Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors, LP

Welcoming Patrick Kovach to Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors!

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors team: Patrick Kovach, joined us in June as a Wealth Analyst.

Patrick brings a thoughtful, client‑centered philosophy to his work — guided by the belief that “the currency of life is time, not money.” His approach focuses on helping individuals and families align their financial resources with the people, purposes and experiences that matter most.

Patrick joined SDWMA in June 2026 after serving in a client‑facing and support role at another registered investment advisor. He has a particular interest in estate and tax planning, and enjoys helping clients navigate the complexities of long‑term planning with clarity and confidence.

He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Pennsylvania Western University (California) and M.S. in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University.

Based in our Pittsburgh office, Patrick grew up in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. Before beginning his career in wealth management, he spent summers working in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, experiences that deepened his appreciation for the outdoors.

Outside the office, Patrick enjoys brazilian jiu-jitsu, playing guitar, and spending time outdoors.

We’re thrilled to have Patrick on board and look forward to the expertise, curiosity and client‑focused care he brings to our team.

Take Your Child to Work Day 2026

A quick look back at a fun and meaningful day at Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors. Our team welcomed the next generation into the office, giving them a hands‑on peek at what financial planning looks like and why it matters.

Kids jumped into activities, asked sharp questions, explored the workspace, and brought an energy that reminded us how important curiosity and learning really are.

A big thank‑you to Downs for making the day special with creative programming. It was a great reminder of the purpose behind our work — building futures worth getting excited about.

☕ Coffee with Alissa: Special Needs Planning, Part 2 — Understanding Pooled Trusts with Achieva

Today’s episode of Coffee with Alissa dives deeper into the world of special needs planning — and this time, we’re focusing on one of the most powerful yet often misunderstood tools available to families: pooled trusts.

If you care for a loved one with a disability, you already know how important it is to protect their long‑term financial security while preserving eligibility for essential benefits. Pooled trusts can play a key role in that strategy for some people, and in this episode, we’re joined by Amy Dolan Strano from Achieva, one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.

Watch now! https://youtu.be/T0M8v6p8Zso

2026 Team Event Highlights!

A quick look back at an awesome day together — reflecting on the past year, aligning on what’s ahead, and celebrating the momentum we’re carrying into fiscal year 2026/2027. We wrapped it all up with some friendly bocce competition at The Bocce House of Pittsburgh, where great throws, close games, and plenty of laughs made the afternoon unforgettable.

Here’s to another year of growing, planning, and winning together.

For many investors, Q2 felt like a psychological whiplash. The combination of geopolitical stress and tech‑driven euphoria produced a quarter where emotions ran high and narratives shifted quickly. The rally’s breadth and velocity forced a reassessment of positioning, especially for those who entered the year defensively. Read our latest market commentary for more!

https://sdwealthmanagement.com/market-commentary/q2-26-markets-live-to-surprise-investors-how-the-2nd-quarter-reminded-us-of-the-old-market-adage/

Q2-26 - Markets Live to Surprise Investors: How the 2nd Quarter Reminded Us of the Old Market Adage - Schneider Downs - Wealth Management As I often do before writing quarterly commentaries, I find a quiet place in my office, look at the chart above, and write the three to five items or words that I believe defined the quarter (and year). I came up with a violent stock rally, Iran/Hormuz, semiconductors/AI, and SpaceX IPO. My head was...

Shareholder & SDWMA Chief Investment Officer Jason Staley sat down with Kathryn Klaber, Managing Partner of The Klaber Group, for a timely discussion on the current state of the oil and gas sector and what investors should be watching in the months ahead.

In this conversation, Jason and Kathryn break down the forces shaping today’s energy markets—from supply‑demand dynamics and geopolitical pressures to regulatory developments and capital flows. They also explore how disciplined operators are navigating volatility, where new opportunities are emerging, and what long‑term fundamentals continue to support the sector.

Whether you’re actively invested in energy or simply tracking the broader macro environment, this update offers clear, grounded insight into how the industry is evolving and what may come next.

Watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/Dhswo54xNuQ

AI can provide answers. But can it provide wisdom, context, and accountability?

A recent study found that AI-generated financial advice can be inconsistent, inaccurate, and sometimes biased—especially when it comes to complex topics like retirement income, portfolio construction, and long-term financial planning.

At Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors, we embrace technology as a tool, but we believe financial planning is ultimately personal. Your goals, family dynamics, tax situation, estate considerations, and life experiences require more than an algorithm—they require a trusted relationship.

Our advisors combine experience, fiduciary guidance, and personalized planning to help clients navigate life's most important financial decisions with confidence. Technology can support the process, but it can't replace the value of a dedicated advisor who knows you, understands your goals, and is accountable for helping you achieve them. This personalized, relationship-based approach is a cornerstone of our practice.

Read the article here: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/07/ai-personal-finance-advice.html

As families navigate the journey from childhood to adulthood for a loved one with special needs, the decisions can feel overwhelming, but planning ahead can make all the difference.

In the latest episode of Coffee with Alissa, I sat down with Elizabeth Adams of PathWays to kick off a new series on Special Needs Planning. In this conversation, we discuss the critical transition to adulthood, including the services, supports, and planning considerations families should be thinking about long before their child reaches adulthood.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply looking to better understand the resources available, this episode offers valuable insights to help families prepare for the next chapter with confidence.

☕ Watch now and join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges that come with transitioning from childhood to adulthood in the special needs community: https://youtu.be/dnFPLMta3FQ

🎉 Congratulations to Our Newly Promoted Team Members 🎉

Join us in celebrating the continued growth and success of our Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors team!

We are proud to recognize the following individuals on their well-earned promotions:

James Moyer – Promoted to Partner
Michael Divens – Promoted to Director
Kyle Zeller – Promoted to Director
Megan Muller – Promoted to Manager
Kaylin Olster – Promoted to Senior

These promotions reflect their dedication, expertise, and commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients. We are grateful for their contributions and excited to see their continued impact in their new roles.

Please join us in congratulating them on this exciting milestone!

Happy Independence Day from Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors!

This Fourth of July, we celebrate the spirit of independence that defines our nation.

As you gather with family and friends, we hope you take a moment to reflect on the values that unite us: opportunity, resilience, and the pursuit of a brighter future.

At Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors, we are proud to partner with you in building and preserving your financial independence—today and for generations to come.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and prosperous Independence Day.