Overview

Assets Under Management: $427 million
Headquarters: PRINCETON, NJ
High-Net-Worth Clients: 129
Average Client Assets: $3 million

Services Offered

Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients, Pension Consulting, Investment Advisor Selection

Fee Structure

Primary Fee Schedule (ADV PART 2A - BROCHURE)

MinMaxMarginal Fee Rate
$0 and above 1.25%
Illustrative Fee Rates
Total AssetsAnnual FeesAverage Fee Rate
$1 million $12,500 1.25%
$5 million $62,500 1.25%
$10 million $125,000 1.25%
$50 million $625,000 1.25%
$100 million $1,250,000 1.25%

Clients

Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 129
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 87.89
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $3 million
Total Client Accounts: 822
Discretionary Accounts: 816
Non-Discretionary Accounts: 6

Regulatory Filings

CRD Number: 166539
Last Filing Date: 2024-08-13 00:00:00
Website: https://noviwealth.com

Form ADV Documents

Primary Brochure: ADV PART 2A - BROCHURE (2025-03-28)

View Document Text
NOVI WEALTH PARTNERS 512 Executive Drive Princeton, NJ 08540 A SEC Registered Advisory Firm1 FIRM BROCHURE, MARCH 2025 This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Novi Wealth Partners, (“Novi Wealth”). If you have any questions about the content of this brochure, please contact us at (609) 921-7002 and/or www.noviwealth.com. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority. Additional information about Novi Wealth also is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov 1 SEC or State registration does not and should not imply any certain level of skill or training. Novi Wealth Partners (IARD # 166539) March 2025 Page 2 ITEM 2. MATERIAL CHANGES There were no material changes to Novi Wealth’s advisory services or personnel since the filing of its ADV Amendment in 2024. Novi Wealth Partners (IARD # 166539) March 2025 Page 3 ITEM 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS Item 4. Advisory Business ......................................................................................................... 4 Item 5. Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................ 6 Item 6. Performance Based Fees and Side by Side Management ............................................ 7 Item 7. Types of Clients ............................................................................................................ 7 Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss..................................... 7 Item 9. Disciplinary Information .............................................................................................. 8 Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................... 8 Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Item 12. Brokerage Practices ..................................................................................................... 9 Item 13. Review of Accounts ................................................................................................... 10 Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................ 10 Item 15. Custody ...................................................................................................................... 10 Item 16. Investment Discretion ................................................................................................ 11 Item 17. Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................. 11 Item 18. Financial Information ................................................................................................. 11 Novi Wealth Partners (IARD # 166539) March 2025 Page 4 ITEM 4. ADVISORY BUSINESS Novi Wealth and its successor firm were founded in 1998. Novi Wealth is a Fee-Only™, comprehensive financial planning firm. There are six (6) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioners in the firm, all are members of the prestigious National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). Novi Wealth is primarily owned and managed by its managing principal, Robert Dunn and Chief Planning Officer and Partner Ryan Vogel. Novi Wealth currently provides investment management services to approximately $492 million dollars in assets under management on both a discretionary and non-discretionary basis. recommendations for cash Financial Planning: Novi Wealth provides its clients with financial planning and consultation services (e.g., review of flow planning, asset goals and objectives, analysis and allocation/investment planning, income tax planning, insurance planning, estate planning, retirement planning, education planning, real estate/mortgage planning, etc.). Investment Management Services: Novi Wealth provides discretionary investment management services on a fee-only basis. Novi Wealth primarily allocates client’s investment assets among: (1) the various mutual funds, mutual fund asset allocation programs, and separate account management programs offered through Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. (“Schwab”)and/or (2) among various mutual funds, and/or independent managers offered by and/or obtained through SEI. In the event a sub-advisor is selected, Novi Wealth or the sub-advisor will provide its respective disclosure brochures (ADV Part 2A) to its clients. Novi Wealth takes a less subjective, more systematic approach to investing-an approach we can implement consistently and is easily understood by the investors. The investment philosophy, process, substantial education, and financial planning help our clients understand and stick with the plan personally created for them. 1. Passive management is preferable to active management, especially in the core portion of a portfolio. Find the most efficient investment method to increase the probability/likelihood of a client meeting their financial objectives. 