Connecting with Our Local Business Community at the OC Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
October 30th, 2025
A few members of the Select Wealth Partners team recently participated in the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, held at Mount Saint Mary College. The event brought together a wide range of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders — all focused on collaboration and growth across the Hudson Valley.
We enjoyed meeting so many professionals, sharing insights about our services, and learning more about the incredible organizations that make up our local business community.
Connecting with Our Community at the 403(b) Event
August 18, 2025
Our team had a wonderful time at the recent 403(b) event, where Wealth Advisor Darren McCarthy and Associate Cindy Hernandez met with local educators and school staff. These conversations highlighted how thoughtful 403(b) planning can help educators turn today’s hard work into tomorrow’s confident retirement.
We loved answering questions about contribution options, employer matches, and how a 403(b) fits alongside pensions and other savings. Most of all, we appreciated the chance to listen—every educator’s path is unique, and your plan should reflect that.
If you couldn’t make it, we’re here to help you get started or review your current 403(b) strategy. Reach out anytime—we’re proud to be a resource for our education community.
Select Spotlight: New Employee- Evan Kowalczyk, Associate
June 23, 2025
Please join us in welcoming Evan Kowalczyk, the newest member of our Associate Advisor Program at Select Wealth Partners.
Evan brings over 10 years of customer service experience and a strong passion for connecting with people. With a background in hospitality, he thrives in collaborative environments and values meaningful relationships—skills that align perfectly with our client-focused approach.
He recently passed his SIE exam and is now studying for the Series 7 as he continues his path toward becoming a financial advisor. We’re excited to have him on board!
Partnering for a Purpose: Supporting the Alzheimer’s Association
At Select Wealth Partners, community involvement is a core part of who we are—and we’re proud to support organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
This year, we’re honored to begin a growing relationship with the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization dedicated to advancing research, supporting families, and advocating for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Through future events, awareness efforts, and ongoing support, we’re committed to standing alongside the Alzheimer’s Association in their mission to create a world without Alzheimer’s. We look forward to sharing more about our involvement in the months ahead.
Cindy Hernandez Passes SIE Exam — First Step Toward Becoming a Financial Advisor
June 2025
We’re proud to announce that Cindy Hernandez, Associate at Select Wealth Partners, has officially passed her Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam! This marks an important milestone as she begins her journey through our Associate Advisor Program.
As the first participant in this program, Cindy will be training across all areas of our firm—gaining hands-on experience in financial advising, tax planning, and client support. Passing the SIE is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see her continued growth as she moves closer to becoming a licensed advisor.
Please join us in congratulating Cindy on this exciting achievement!
Randy Clark Recognized with Osaic Grant for Community Service
June 2025
We’re proud to share that Randy Clark, advisor in our Cornwall office, was recently recognized by the Osaic Foundation for his outstanding volunteer service with the Cornwall Lions Club. In recognition of his dedication, the Lions Club received a $3,000 grant to help fund their local programs and outreach efforts.
The Cornwall Lions Club plays a vital role in the community, supporting everything from vision care and youth programs to local events and charitable initiatives. This grant is a reflection of the impact that meaningful, hands-on volunteerism can have—and it furthers our shared mission of giving back to the communities we serve.
Randy’s recognition was part of a larger initiative by the Osaic Foundation, which awarded 280 grants totaling nearly $500,000 to nonprofits across 37 states—each one honoring the community involvement of financial professionals like Randy.
Thank you, Randy, for your continued commitment to service and leadership in our community!
Celebrating Mary Spall’s Retirement
May 30, 2025
After 14 incredible years with Select Wealth Partners, we’re proud to announce the retirement of our longtime administrative assistant, Mary Spall.
Mary has been an essential part of our team since 2011, supporting Bob Howerter and building meaningful connections with many of our clients along the way. Her warmth, professionalism, and steady presence will be deeply missed.
We recently celebrated her retirement with a surprise party filled with laughter, stories, and appreciation for all she’s done. Mary’s legacy will always be part of the SWP family, and we wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter.
Thank you, Mary—for everything.
