#USA #Cetera #Retirement Planning Group #Muskegon #First Financial Advisors

Cetera's Retirement Planning Group Acquires First Financial Advisors

In a significant development for the financial advisory landscape, Cetera has confirmed the successful acquisition of First Financial Advisors, Inc. and A.G. Tidswell C.P.A., P.C., collectively known as First Financial. This strategic move is poised to boost Cetera's assets by over $300 million while expanding The Retirement Planning Group's (TRPG) operational footprint into Michigan.

First Financial, located in Muskegon, Michigan, has garnered a reputation for providing a dual approach to wealth management and tax-planning services. With its diverse offerings, the firm caters to approximately 675 households across the United States, many of which include high-net-worth clients seeking tailored financial solutions.

As part of this acquisition, three key advisors—Anthony Tidswell, Eric Lans, and James Mikesell—will join TRPG, promising to enhance the team's collective expertise. Commenting on the integration, Kevin Conard, CEO of TRPG, emphasized the alignment of TRPG's mission with that of First Financial: "Independent, client-centric financial advisors seeking to spend more time with their clients and less time running their business continue to find a home at TRPG. The First Financial team has a powerful combination of established wealth management capabilities and tax-planning expertise, as well as a strong commitment to serving clients across the wealth spectrum. We welcome Anthony, Eric and James to TRPG, where their team and clients are well positioned for long-term success."

Anthony Tidswell, head of First Financial, mirrored these sentiments by stating, "TRPG shares our values, service offerings, and financial planning-first mindset. We are pleased to join such a well-respected and established firm. In collaboration with TRPG's talented team, we look forward to continuing to serve our clients effectively. Moreover, with an established succession plan in place, we’re focused on a seamless transition that benefits our business, team, and clients."

The acquisition is not just a standalone achievement for TRPG but also underscores the firm's ongoing inorganic growth momentum. Earlier this year, TRPG closed three acquisitions in the first quarter, amounting to an impressive $180 million in assets, signaling their aggressive strategy to strengthen their market position.

Cetera Financial Group stands at the forefront of this transformation, equipped to empower independent advisors and institutions through personalized support, diverse affiliation models, and comprehensive growth solutions. As highlighted by the firm's strong community-centric culture, it enables financial professionals to scale their businesses while retaining their unique identities and methodologies.

As of June 30, 2025, Cetera managed approximately $590 billion in assets under administration, further bolstered by its innovative technology and integrated wealth solutions that allow for consistent business growth. With an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 from advisor feedback, Cetera's focus on satisfaction reaffirms its commitment to providing top-tier support.

In summary, this acquisition is poised to not only broaden TRPG’s capabilities but also enhance service offerings for its clients as they navigate their financial journeys. With continued strategic growth initiatives, TRPG establishes itself as a strong player in the wealth management sector, reaffirming its commitment to exceptional client service and thorough financial planning.