2. We focus on the factors we can control such as asset allocation, expenses, and style purity. 3. Manage the total portfolio for the highest after-tax return not the highest pretax return. 4. Our stock investments will be high risk because of their overweighting towards small cap and value type stocks. Our bond investments will trend towards high quality and low duration to reduce the overall risk of the portfolio. We will include alternative asset classes such as global real estate and commodities in our portfolios to achieve as much diversification as possible. Novi Wealth Partners (IARD # 166539) March 2025 Page 5 Our first step in the investment process is to decide on asset allocation that is appropriate to meet the client’s financial objectives. Three primary factors go into the allocation decision; needs and circumstances, risk tolerance and time horizon. Our financial planning process uncovers and clarifies the needs and circumstances. The next step is to get an understanding of a client’s risk tolerance. While there are no guarantees we discuss past investment experience and also request that each client complete the FinaMetrica risk tolerance questionnaire. Their score provides a good approximation of the client’s risk tolerance. We combine their risk tolerance score with our knowledge of their goals, time horizon, and their past experience with the financial markets to formulate the most appropriate asset allocation. This asset allocation is documented and agreed upon with the client when we present to them their investment policy statement. We typically implement our investment strategies utilizing Schwab’s Institutional platform. When possible, we will invest the asset allocation model across multiple accounts for tax and expense efficiency. We will rebalance accounts as needed according to the investment policy statement. SEI is a global asset management company and sponsor of its own proprietary mutual funds. SEI Trust Company, a subsidiary of SEI, serves as custodian for each SEI account, and provides each client with reporting services, including consolidated monthly statements, quarterly performance reports, and year-end tax reports. SEI enables investment advisers such as Novi Wealth to offer its clients mutual fund asset allocation models, underlying individual mutual funds, separate account management services and investment management programs (i.e., tax managed investment programs, etc.) that are not otherwise available to the general public. As part of its overall investment management program, SEI offers quarterly rebalancing of each client’s investment assets for the purpose of maintaining the assets in accordance with the client’s previously designated percentage (%) asset allocations for the SEI account. If a client desires automatic account rebalancing, he/she/they/it must first provide such authorization directly to Novi Wealth, who will then advise SEI accordingly. Novi Wealth obtains many no-load mutual funds without transaction charges and other mutual funds at nominal transaction charges. With respect to its non-discretionary asset management services, Novi Wealth generally maintains ongoing responsibility to make recommendations, based upon the needs of the client, as to the securities the account may purchase or sell and, if such recommendation is accepted by the client, Novi Wealth is responsible for arranging or effecting the purchase or sale. Other Terms & Conditions: Prior to engaging Novi Wealth to provide any investment management or financial planning services, the client will be required to enter into an investment advisory agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) setting forth the terms and conditions under which Novi Wealth shall manage the client's assets, and a separate custodial/clearing agreement with each designated broker-dealer. The Advisory Agreement between Novi Wealth and the client will continue in effect until terminated by either party. An advisory client will have a period of five (5) business days from the date of signing this agreement to unconditionally rescind the agreement and receive a full refund of all fees. The Advisory Agreement will continue in effect until terminated by either party within 30 days written notice to the other (email notice will not suffice). In the event the client terminates Novi Wealth’s services, the balance of any unearned fee, if any, shall be refunded to the client. Novi Wealth Partners (IARD # 166539) March 2025 Page 6 ITEM 5. FEES AND COMPENSATION Financial Planning Engagement: Novi Wealth’s financial planning fees are negotiable, but generally range from $2,500 to $100,000 on a fixed fee basis. On a very limited basis, Novi Wealth may arrange to charge on an hourly basis. The fee would typically range from $150 to $450 per hour, , depending upon the level and scope of the services required. Prior to engaging Novi Wealth to provide financial planning and/or consulting services, the client will generally