The Folly Of Forecasting

by | Jan 7, 2021 | Recent Commentary

Last year’s zeal for risky investments was epitomized by the run-up in cryptocurrencies.  For example, bitcoin quadrupled in value.  The surge in bitcoin was driven by individual and institutional investors alike, many wading into the market for the first time. Over...

COVID-19 Resurgence

by | Oct 29, 2020 | Recent Commentary

So far in 2020 we have had a pandemic, a recession, an impeachment trial of a president, social unrest, and a contentious presidential campaign.  The coming year could be just as eventful.  What do institutional money managers think about such an uncertain environment...

Our Annual Q & A

by | Sep 29, 2020 | Recent Commentary

1.  What happened in September? Is this a textbook correction or the start of something worse?  The pullback in stocks in September is due to a number of reasons: –              Tech stocks (including the FANG+ names) had powerful gains in the summer and had to...
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.

March 2025 Market Commentary

Here are our final thoughts on the just completed earnings season for Q4 ’24. Both the EPS and revenue beat rates were...
Read More

January 2023 Market Commentary

Jan 5, 2023

  Equity investors do not have a lot to like, but that is always the case closer to market bottoms than tops. That doesn’t mean we have to rally in 2023, but just because positives are limited doesn’t mean we have to keep going lower either. The end of a bear...

December 2022 Market Commentary

Nov 29, 2022

The stock market has been strong since early October.  The S&P 500 rallied 6.5% in October and is up 2.5% so far in November (through November 28th).  Although this is likely a bear market rally, something has changed in investors’ minds.  In the short term,...

November 2022 Market Commentary

Nov 1, 2022

After the market and sentiment hit a low on September 30, stocks had a fabulous October. The Dow surged 14.0% in October with the S&P 500 up 8.0%.  NASDAQ trailed but was up 3.9%.  It was the best month for the Dow since January 1976. The most impressive part of...

View All

Monthly Updates

June 2023 Mid-Month Recap

Jun 13, 2023

This morning the headline CPI was released at 0.1% for the month of May, and 4% year-over-year.  Inflation is coming down as fast as it went up.  The pace of increase in year-over-year inflation has now declined for eleven straight months.  But because monthly ‘core’...

May 2023 Mid-Month Recap

May 15, 2023

Stocks remain in no man’s land, with neither side making much progress. This probably helps to explain why the market doesn’t feel much like a bull or bear.  From a technical perspective, we are still in a bear market but remain in a tight trading range.  The S&P...

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

We provide dedicated solutions
Contact Us

Professional Links

Association Links

Content Links