New Sector Leadership

by | Mar 7, 2019 | Recent Commentary

The stock market continues its amazing run from the December 24th low and is now up about 18% since then. The percentage of stocks in the S&P 500 that are trading above their 50-day moving averages crossed above 90% for the first time in nearly three years. A...

Santa Came Late

by | Jan 8, 2019 | Monthly Updates

Since the widespread panic we saw at the Christmas Eve lows, the stock market has staged a massive 11% rally in just over three weeks (another reminder why ‘market timing’ doesn’t work). Based on the 10-day change in the advance/decline line (a market breadth...
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.

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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.

October 2025 Market Commentary

The U.S. economy is growing above trend. Last Thursday’s third release of Q2 2025 GDP was revised up from 3.29% to...
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Fear, Greed, and Valuations: An Update

May 18, 2018

Earnings reports for Q1 have been nothing short of spectacular (helped by the recent reduction in corporate income tax rates). Reported earnings growth to date is 23.2% with revenue growth of 8.4% (source: FactSet). Net profit margins are 11.1%, a post­financial...

Can FANG and Tech Recovery Heal the Stock Market?

Apr 18, 2018

Earnings season starts in earnest next week. Can the expected surge in earnings stabilize the market and provide a base for the next rally phase? The big question is whether the good earnings forecasts are already discounted in share prices. We won’t know...

The Three Types of Corrections Investors Face

Mar 18, 2018

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%...

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Monthly Updates

Too Much Money Chasing Too Few Stocks?

Feb 18, 2020

We are only halfway through February, but so far 2020 looks like a repeat of 2019.  How so?  Large caps are outperforming small caps, growth is outperforming value, tech is the best performing sector, and the U.S. is outperforming international (for about ten years...

A Valuation Measure For Everyone

Jan 22, 2020

Sentiment affects valuations:  Last year’s big rise in the S&P 500 was sparked more by optimism and rising sentiment (which resulted in higher P/Es) than earnings growth.  Can we get another strong year of stock market performance based on rising sentiment?  Let’s...

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