be required to enter into a Financial Planning and Consulting Agreement with Novi Wealth setting forth the terms and conditions of the engagement, describing the scope of the services to be provided, and the portion of the fee that is due from the client prior to Novi Wealth commencing services. Investment Management Engagement: Novi Wealth’s investment management fee schedule (“Advisory Fees”) for accounts managed by Novi Wealth is based on a percentage of assets (generally net of any debit balances) and is set forth below. The Advisory Fees represent the highest fee that may be charged absent special circumstances. The Advisory Fee charged shall vary (between 0.50% and 1.25%) depending upon the market value of assets under management. Both Novi Wealth's Investment Advisory Agreement and the custodial/clearing agreement authorize the custodian to debit the account for the amount of the Novi Wealth's investment advisory fee and to directly remit that management fee to Novi Wealth. For those clients that are invested with independent third-party managers or sub-advisors, an additional investment management fee may be assessed. In this event, the independent third-party manager or sub-advisor’s fee will be separately charged, and the client will receive an account statement from their custodian confirming same. Novi Wealth’s Advisory Fees shall also be prorated and paid quarterly, in advance or arrears, based upon the market value of the assets on the last business day of the previous quarter. Novi Wealth’s actual fees may be negotiated, and a client may pay more or less than similar clients depending on the particular circumstances of the client, which may include considerations related to size of the client’s account, additional and/or differing levels of service or as negotiated. Clients that negotiate fees may end up paying a higher fee than that set forth in the fee schedules above as a result of fluctuations in the client’s assets under management and/or account performance. Novi Wealth will generally recommend a broker-dealer/custodian for client’s investment management assets. In addition to the investment management fee, the client may incur brokerage commissions and/or transaction fees for effecting certain securities transactions (i.e., transaction fees are charged for certain no-load mutual funds, commissions are charged for individual securities transactions). In addition, the client will also incur, relative to all mutual fund and exchange traded fund purchases, charges imposed at the fund level (e.g., management fees and other fund expenses). ITEM 6. PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES and SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT Novi Wealth does not charge performance-based fees. Novi Wealth Partners (IARD # 166539) March 2025 Page 7 ITEM 7. TYPES OF CLIENTS Novi Wealth provides investment advisory services to the following clients: • Individuals and High Net Worth Individuals. • Trusts, Estates, Charitable Organizations. • Corporations, Pension Plans & 401(k) ITEM 8. METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS Novi Wealth utilizes a top-down approach to investing; we first begin with deciding upon an overriding asset allocation. The first step is to have all clients complete the FinaMetrica risk tolerance questionnaire. Their score provides a good approximation of the client’s risk tolerance. We combine their risk tolerance score with our knowledge of their goals, time horizon, and their past experience with the financial markets to formulate the most appropriate asset allocation. This asset allocation is documented and agreed upon with the client when we present to them their investment policy statement. We have ranges for each asset class to allow for some flexibility as we transition a client’s current portfolio into one which uses our investment methodology. When setting up our exposure to equity, we try to mimic the global stock market from a capitalization perspective. We also employ our belief towards overweighting small cap and value stocks. In our core equity we invest roughly 60% domestic and 40% foreign. In our satellite equity holdings, we have global real estate ranges from 2% - 8% and commodities ranges from 0% - 6% of the overall portfolio. On the bond side of the equation, we primarily use globally hedged short-term bonds as a core holding with a portion allocated towards multi-sector bonds. This exposure ranges from 3% - 16% in our portfolios. All bond funds should have an average credit quality that is investment grade. After the sub-asset allocations are determined, we make recommendations on asset location. We will evaluate all of the current holdings within our client portfolios by applying our proprietary screens. While our screens vary by asset class, there are certain characteristics that we look for in all funds. Common characteristics are listed below. Novi Wealth does not guarantee the future performance of any account or any specific level of performance, the success of any investment decision or strategy that Novi Wealth may use, or the success of Novi Wealth’s overall investment management. All investment decisions are subject to various markets, currency, economic, political, and business risks, and that those investment decisions will not always be profitable. Moreover, each client is advised that it remains his/her/its responsibility to promptly notify Novi Wealth if there is ever any change in his/her/its financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising Novi Wealth’s previous recommendations and/or services. ITEM 9. DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION Novi Wealth and its personnel have not been and are not currently the subject of any reportable disciplinary actions pursuant to this disclosure item. Novi Wealth Partners (IARD # 166539) March 2025 Page 8 ITEM 10. OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY AFFILIATIONS Novi Wealth is not affiliated with any other financial institution. 11. CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION IN CLIENT ITEM TRANSACTIONS AND PERSONAL TRADING Novi Wealth or related persons may own an interest in, or buy and sell for their own account, the same securities that may also be held, purchased or sold in client accounts. In all cases, clients’ orders are given priority. In no case shall the adviser or associate receive a better price or more favorable circumstance than a client. In some cases, the adviser may buy or sell a specific security for their own account, which the adviser does not consider appropriate for client accounts. Novi Wealth has implemented an investment policy relative to personal securities transactions. This investment policy is part of Novi Wealth’s overall Code of Ethics which serves to establish a standard of business conduct for all of Novi Wealth’s Associated Persons that is based upon fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty and trust, a copy of which is available upon request. In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Novi Wealth also maintains and enforces written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material non- public information by Novi Wealth or any person associated with Novi Wealth. Novi Wealth has adopted procedures to implement the firm’s policy on personal securities transactions and reviews to monitor and ensure the firm’s policy is observed, implemented properly, and amended or updated, as appropriate. ITEM 12. BROKERAGE PRACTICES 1. Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits: Although not a material consideration when determining whether to recommend that a client utilize the services of a particular broker-dealer/custodian, Novi Wealth may receive from a broker- dealer/custodian (e.g., Schwab or mutual fund company), without cost (and/or at a discount) support services and/or products, certain of which assist Novi Wealth to better monitor and service client accounts maintained at such institutions. Included within the support services that may be obtained by the Novi Wealth may be investment-related research, pricing information and market data, software and other technology that provide access to client account data, compliance and/or practice management-related publications, discounted or gratis consulting services, discounted and/or gratis attendance at conferences, meetings, and other educational and/or social events, marketing support, computer hardware and/or software and/or other products used by Novi Wealth in furtherance of its investment advisory business operations. As indicated above, certain of the support services and/or products that may be received assist Novi Wealth in managing and administering client accounts. Others do not directly provide such assistance, but rather assist Novi Wealth to manage and further develop its business enterprise. Novi Wealth Partners (IARD # 166539) March 2025 Page 9 Novi Wealth’s clients do not pay more for investment transactions effected and/or assets maintained at a particular broker-dealer/custodian as a result of this arrangement. There is no corresponding commitment made by Novi Wealth to any particular broker-dealer/custodian or to any other entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds, securities, or other investment products as a result of the above arrangement. 2. Brokerage for Client Referrals: Novi Wealth does not receive client referrals from any broker-dealer custodian. 3. Directed Brokerage: The client may direct Novi Wealth to use a particular broker-dealer (subject to Novi Wealth’s right to decline and/or terminate the engagement) to execute some or all transactions for the client's account. In such event, the client will negotiate terms and arrangements for the account with that broker-dealer, and Novi Wealth will be unable to seek better execution services or prices from other broker-dealers or be able to "bunch" the client's transactions with orders for other client’s accounts managed by Novi Wealth. As a result, client may pay higher commissions or other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices, on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case. Novi Wealth seeks to execute orders for its clients fairly and equitably. Novi Wealth follows written procedures pursuant to which it may, and to the extent consistent with Best Execution, combine purchase or sale orders for the same security for multiple clients (sometimes called “bunching”) so that they can be executed at the same time. The procedures for bunching trades may differ depending on the particular strategy or type of investment. Novi Wealth is not required to bunch or aggregate orders if it determines that bunching or aggregating is not practical. When client orders are bunched by Novi Wealth, the order will be