October 2021 Market Commentary

by | Sep 28, 2021 | Recent Commentary

Q.  If the government shuts down on October 1st, are stocks in for a rough patch? Goldman Sachs recently concluded that U.S. government shutdowns generally have not meaningfully impacted equity returns. In the 14 government shutdowns since 1980, the S&P 500 posted...

August 2021 Mid-Month Recap

by | Aug 19, 2021 | Monthly Updates

Last week when stocks were rising with the S&P 500 closing at its fifth straight record high, investors seemed unfazed by a Fed taper later this year.  After yesterday’s FOMC minutes and three sharp down days in a row, the market now worries over a Fed taper. ...
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
Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

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

Let us Help
3

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.

Get Started

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.

View full bio

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.

View full bio

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....
Read More

A Tough Quarter For Bonds – What To Do Now In Bond Portfolios

Apr 6, 2021

Broad participation in the stock market is indicative of a healthy bull market.  Currently all eleven sectors are comfortably above their 50-day moving average which is a sign of healthy breadth across the market spectrum.  Also, even though every sector is above its...

Blast Off For The U.S. Economy

Mar 2, 2021

The pandemic closed casino doors and opened up a much more addictive and accessible form of gambling:  online day trading.  It is the new drug of choice for generations Y and Z.  With zero commissions and easy access to leverage, those young adults are at risk of...

GameStop Fades – We’ve Seen This Movie Before

Feb 2, 2021

Throughout the broad uptrend off the March 2020 lows, we have seen different sectors take on leadership roles at various points in time.  The broader the base of advancing stocks, the healthier the market.  It is not just FANG+ leading the charge.  Value stocks have...

View All

Monthly Updates

February 2022 Mid-Month Recap

Feb 15, 2022

The sharp drop in share prices last Friday was attributed to the expected invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Although that prospect is a disturbing geopolitical event, any U.S. stock market reaction is likely to be limited and short-lived.  The U.S. stock market typically...

January 2022 Mid-Month Recap

Jan 19, 2022

The S&P 500 may be only 5% below its all-time high (the NASDAQ, 10%), but the average stock is doing much worse. For example, the average stock in the Russell 3000 (a broader index than the S&P 500 that includes mid and small caps) is down 27% from its high,...

As a current or near term retiree you have real concerns…

We provide dedicated solutions
Contact Us

Professional Links

Association Links

Content Links