Select Spotlight: New Employee- Cindy Hernandez, Associate
January 30, 2025
We’re excited to welcome Cindy Hernandez to Select Wealth Partners as the first participant in our Associate Advisor Program! This hands-on training initiative will prepare her to become a registered advisor by working across all areas of our firm.
With 10 years of financial industry experience and bilingual skills, Cindy brings valuable expertise and a fresh perspective—especially as a future female advisor. Over the next year, she will train with our service team and advisors to understand our client relationships while also working with STAT (Select Tax & Accounting Team) to support income and tax planning services.
Cindy’s dedication and experience make her a great addition to our team, and we’re excited to see her grow in this role. Join us in welcoming her to Select Wealth Partners!
Select Spotlight: New Advisor- Randy Clark, RFC®, BFA™
December 9, 2024
Randy S. Clark, RFC®, BFA™, has joined Select Wealth Partners at our new Cornwall location!
A 7th-generation Cornwall resident and Wofford College graduate, Randy is a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC®) and Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA™) with over 40 years of experience. His expertise in understanding clients’ financial needs, combined with his deep community ties and client-first philosophy, makes him an incredible asset to our team.
By joining Select Wealth Partners, Randy brings his clients added peace of mind, backed by a dynamic team that shares his commitment to financial success.
📍 288 Main Street, Cornwall, NY 12518
📞 845-534-2110
Welcome to the team, Randy! We’re excited to see the impact of your passion and expertise.
Teaming Up to Give Back: Supporting the Goshen Food Pantry
December 2024
Select Wealth Partners proudly supported the Goshen Ecumenical Food Pantry’s holiday distribution. Sandeep Patel volunteered on behalf of our firm, working alongside a great team of students from Goshen High School—including members of the boys soccer team, like his son Arav.
We’re honored to be part of a community that comes together to support neighbors in need.
Introducing STAT: Your Trusted Partner for Tax & Accounting Services
November 1, 2024
Exclusive for Select Clients
We are excited to announce the launch of STAT (Select Tax & Accounting Team), a dedicated business designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients in the realms of income tax, bookkeeping, and payroll. Our team of experienced tax professionals, which includes an accomplished certified public accountant and a seasoned enrolled agent, is committed to delivering diligent work that ensures the tax aspect of your financial picture is always in sharp focus.
Whether you are an individual navigating a straightforward tax structure, a trustee with intricate complexities, or a business facing high level tax strategies, STAT is equipped to provide the clarity and guidance you need.
Welcome to a new era of tax and accounting excellence!
Talk to your advisor about STAT: Select Tax & Accounting Team today!
📞 Contact Us
STAT: Select Tax & Accounting Team
📱 845-373-1024
✉️ STAT.tax4U@gmail.com
📍 Offices in Middletown and Goshen
With election day over, how will the results impact the markets?
November 6, 2024
With election day over, many are reflecting on what this new leadership might mean for their financial future and the country. While elections can stir strong emotions, it's important to remember that, historically, markets have been influenced more by economic fundamentals than by which party is in power.
As this chart shows, while the stock market has fluctuated under presidents of both parties, the S&P 500 has trended higher over the long term, no matter who’s sitting in the Oval Office.1
● Long-Term Trends: The stock market, as represented by the S&P 500, has generally trended higher over the long term, regardless of which party holds the presidency.
● Company Growth: The dynamic U.S. economy has consistently produced successful companies, contributing to economic strength under various administrations.
● Market Priorities: Factors like earnings growth, economic conditions, and technological advancements can have more influence on market performance than political changes.
● Investor Focus: Your investment strategy should align with your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance—not the outcome of a single election.
Elections have consequences, but it's essential to keep perspective. We’ll monitor how the new administration's agenda affects tax policy, regulations, and corporate competitiveness. Political shifts can cause short-term market volatility, but these fluctuations are often temporary.
As always, stay focused on your financial goals, and avoid sudden moves in response to short-term events. We’re here to help you navigate uncertainty and stay on course with your financial strategy.
Stocks are measured by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Index, an unmanaged index considered representative of the overall U.S. stock market. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. Stock price returns and principal values will fluctuate as market conditions change. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Select Spotlight: New Employee - David Mele, Administrative Assistant
May 1, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that David Mele has joined the Select Wealth Partners team as our new Administrative Assistant!
