An important reminder: All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not an endorsement of any securities discussed. Listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions. In this episode of Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative, host Greg Wagner is joined by Tim Gerlach, portfolio manager and head of the asset management team at Novem Group, for a wide-ranging conversation on today’s paradoxical markets. Over the past year, we’ve seen record highs alongside recession fears, AI optimism colliding with inflation concerns, and concentrated growth in just a handful of mega-cap tech stocks. Greg and Tim break down market performance across sectors, the risks of concentration, the role of diversification, and what investors should consider when balancing short-term headlines with long-term strategy. They also explore Fed policy, interest rate expectations, and whether the AI boom is truly sustainable. At the heart of it: why patience, discipline, and diversification remain the most important tools for navigating uncertainty.

Disclosure:
Greg Wagner is an Investment Adviser Representative with Novem Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser firm. All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not an endorsement of any securities discussed. Listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions.

In this episode of Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative, host Greg Wagner reimagines the role of budgeting in our lives. Rather than a rigid spreadsheet exercise, Greg frames budgeting as a tool for reflection and alignment—a way to bring your money in step with your values. He explains why so many traditional budgets fail: they’re built for an idealized, perfectly disciplined version of us that doesn’t exist.
Through personal stories and practical guidance, Greg introduces the idea of a value-based budget, one that bends with life’s unpredictability while keeping us grounded in what truly matters. By categorizing spending into essential needs, aligned values, and friction points, he offers a framework for creating a budget that resonates instead of restricts.
This episode invites listeners to rethink budgeting not as a test of willpower but as an ongoing conversation with their finances—one that can reduce regret, enhance meaning, and ultimately support a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

Disclosure:

Greg Wagner is an Investment Adviser Representative with Novem Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser firm. All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not an endorsement of any securities discussed. Listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions.

In this special kickoff to Season 3 of Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative, host Greg Wagner takes a step back to reflect on the deeper purpose of the show. Rather than offering stock tips, quick fixes, or formulaic financial advice, Greg dives into the “why” behind our financial decisions—the stories, fears, hopes, and values that shape the way we spend, save, and invest.

Money, as Greg explains, isn’t just math—it’s meaning. Every dollar spent or saved carries echoes of past experiences, cultural expectations, and subconscious biases. From the stress of checking a bank balance to the pressure of chasing wealth for status, financial choices are mirrors that reflect our identity, our values, and the narratives we’ve inherited. By examining these stories, we gain the power to move from automation to agency and from noise to clarity.

Throughout the episode, Greg challenges common myths—like the idea that “more money” automatically means “more security”—and invites listeners to redefine what true financial success looks like. Instead of chasing someone else’s version of prosperity, he encourages us to ask: What does financial freedom mean for me? Is it alignment, peace of mind, generosity, or the ability to say yes and no without fear?

This episode sets the stage for the season ahead: conversations that go beyond numbers and spreadsheets to uncover the psychology and philosophy of money. Listeners are reminded that real financial freedom begins not with a spreadsheet, but with self-knowledge.

Disclosure:
Greg Wagner is an Investment Adviser Representative with Novem Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser firm. All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not an endorsement of any securities discussed. Listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions.

What if your financial decisions are shaped more by your beliefs than your bank account?

In this inspiring episode, Greg Wagner welcomes Alana Cummings—Founder and CEO of Superbloom Coaching—for a deep conversation on the emotional, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of money. Alana shares her journey from corporate success to personal fulfillment through coaching, and how money mindset plays a pivotal role in both personal development and financial outcomes.

Together, they explore:

• Why we don’t talk about money—and how that holds us back
• How to uncover inherited money beliefs and shift limiting narratives
• The power of value-based budgeting for financial clarity and purpose
• Why receiving is just as important as giving
• How gratitude and self-worth influence abundance

Whether you’re navigating your own financial narrative or helping others do the same, this episode is packed with honest insight and actionable wisdom.

Disclosures:
Greg Wagner is an Investment Adviser Representative with Novem Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser firm. All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not an endorsement of any securities discussed. Listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions.

