After the initial meeting with a qualified individual or family, we conduct a thorough analysis of the existing investment portfolio in order to truly understand their current investments. We seek to analyze/evaluate all holdings to determine if they are consistent with sound principles and each client’s unique financial goals. This process is known as our Clearview Portfolio review.

Of course there is no charge for the review. We use our detailed review to gain insight into the portfolio’s allocations and how those allocations measure against commonly accepted benchmarks. The review also enables you to clearly see how our management of the assets would differ from the current advisor. During the review, we provide our clients with a realistic understanding of:

  • How current holdings will be integrated into the new portfolio.
  • The tax implications associated with this transition and other possible options.
  • The time frame necessary to achieve the transition while minimizing taxes.

Your review begins with assembling the necessary information including:

  • The Clearview Investment Questionnaire and Risk Tolerance Profile.
  • Recent brokerage and/or banks statements, preferably with cost basis information.
  • A discussion of your prior investment history, risk tolerance, and associated comfort level.
  • An analysis of your expectations: How much is enough for retirement? Which investments, if any, are you uncomfortable with? Which investments should be retained?
  • If needed, and with your approval, we will contact your tax counsel to determine if there is an existing gain/loss budget to be maintained.
  • Insight into your lifestyle needs: What are your current income needs? Will your needs change in the future? Are there other expenditures we should be planning for?

Once we have assembled the necessary information we can begin our detailed analysis – which can take up to a few weeks. When complete, we will schedule to discuss our findings with you and to make recommendations.

There are many valuable reasons to provided this analysis. Most importantly, it allows us to develop an in-depth understanding of your current portfolio and its likelihood of achieving your financial goals. Once created, this foundation equips you with the information that enables you to make the best possible decision: Continue with your current plan or choose Clearview to manage your assets.

When we establish a relationship with a client, we are making a commitment to that client’s financial future. In order to partner with you, we must first assess the current status of your investments. In the Clearview Portfolio Review we will: 

  • Review what we have learned about you and your family including financial goals, income needs, risk tolerances, timelines and concerns.
  • Examine your portfolio including the allocations to stocks, bonds, cash and alternative investments because the asset mix is the single most important decision and should be appropriate for your age and risk tolerance.
  • Determine whether each individual investment is suitable on a stand-alone basis and as a part of a diversified whole.
  • Suggest detailed recommendations based on our investment experience and tailored to how you can best achieve your goals.

Making the decision to change the manager of your investments is difficult. We believe that spending time at the beginning of the relationship to gain an understanding of how you think about your investment portfolio is the best way to provide guidance on how to meet your important objectives. Further, we believe that by listening we will better understand your needs and therefore, be better able to serve them.

You have spent a lifetime acquiring your assets. We urge you to take the time necessary to develop the right investment strategy solution to achieve your goals.

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.

July 2025 Market Commentary

Since the stock market’s 18.9% pullback during the tariff-tantrum in early April, it has had one of the fastest...

June 2025 Market Commentary

Investor sentiment soared in May along with stock prices.  According to a recent AAII survey, the percentage of bullish respondents rose to 37.7% versus 20.9% at the start of May.  Bears dropped from nearly 60% at the start of the month down to 36.7%.  These are big...

May 2025 Market Commentary

Earnings season has been strong. The results could have sparked more bearishness, but instead have generally been a sigh of relief.  Of the companies that have reported so far, an above-average 73% beat earnings estimates, and 63% beat sales estimates.  In terms of...

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 the markets recently rallied from March 14th through March 25th, there was very little “tariff talk.”  When 25% auto tariffs were announced last...

Monthly Updates

July 2025 Mid-Month Recap

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June 2025 Mid-Month Recap

It is no surprise that as the stock market has rallied sharply off the April 8th low, sentiment improved. Is the move from extreme fear into greed territory a sign of complacency?  Let’s look at two popular sentiment indicators: First, the CNN Fear and Greed Index has...

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