October 2022 Market Commentary

  Here is our annual Q and A of questions most asked by clients: Q             When will the bear market in stocks end? A             It will be hard to know precisely when the bear market ends.  Unfortunately, they don’t ring a bell when the coast is clear. A...

July 2022 Market 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...
Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

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

Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

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

Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

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

Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

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

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.

January 2025 Market Commentary

The S&P 500 has had a 20%+ return for two years in a row. It has only rallied 20%+ in back-to-back years three...

November 2023 Market Commentary

October was the third straight lousy month for stocks with the S&P 500 down about 3% through yesterday.  Both the S&P 500 and NASDAQ entered correction territory late last week.  Small caps (Russell 2000) are down about 18% from their high in July and down 32%...

October 2023 Market Commentary

We may be in a bull market, but outside of the mega-caps in the S&P 500, it has been a flat year for the stock market. The S&P 500 is up a rosy 11.7% through September, but the median S&P 500 stock is up just 0.4% YTD.  And the broader market is up less...

September 2023 Market Commentary

What a difference a month makes.   After a strong June and July, the S&P 500 is down about 3% this month so far with the NASDAQ 100 down about 4%.  Small caps are down about 6%.  So, while we may have seen a broadening of the market, unfortunately it has been to...

Monthly Updates

January 2024 Mid-Month Recap

Even though last week’s CPI (consumer price index) came in hotter than expected, we would argue against interpreting results as a notable uptick in inflation. “Supercore” (which strips out a range of very volatile categories) continued to trend weaker.  We were happy...

December 2023 Mid-Month Recap

The S&P 500’s price change so far in Biden’s Presidency is now essentially right at the average gain that we have seen at this point in the four-year Presidential Cycle for the S&P 500 going back to 1928.  We are now at the end of year three of the election...

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