David brings a wealth of experience in client relations, having provided exceptional service as a Universal Membership Specialist at a financial credit union. His expertise and dedication to outstanding client service will be a tremendous asset to our firm.
Select Spotlight: New Certification - Robert Howerter, Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA)
April 2024
Congratulations to our Senior Wealth Advisor Bob Howerter, on earning his Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) certification! This prestigious achievement equips him with invaluable insights into the psychology of finance, allowing him to better understand and serve his clients' unique financial behaviors and goals.
His newfound expertise will undoubtedly enhance his ability to guide clients through informed decision-making, ultimately leading to more personalized and effective financial solutions. Here's to continued success in positively impacting your clients' financial journeys!
Benefits of having a wealth advisor certified as a BFA:
- Recognizes human emotions, biases, errors in decisions.
- BFAs trained to identify and manage these tendencies.
- Assist clients in making better financial choices.
Empowering Educators: Navigating the 403b Path to Retirement
At the Orange Ulster BOCES 403b Event, we're highlighting the invaluable benefits of 403b teacher retirement accounts for educators.
Designed to empower teachers with financial security, these accounts offer tax-deferred savings, flexible contribution options, and potential employer contributions – ensuring a stable future while focusing on what truly matters: shaping young minds.
New Certification - Dan Vobroucek, Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP)
- Dedicated to finding your path to maximizing student loan savings
- Committed to providing guidance about your student loan matters
- Accomplished CSLP designation, 1 of only 5 in NYS
New Advisor - Diane V. Lindsay, CPA
Meet the latest addition to our team! We're thrilled to welcome Diane V. Lindsay CPA, a seasoned independent wealth advisor and certified public accountant with an impressive 37 years of experience, to Select Wealth Partners. Diane brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will enhance our ability to provide comprehensive financial planning and advice.
Having a certified public accountant on our team offers numerous benefits. Diane’s background in accounting and finance allows her to provide in-depth tax planning strategies, ensuring that our clients maximize their tax efficiency. Her keen eye for detail and deep understanding of financial regulations will help navigate the complexities of financial planning, offering tailored solutions that meet each client's unique needs.
Diane is dedicated to guiding you towards financial success, leveraging her extensive experience to help you achieve your financial goals. Her addition to our team strengthens our commitment to delivering exceptional service and personalized financial advice.
Protect Your Personal Info!
The internet makes it possible for many of us to work from home, to shop, attend religious service and stay connected with family and friends. Unfortunately, those conveniences come with risk and cyber criminals are upping their game. Here are a few ways you can protect yourself from hacks, scams, and malware.
Look twice before you click. Cyber criminals will try to get you to act quickly through subject lines and messaging; pause to consider before opening an unexpected email attachment. Most importantly, NEVER click on a link asking you to enter your password or change your password. Always go directly to the site to enter your password or call the company directly if there appears to be a problem.
Use strong passwords. Strong passwords are fairly long and use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Don’t keep a list of passwords anywhere near your device and if you keep a list, don’t spell out your password. Instead, record a hint, followed by the numbers and symbols, ideally unique to each site. Another option is to consider purchasing a password management system.
Add Two-Factor Authentication. For sensitive sites, such as financial accounts, add two-factor identification. After signing in, the institution will either text, call, or email a one-time code.
Stay current. Google your name and delete old, unused accounts that come up. Clear your browser history periodically and delete apps you no longer use. Use the latest security software, web browser, and operating systems. Regularly check for updates and sign up for automatic updates when you can.
Stay independent. When signing up for a new service or app, pass up the offer to sign in using Facebook or your Google account, which exposes the data in your accounts. You can manage connected accounts on social sites and disconnect any you no longer want to have connected.
It’s important to stay vigilant about securing your financial and personal information. Please feel free to send these tips along to anyone that may benefit.
403b Contributions
Attention teachers, it's time to consider increasing your 403b contributions!
Pay yourself first with tax savings + contribute to your future.
Click below for the Salary Reduction form to update your contribution today!