Our Team
Our Team
James Novakovich
James Novakovich
Co-Founder & Wealth Advisor
Co-Founder & Wealth Advisor
James Novakovich brings nearly 25 years of hands-on experience in wealth management, financial planning, and investment strategy to his role as Co-Founder of Nova Wealth Management. But it’s his journey—and how it transformed his outlook on client relationships—that truly defines his approach.
Starting his career in institutional banking, James quickly built one of the top-performing advisory teams in Florida at Fifth Third Securities. But after navigating clients through the turbulence of the 2008 financial crisis, James recognized a troubling disconnect: large firms were more focused on selling products and chasing new business than protecting clients’ long-term well-being.
That experience became the catalyst for Nova Wealth Management. In 2011, James and his wife, Amy, launched Nova to offer something fundamentally different—a client-first, boutique firm with in-house asset management, a deep fiduciary commitment, and an environment where every client and their family is known personally. Rather than fitting clients into cookie-cutter portfolios or outsourcing planning to anonymous third-party managers, Nova’s team builds customized strategies in-house—thoughtfully integrating tax mitigation, risk management, and transparent communication.
James’s approach is shaped by both decades in finance and real-world life experience. After surviving a major health event in 2023, he brings new appreciation for risk prevention, thoughtful legacy planning, and ensuring families are protected—values that guide every client meeting. Clients and colleagues alike cite his candor, caring practical advice, and unpretentious communication style. James views wealth management as a lifelong partnership—helping clients plan not just for market returns, but for their family’s future, evolving goals, and peace of mind.
Outside the office, James enjoys family time in Bonita Springs with Amy and their five children, rooting for his beloved Cleveland sports teams, exploring music, and—even if he claims otherwise—finding new ways to have fun with his kids.
Disclosures:
Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment strategies involve risks, and individual situations vary. Nova Wealth Management operates as a fiduciary in clients’ best interests; please review our ADV and disclosures for details.
Credentials & Recognition
Credentials & Recognition
Why Clients Choose James
Why Clients Choose James
Decades of Fiduciary Perspective
With nearly 25 years in wealth management, James transitioned from institutional banking to co-found Nova, creating an independent, fee-only firm where clients are never treated like a account number.
In-House Strategic Asset Management
Rather than outsourcing portfolios to anonymous third parties, James builds customized wealth strategies in-house, carefully blending tax mitigation, risk management, and market defense.
Real-World Risk & Legacy Planning
Shaped by both market cycles and personal life experiences, James brings an unpretentious, highly pragmatic approach to protecting family wealth, business exits, and multi-generational legacies.
insights from James at nova wealth management
insights from James at nova wealth management
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Start the conversation
Start the conversation
No matter where you are on your financial journey, our team is here to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced advisors. We’d love to get to know you, understand your goals, and share how our team can help you achieve financial peace of mind.
Take the First Step
**Where were you on September 11, 2001?**
For so many of us, the answer comes immediately.
We asked members of our Nova team to share their memories of that morning—a day that changed our country and so many lives forever.
Today, we remember those we lost. We honor the first responders and service members who answered the call. And we keep their families in our thoughts.
**We will never forget.**
Where were you when you first heard the news?
#NeverForget #September11 #PatriotDay #HonorAndRemember #FirstResponders #September11th #911Remembrance
Sep 11
62? 67? 70? 🤔
When should you claim Social Security?
There isn’t one age that works for everyone.
Your decision may depend on:
💵 Cash flow
📊 Portfolio withdrawals
❤️ Health & longevity
👫 Spousal considerations
🧾 Taxes
🏦 Other retirement income
Waiting may produce a larger monthly benefit.
Claiming sooner provides income earlier.
But the question isn’t simply:
“Which age gives me the biggest check?”
It’s:
“Which age best fits my retirement plan?”
🔗 Read our latest article through the link in our bio.
#SocialSecurity #SocialSecurityPlanning #RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #NovaWealthManagement
Sep 10
You spent decades building your retirement savings.
Then one day…
the paycheck stops. 💵
So where does your retirement income come from?
Social Security
Pension
Portfolio withdrawals
Cash
Other income
= Your retirement paycheck
Retirement income planning is about coordinating those resources so your savings can help support the life you planned for.
Our latest blog covers:
💰 Portfolio withdrawals
🪣 Bucket strategies
📉 Market downturns
🏦 Cash reserves
📊 Withdrawal rates
🧾 Taxes
🔒 Guaranteed-income considerations
🔗 Read more through the link in our bio.
#RetirementIncomePlanning #RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #RetirementSavings #FinancialPlanning #NovaWealthManagement
Sep 9
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