In episode 19 of Season 2 of Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative, host Greg Wagner explores how we can raise financially literate children in a world that often teaches them everything except how money works. Greg starts by recalling the first thing he bought with his own money—a used mountain bike—and how such moments lay the groundwork for our lifelong relationship with finances. Today, kids can navigate an iPad before they can tie their shoes, yet many graduate high school without understanding interest, 401(k)s, or how to build an emergency fund—not due to inability, but because no one is teaching them.
Greg emphasizes that financial identity is formed primarily at home. Children absorb far more from watching their parents’ day-to-day habits than from anything explicitly told to them. They notice the tension when bills are discussed, the hesitation before swiping a card, and these moments silently shape their beliefs. Instead of secrecy or shame, Greg encourages parents to explain decisions openly—like skipping dinner out to save for vacation—and to share not just successes but also mistakes. This builds trust and helps children see money as a reflection of values, not just a means to display status.
He then turns to schools, noting a staggering disconnect: despite more than 12,000 hours in classrooms from kindergarten through high school, most students never receive meaningful personal finance education. Only a handful of states require dedicated courses, and even then, many teachers lack financial training. As a result, we graduate kids into a complex world of compound interest, student loans, and financial algorithms without equipping them to navigate it. Greg argues this isn’t just an educational gap—it’s a moral one.
Without guidance, kids learn about money from marketers, credit card companies, and influencers, who link self-worth to luxury and consumption. Social media only amplifies this, feeding children targeted campaigns that exploit insecurities. Greg asserts that true financial literacy must go beyond knowing what a Roth IRA is; it requires understanding personal values, questioning societal scripts, and resisting impulsive spending driven by clever algorithms.
Ultimately, Greg argues that our goal isn’t to raise mini CFOs, but thoughtful humans who can delay gratification, navigate financial decisions with clarity, and view money as stewardship. This literacy starts around the dinner table and in daily choices—modeling patience, restraint, and honesty, rather than outsourcing these lessons to apps, schools, or influencers.

Disclosures:
Greg Wagner is an Investment Adviser Representative with Novem Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser firm. All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not an endorsement of any securities discussed. Listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions.

Welcome to Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative, where we explore the various topics of finance, the stories, strategies, and psychology behind our financial decisions with host Greg Wagner as we dive into the intersection between finance and the human experience.
The financial landscape is saturated with advice and rules. Novem Nexus aims to stand out by focusing on the underlying motivations, beliefs, and emotions that drive our financial behavior. We explore not only the what and how of finance but, more importantly, the why. At Novem Group, we believe that finance is not just about numbers and equations; it's about real people with real emotions. That's what this podcast is all about: understanding the reasons behind our financial decisions and uncovering the narratives that shape our financial lives.
Novem Nexus is more than just a podcast. Connect with us on social media, share your experiences, and join the conversation. Together, let's navigate our financial narratives with confidence. Welcome to Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative.
Episode 18: “Culture, Cash, and Identity: How Our Backgrounds Shape Our Financial Lives”
Have you ever wondered why you handle money the way you do—or where those habits come from? In this episode, Greg Wagner explores how our cultural backgrounds shape our financial behavior, often in ways we don’t consciously realize. From communal saving circles and family-first mindsets to rugged financial individualism, Greg unpacks the emotional and cultural tensions we experience when traditional values collide with modern financial systems.
We explore how religious beliefs, inherited values, and immigration pressures affect everything from budgeting to investing. Greg dives into how Millennials and Gen Z are rewriting money scripts with a blend of tradition and tech—and why redefining wealth on your own terms is one of the most empowering things you can do.
Whether you grew up in a home where money was taboo or in a culture where sharing wealth is a responsibility, this episode will prompt reflection on what money really means to you—and how to bring your financial habits into alignment with your identity.
Greg Wagner is an Investment Adviser Representative with Novem Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser firm. All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not endorsement of any securities discussed, and listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions.

Welcome to Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative, where we explore the various topics of finance, the stories, strategies, and psychology behind our financial decisions with host Greg Wagner as we dive into the intersection between finance and human experience.
The financial landscape is saturated with advice and rules. Novem Nexus aims to stand out by focusing on the underlying motivations, beliefs, and emotions that drive our financial behavior. We explore not only the "what" and "how" of finance but, more importantly, the "why." At Novem Group, we believe that finance is not just about numbers and equations; it's about real people with real emotions. That’s what this podcast is all about: understanding the reasons behind our financial decisions and uncovering the narratives that shape our financial lives.
In Episode 17 of Season 2, “Charitable Giving and Philanthropy: Making a Financial Impact”, we delve into the emotional and strategic dimensions of charitable giving. Greg explores why generosity is more than a transaction—it’s a powerful reflection of identity, values, and purpose. From childhood influences and emotional triggers to tax strategies and legacy planning, this episode uncovers how and why we give. Whether you're donating time, money, or energy, Greg challenges listeners to rethink their approach to giving—not as obligation, but as an act of alignment and empowerment. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this episode encourages you to give with intention, not impulse, and to ensure your generosity mirrors the world you want to help shape.
Novem Nexus is more than just a podcast. Connect with us on social media, share your experiences, and join the conversation. Together, let's navigate our financial narratives with confidence.
Welcome to Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative.

Greg Wagner is an Investment Adviser Representative with Novem Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser firm. All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not endorsement of any securities discussed, and listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions.

