August 2022 Mid-Month Recap

by | Aug 1, 2022 | Monthly Updates

The S&P 500 is up 17% since June 16th, yet market fundamentals seem to be deteriorating. Profit margins are falling, consumer price inflation is still high at 8.5% year-over-year, higher interest rates are slowing down many sectors of the economy (especially...

July 2022 Mid-Month Recap

by | Jul 19, 2022 | Monthly Updates

Higher interest rates are not only hitting stock and bond markets, they are also hurting the housing market. Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates are off the recent high of six percent, but mortgage applications are plunging, consistent with an outright collapse in sales...

July 2022 Market Commentary

by | Jul 7, 2022 | Recent Commentary

Let’s start Q3 on a positive note.  If there has ever been a time that the market was “due” to rally, it is in the months ahead.  Historical gains are impressive after a two-quarter 20% drop like we just experienced.  Following a correction like this, the market has...

June 2022 Mid-Month Recap

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Monthly Updates

While earnings growth has held up (analysts still project 10.4% growth in calendar 2022 according to FactSet), it hasn’t been enough to offset the collapse in valuations.  Are valuations now cheap enough to attract persistent buying and end this bear market?  Probably...
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Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

Are you prepared for the next market correction or financial crisis?

Let us Help
Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

Are you prepared for the next market correction or financial crisis?

Let us Help
Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

Are you prepared for the next market correction or financial crisis?

Let us Help
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Real Retirement Solutions

designed to improve
  • Wealth Preservation
  • Management of Risky Assets
  • Peace of Mind

This is achieved through an ongoing assessment of market risks given your specific financial situation and goals.

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Professional Expertise

Leadership Team

Richard Furmanski

Richard Furmanski

CFA

has been a portfolio manager and analyst for over 35 years. He manages conservative, tax-efficient portfolios for both pre-retirees and retirees. His lower risk approach appeals to investors who want less volatility and competitive risk-adjusted returns.

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Mary Ellen Adam

Mary Ellen Adam

Director of Operations

has been in office administration for over twenty years. Her experience includes customer service, firm operations, and office administration. She interacts with our clients on a day-to-day basis and handles any requests that may arise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find the answer to your questions here, feel free to give us a call at 847-847-2505

Do you manage both stock and bond portfolios?

Yes. We build a portfolio of conservative, high-quality stocks and hold them for the long-term. The average holding period is 4 – 5 years. Our focus is on stocks that are suitable for retirement portfolios.

Our high-quality bond portfolios are designed to provide both income and stability of principal. Bonds provide the anchor for balanced accounts (those holding both stocks and bonds).

What is your investment philosophy?
We take great care in purchasing only high-quality stocks and bonds intent on a multi-year holding period. Portfolio turnover and taxable realized gains are modest in comparison to other active managers. We do not time the market but will become more defensive, in terms of stock holdings, when market conditions warrant.
Will the portfolio be managed in accordance with my financial goals?
Yes. Each of our clients has a custom-tailored portfolio. These custom portfolios are designed to meet specific client objectives with a thoughtful approach to specific constraints such as risk tolerance. And as each client’s situation changes, the portfolio does as well. There is no cookie cutter approach.
What kind of expertise do you have and how can that help me in difficult markets?
We have been working with high-net-worth clients like you since 1982. Over that time we have helped them to navigate several bear markets and financial crises (including the stock market crash of 1987). We hold the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations.
Are you sensitive to taxes when managing portfolios?
Yes. Our holding period for an individual stock averages 4 plus years which means our turnover is low and realized gains can be carefully managed. Further, where possible, we tax loss harvest small losses as a way of offsetting gains taken elsewhere in the portfolio.
How have you performed?
Results will differ by client and the level of customization but we have provided competitive investment returns for many years.
How do you charge for your services?
We charge a management or consultant fee based upon the size and level of customization of the account. As the account grows, we benefit together.

Recent Commentaries

Stay up to date with all of our latest comments and analysis.

November 2024 Market Commentary

With an YTD gain of 22.1% through yesterday, the S&P 500 is on pace for its second annual 20% gain in a row....
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April 2022 Market Commentary

Apr 1, 2022

Despite year-to-date losses for stocks, the estimated earnings of the S&P 500 companies for the next 12 months have continued to climb as shown below:   NO LETUP IN FORWARD EPS ESTIMATES Source:  Bespoke Investment Group This divergence between the trend in...

March 2022 Market Commentary

Mar 2, 2022

  Even though the market rebound last week was coincident with the Russian invasion (possibly signaling the bad news was fully discounted), we don’t think the coast is clear, and more volatility may be with us in the short term. Investors have at least three...

February 2022 Market Commentary

Feb 1, 2022

  We are almost halfway through earnings season.  Earnings announcements are always important but maybe more so this quarter due to investors’ eagerness to see how inflation, including wage growth, is affecting companies’ bottom lines and outlooks for 2022.    So...

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Monthly Updates

November 2022 Mid-Month Recap

Nov 16, 2022

Sometimes it is hard to find glimmers of hope in the midst of a bear market.  Maybe last Thursday’s 1200 point surge in the Dow was an indication the worst is over.  Time will tell. Seasonals, however, are very bullish right now.  Here is what we mean:  First,...

October 2022 Mid-Month Recap

Oct 13, 2022

It was easy to get wrapped up in all of the negative headlines when stocks hit their bear market low on September 30th.  But there were reliable technical factors that indicated the selling had gone too far – at least in the short term.  Here are three of those...

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