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.

April 2025 Market Commentary

IS IT ONLY TARIFFS? The blame for the market’s drop lies squarely on the shoulders of tariffs.  During the period when...
Read More

March 2025 Market Commentary

Mar 4, 2025

Here are our final thoughts on the just completed earnings season for Q4 ’24. Both the EPS and revenue beat rates were very solid.  Of course, earnings are, in part, a lagging indicator.  They don’t necessarily tell us much about what happens next.  Guidance helps...

February 2025 Market Commentary

Feb 1, 2025

One of the risks equity investors face is “headline risk.” Headline risk is being surprised (blindsided) by a bad news headline.  It can be stock specific or relate to the entire market.  Yesterday, investors got a dose of headline risk with news that a Chinese...

January 2025 Market Commentary

Jan 7, 2025

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 other times in history.  Last year’s advance was mostly smooth without a 10% correction along the way.  The ‘Mag 7’ now account for a third of the...

View All

Monthly Updates

April 2025 Mid-Month Recap

Apr 16, 2025

The shares of Apple common stock peaked just after Christmas and then lost a third of their value in less than four months. They have since recovered about 17%.  There are many stocks that have been more volatile but Apple is the largest company by market value in the...

March 2025 Mid-Month Recap

Mar 18, 2025

It is ironic that the relative strength of international stocks versus U.S. stocks bottomed right when the “Make America Great Again” president was inaugurated.  But that is exactly what happened.  There has been a wide performance disparity that has emerged this year...

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

We provide dedicated solutions
Contact Us

Professional Links

Association Links

Content Links