placed with the broker-dealer custodian for execution. When a bunched order is completely filled, Novi Wealth generally will allocate the securities purchased or proceeds of sale among participating accounts based on the purchase or sale order. Adjustments or changes may be made by Novi Wealth under certain circumstances, such as to avoid odd lots or excessively small allocations. If the bunched order is filled at different prices, through multiple trades, generally all such participating accounts will receive the average price. When a bunched order is partially filled, Novi Wealth’s procedures provide that the securities are to be allocated in a manner deemed fair and equitable to clients. ITEM 13. REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS Account reviews are conducted on an ongoing basis by Novi Wealth’s principals and/or designees. All investment management clients are required to discuss their investment objectives, needs and goals and to keep Novi Wealth informed of any changes. All clients are encouraged to meet at least annually with Novi Wealth to comprehensively review financial planning issues, including investment objectives and performance. Novi Wealth Partners (IARD # 166539) March 2025 Page 10 ITEM 14. CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION Novi Wealth is required to disclose any relationship or arrangement where it receives an economic benefit from a third party (non-client) for providing advisory services. Novi Wealth may receive economic benefits from non-clients for providing advice or other advisory services to clients. This type of relationship poses a conflict of interest, and any such relationship is disclosed in response to Item 12, Brokerage Practice, see above. Novi Wealth does not have any contractual engagement with any solicitors or pay any compensation for the receipt of client referrals. ITEM 15. CUSTODY Novi Wealth does not maintain physical custody client assets. Novi Wealth engages several qualified, nationally recognized SEC registered broker-dealers (“Financial Institutions”) to custody and safe keep client assets. Novi Wealth’s advisory agreement and/or the separate agreement with any Financial Institution authorizes Novi Wealth to debit the client’s account for the amount of Novi Wealth’s fee and to directly remit that management fee in accordance with applicable custody rules. The Financial Institutions recommended by Novi Wealth send a statement to the client, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the account. Novi Wealth effects third party asset transfers in client accounts using a Standing Letter of Authorization (“SLOA”). Pursuant to the SEC No Action Letter, Novi Wealth is deemed to have Custody over these accounts. Accordingly, Novi Wealth has instituted procedures and controls such that it can comply with the seven representations noted in the SEC No-Action letter and avoid the annual surprise audit requirement. Additionally, since many of the seven representations involve the qualified custodian’s operations, Novi Wealth is in close collaboration to ensure compliance with the SEC guidance. ITEM 16. INVESTMENT DISCRETION Novi Wealth primarily provides advisory services on a discretionary basis. Novi Wealth is considered to exercise discretion over a client’s account if it can effect transactions without first having to seek client consent. Novi Wealth is given this limited power of attorney authority in the Advisory Agreement executed by the client. Clients may request a limitation on this authority (such as certain securities not be bought or sold) subject to Novi Wealth’s acceptance of such limitation. ITEM 17. VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES Novi Wealth does not vote client proxies. Novi Wealth’s clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1) directing the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of securities beneficially owned by the client shall be voted, and (2) making all elections relative to any mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy proceedings or other type events pertaining to the client’s investment assets. Novi Wealth and the client shall correspondingly instruct each custodian of the assets to forward to the client copies of all proxies and shareholder communications relating to the client’s investment assets. Novi Wealth Partners (IARD # 166539) March 2025 Page 11 With respect to shareholder class action litigation and similar matters, Novi Wealth generally will not make any filings in connection with any shareholder class action lawsuits involving securities currently or previously held in clients’ accounts. Novi Wealth recommends that its clients promptly review these materials, as they identify important deadlines and may require action in the client’s part. Novi Wealth will not be required to notify third party custodians or clients who utilize third party custodians of shareholder class action lawsuits and similar matters. ITEM 18. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Based upon Novi Wealth’s business practices, use of a qualified custodian and advisory fee procedures, the SEC does not require the disclosure of financial information. Please be advised that there are no known financial conditions that would impair Novi Wealth’s ability to meet contractual commitments to clients. Novi Wealth has not been subject to any bankruptcy petition or filing.