizon (such as performance or allocation summaries) with the statements issued by
the custodian. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately to both Horizon and
the custodian.
ITEM 16 - INVESTMENT DISCRETION
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. provides investment advisory services on a
discretionary basis only. This means that clients grant us the authority to determine
the identity, amount, and timing of securities to be bought or sold in their accounts,
without obtaining advance approval for each transaction.
Discretionary authority is granted through the client’s execution of our Investment
Management Agreement, which outlines the scope of our authority and the terms of
the relationship. This discretionary authority allows us to manage portfolios efficiently
in alignment with each client’s stated investment objectives and risk tolerance.
Clients may request reasonable investment restrictions (e.g., excluding certain
securities or industries). All such requests must be submitted in writing to the firm’s
Chief Compliance Officer and are subject to review by the firm’s Investment Policy
Committee to determine whether they can be reasonably implemented within the
context of the client’s strategy and the firm’s investment framework.
ITEM 17 - VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. does not vote proxies on behalf of clients and does not
provide advice about how clients should vote securities held in their accounts. Clients
retain the authority and responsibility to vote all proxies and act on other shareholder
matters. This is outlined in our Investment Management Agreement.
Clients may contact us with questions about a particular proxy solicitation; however,
we will not provide recommendations on how to vote. If a client needs assistance
understanding the materials or accessing documentation, we may be able to help
facilitate that access.
In limited cases, a qualified custodian’s default account settings may incorrectly
indicate that Horizon is responsible for proxy voting. In such instances, we will take
no action on the client’s behalf other than to forward any proxy materials to the client
or a third-party designated by the client. Horizon will not vote proxies under any
circumstances, even if account documents suggest otherwise, unless we have entered
into a specific written agreement stating otherwise.
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ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. does not require or solicit prepayment of fees of more
than $1,200 per client, six months or more in advance.
The firm is not aware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its
ability to meet contractual commitments to clients.
Horizon Advisory Services, Inc. has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at
any time.
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