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
Stay informed with the latest financial planning strategies, market updates, and retirement tips
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
🏥 WHAT IF YOU NEVER NEED LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE?
It`s one of the biggest questions surrounding long-term care planning.
You want protection if you need care.
But what happens if you never use the coverage?
💡 Hybrid long-term care insurance may offer another approach.
These policies combine long-term care benefits with certain life insurance or annuity features.
Depending on the policy:
✅ Qualifying long-term care expenses may be covered.
✅ A death benefit or other policy value may remain.
✅ Some premium structures offer greater predictability.
But not every policy works the same way, and hybrid coverage isn`t appropriate for everyone.
The goal is to understand your options before you need them.
📖 Learn more in our latest blog!
🔗 Link in bio.
#LongTermCareInsurance #HybridLTC #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #EstatePlanning #SouthwestFlorida #BonitaSprings #NaplesFlorida #NovaWealthManagement
Oct 21
🚨 YOUR TAX BRACKET MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK!
Well…at least not the whole story!
You might be in the 22% federal income tax bracket.
But that doesn`t necessarily mean your next financial decision will have a 22% overall impact.
Here`s why:
💰 IRA withdrawals can increase taxable income.
🔄 Roth conversions may affect other tax calculations.
🏥 Additional income could increase future Medicare premiums.
📊 Social Security taxation may also be affected.
Your tax bracket is only ONE piece of your retirement financial picture.
Before making a significant retirement income decision, consider how it could affect your overall financial plan.
📖 Learn more in our latest blog!
🔗 Link in bio.
#RetirementPlanning #RetirementTaxes #RothConversions #MedicareIRMAA #FinancialPlanning #SouthwestFlorida #NovaWealthManagement
Oct 20
💍 MARRIED? YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY DECISIONS ARE CONNECTED!
You may have two different earnings histories…
Two different benefit amounts…
And two different retirement dates.
But you share ONE retirement plan! ❤️
Before claiming Social Security, married couples should understand:
💰 Spousal benefits
📅 Claiming age decisions
❤️ Survivor benefits
📊 How benefits fit into household retirement income
One spouse`s claiming decision can affect the benefits available to the other.
Retirement planning is about more than choosing your own Social Security start date.
📖 Learn more in our latest blog!
🔗 Link in bio.
#SocialSecurityBenefits #RetirementPlanning #MarriedCouples #FinancialPlanning #SouthwestFlorida #NovaWealthManagement
Oct 16
