Recent Commentary

The Three Types of Corrections Investors Face

The Three Types of Corrections Investors Face

The corporate earnings growth rate (year/year) for Q4, 2017 was a spectacular 15.2%, the highest quarterly growth rate reported in over six years. It marked the third time in the past four quarters earnings growth was in double digits. Revenues grew an impressive 7.9%...

read more
The Sweet Smell of Large Caps

The Sweet Smell of Large Caps

The unfolding 2018 market narrative trumpets the expectation of strong corporate profits ahead. But first, let’s take a look at how fourth quarter 2017 reports are shaping up so far. Fourth quarter earnings are expected to grow 11.2% (ex­financial companies). We are...

read more
Market Jitters Send Stocks Down 10%

Market Jitters Send Stocks Down 10%

As of last night’s close, the S&P 500 has dropped 10% in the last nine trading days. Investors are nervous about the rapid escalation in interest rates this year as well as a whiff of inflation with wage gains up 2.9% in January. Many are concerned the Fed will...

read more
Investor Balance Sheet for 2018

Investor Balance Sheet for 2018

It is with warmth and sincere gratitude that we at Clearview wish you a fulfilling New Year. Every year is the same; Wall Street is forecasting a 10% return for stocks for 2018. Some firms are projecting even higher returns seemingly trying to out forecast their...

read more
Don’t Fear the Fed

Don’t Fear the Fed

Last year was another solid year for investors, especially following a stellar 2013 of 30+% gains. For the year, the S&P 500 Index rose 11.4% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 7.5%. The average U.S. mutual stock fund rose 7.6% and the average...

read more
The Bull Market Remains Intact

The Bull Market Remains Intact

The S+P 500 recorded its seventh consecutive quarterly gain in the third quarter, up 0.6% while the Dow was up 1.3%; However most stocks did not fare as well as the popular averages. The average diversified U.S. stock fund was down 1.9%. Small caps were especially hit...

read more
The Bull Market Remains Intact

Stock Market Delivered Positive Returns

The first half of the year has now ended with the stock market having delivered positive returns. The S&P 500 stock index rose a solid 6.1% while the Dow Jones provided a modest 1.5%. And after GDP growth of -2.9% in the first quarter, Q2 GDP growth is forecast to...

read more

Archives

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.

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.

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 2022 Market Commentary

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...

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...

September 2022 Market Commentary

In the second quarter, the decline in residential investment subtracted 0.7% from real GDP growth. The third quarter has started on a sour note:  July housing starts dropped nearly 20% from their cyclical peak in April. Home builder sentiment for August plunged to its...

Monthly Updates

May 2023 Mid-Month Recap

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...

March 2023 Mid-Month Recap

BANK FAILURES... MORE TO COME? The “higher for longer” narrative was erased last week in the blink of an eye with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB).  Systemic risk to the financial system is one thing that will stop the Federal Reserve’s current rate hike...

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

We provide dedicated solutions
Contact Us