Horizon Financial Services, LLC

At Horizon Financial Services, we believe financial planning should be about more than numbers, it should be about people.
Since 2011, we’ve helped individuals and families across North Carolina and beyond take control of their financial future. As an independent, fiduciary advisory firm, we’re not here to sell products. We’re here to offer insight, options, and support that reflect your unique goals, values, and vision for the future.

Whether you're planning for retirement, navigating tax strategies, or building a legacy, our experienced team is committed to walking with you through every stage of your financial journey.

Your life. Your goals. Our guidance, always in your best interest.

🔗 horizonfs.com/about-us

Hard work builds dreams, strengthens families, and helps communities thrive.

This Labor Day, we celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and commitment of workers everywhere. We hope you have the opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy the rewards of all you've accomplished.

Happy Labor Day from all of us at Horizon Financial Services!

Strong financial planning is not just about technical expertise. It is built on a foundation of trust, clear communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

At Horizon Financial Services, our guiding principles help shape how we think, how we advise, and how we support clients over time.

If you are interested in understanding the philosophy behind our approach, we invite you to learn more.

👉 Visit our website: horizonfs.com/guiding-principles

As we celebrate Labor Day, our office will be closed on Monday, September 7, so our team can enjoy time with family and friends while honoring the contributions of workers across our country.

If you need immediate assistance while our office is closed, please contact Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. at 877-519-1403.

Please note that the financial markets and Charles Schwab will also be closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

We wish you a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable holiday. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your financial journey.

Happy Labor Day from all of us at Horizon Financial Services!

Looking for thoughtful financial insights delivered straight to your inbox?
Our monthly newsletter shares timely market perspectives, educational resources, and planning considerations to help you stay informed about your financial future.

👉 Sign up today on our website: horizonfs.com/newsletter-signup

We respect your inbox and your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Required minimum distribution (RMDs) are as much about tax planning as they are about income. Even if you don’t need the cash flow, withdrawals are still required and taxable. At Horizon Financial Services, we help you understand the rules, coordinate distributions, and consider tax-aware options: timing and withholding, coordinating with other income, qualified charitable distribution (QCD) if eligible, and inherited-IRA considerations. Whether your priority is income planning or tax planning, a review can help keep things aligned with your goals and current Secure 2.0 age rules.

Our Wealth CheckPoints framework also emphasizes taking RMDs on time and thoughtfully choosing which accounts to draw from, so your strategy reflects your goals and risk tolerance.

📞 Let’s talk about an RMD and tax plan that fits your life:
horizonfs.com/tax-strategies | horizonfs.com/retirement-income-planning

Three Ways to Lower Your Retirement Tax Bill 💡
Maximizing your tax savings in retirement is an important part of a comprehensive financial plan. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, here are three strategies that may help improve the tax efficiency of your retirement income:

1️⃣ Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
Starting at age 70½, IRA owners who are charitably inclined may be eligible to make QCDs. For those age 73 and subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), QCDs may help reduce taxable income, particularly if you claim the standard deduction.

2️⃣ Strategically Timed Withdrawals
Consider timing withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts so they span two calendar years. For example, taking partial distributions before and after December 31 may help spread out the tax impact and potentially lower your marginal rate.

3️⃣ Roth Conversions
In some cases, converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA can be tax-efficient, especially if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket later. Roth conversions involve paying taxes now, but qualified withdrawals down the road may be tax-free.

📌 Tax laws can change, so it’s wise to review your options with a financial or tax professional before taking action.
Read more: https://www.horizonfs.com/articles/3-ways-to-lower-your-retirement-tax-bill

Did you know Horizon Financial Services is on LinkedIn?

Follow us there for professional insights, market perspectives, and educational resources to help you stay informed about financial planning and retirement.

👉 Connect with us today: https://www.linkedin.com/company/horizon-financial-services-llc

Have you ever stopped to wonder...
If something happened tomorrow, would your loved ones know what to do?

Estate planning is about more than having a will or trust. It's about making sure the people you care about have the clarity and confidence to navigate life's unexpected moments.

Join us for our next Coffee with John as we discuss practical ways to help your family prepare without giving up your privacy or feeling overwhelmed.

We'll cover:
☕ Who should know what
☕ How to organize important information
☕ Common mistakes families make
☕ Simple steps that can make a difficult time a little easier

📅 September 15th, 2026
🕘 9am-10am
📍 Horizon Financial Services Classroom

If you've been meaning to review your estate plan or simply want to make life easier for those you love, we'd love to see you there.

Please RSVP via this link: https://loom.ly/M5s8LbI