Welcome to Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative, where we explore the various topics of finance, the stories, strategies, and psychology behind our financial decisions with host Greg Wagner as we dive into the intersection between finance and the human experience.
The financial landscape is saturated with advice and rules. Novem Nexus aims to stand out by focusing on the underlying motivations, beliefs, and emotions that drive our financial behavior. We explore not only the what and how of finance but, more importantly, the why. At Novem Group, we believe that finance is not just about numbers and equations; it's about real people with real emotions. That's what this podcast is all about: understanding the reasons behind our financial decisions and uncovering the narratives that shape our financial lives.
Novem Nexus is more than just a podcast. Connect with us on social media, share your experiences, and join the conversation. Together, let's navigate our financial narratives with confidence. Welcome to Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative.

Episode 16: “The Psychology of Taxes: Avoidance, Resentment, and Empowered Planning”

In this episode, Greg Wagner explores the emotional undercurrent of tax season—why taxes trigger such strong feelings of avoidance, resentment, and shame, and how those reactions impact our financial decisions. This isn’t just a discussion about Roth IRAs and tax-loss harvesting—though those come up too—it’s an invitation to examine how we relate to control, power, and fairness through the lens of taxation. Greg shares personal stories and practical strategies for creating a tax-savvy investment approach that reflects both your values and long-term goals. The result? Not just better returns, but a sense of agency and peace of mind.
Greg Wagner is an Investment Adviser Representative with Novem Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser firm. All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not endorsement of any securities discussed, and listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions.

Welcome to Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative, where we explore the various topics of finance, the stories, strategies, and psychology behind our financial decisions with host Greg Wagner as we dive into the intersection between finance and the human experience.
The financial landscape is saturated with advice and rules, Novem Nexus aims to stand out by focusing on the underlying motivations, beliefs, and emotions that drive our financial behavior. We explore not only the 'what' and 'how' of finance but, more importantly, the 'why.' At Novem Group, we believe that finance is not just about numbers and equations; it's about real people with real emotions. That's what this podcast is all about: understanding the reasons behind our financial decisions and uncovering the narratives that shape our financial lives.
Novem Nexus is more than just a podcast. Connect with us on social media, share your experiences, and join the conversation. Together, let's navigate our financial narratives with confidence. Welcome to Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative.
Greg Wagner is an Investment Adviser Representative with Novem Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser firm. All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not endorsement of any securities discussed, and listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions.
In Episode 15 of Season 2, "Student Loans and Financial Planning for Higher Education," we explore strategies for planning and managing the costs of higher education. We cover everything from estimating the true cost of college and leveraging savings plans like 529s, to navigating the complexities of financial aid and scholarships.
The first segment focuses on proactive planning for college expenses, emphasizing the importance of accurate cost estimation, savings strategies, and financial aid options. The second segment delves into managing student loans, detailing the differences between federal and private loans, repayment strategies, and avoiding common pitfalls.
In the final segment, we discuss the long-term financial implications of student loans, including their impact on credit, homeownership, retirement planning, and investing. This episode offers listeners practical guidance for managing the financial side of higher education while maintaining long-term financial health.

Welcome to Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative, where we explore the various topics of finance, the stories, strategies, and psychology behind our financial decisions with host Greg Wagner as we dive into the intersection between finance and the human experience. 
The financial landscape is saturated with advice and rules, Novem Nexus aims to stand out by focusing on the underlying motivations, beliefs, and emotions that drive our financial behavior. We explore not only the 'what' and 'how' of finance but, more importantly, the 'why.' At Novem Group, we believe that finance is not just about numbers and equations; it's about real people with real emotions. That's what this podcast is all about: understanding the reasons behind our financial decisions and uncovering the narratives that shape our financial lives. 
Novem Nexus is more than just a podcast. Connect with us on social media, share your experiences, and join the conversation. Together, let's navigate our financial narratives with confidence. Welcome to Novem Nexus: Navigating Your Financial Narrative. 
Greg Wagner is an Investment Adviser Representative with Novem Group, an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser firm. All opinions expressed by Greg Wagner or any guests are solely their own and do not reflect the views of Novem Group. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax, investment, or other financial advice, and is not endorsement of any securities discussed, and listeners should not rely on it for their financial decisions. 
In Episode 14 of Season 2, "The Financial Implications of Climate Change," we examine how climate change impacts industries, economies, and investment strategies. We discuss the long-term effects on global economies and the financial challenges businesses and governments face due to extreme weather events and regulatory changes. 
In the first segment, we focus on the economic impact of climate change, including its effects on various industries and the regulatory responses aimed at mitigating environmental damage. The second segment dives into investing in a changing climate, highlighting the rise of ESG investing, risks to traditional investments, and opportunities in green technology and renewable energy sectors. 
The final segment covers how individuals can adapt their financial strategies for climate resilience, including portfolio diversification, insurance planning, and long-term retirement considerations. This episode offers listeners insights into navigating the financial challenges posed by climate change while seeking investment opportunities in the transition to a more sustainable future.