The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG) Closes Acquisition of First Financial Advisors, Inc.

Deal brings more than $300 million to Cetera and expands TRPG's footprint into Michigan

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cetera announced today that its employee-based RIA, The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG), successfully closed an acquisition of First Financial Advisors, Inc. and A.G. Tidswell C.P.A., P.C. (collectively, "First Financial"). The acquisition brings more than $300 million* to Cetera and TRPG. A dual wealth management and tax-planning firm, First Financial delivers wide-ranging services to approximately 675 households across the U.S., including many high-net-worth clients.

Through the acquisition, three advisors have joined TRPG: Anthony Tidswell, Eric Lans and James Mikesell. First Financial is based in Muskegon, Mich.

"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," said Kevin Conard, CEO 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."

"TRPG shares our values, service offerings and financial planning-first mindset, and we are pleased to join such a well-respected and established firm," said Anthony Tidswell at First Financial. "We look forward to continuing to serve our clients alongside the talented TRPG team. And as we look to the future, we are pleased to have an established succession plan in place—for the good of our business, our team and our clients."  

The acquisition of First Financial builds on TRPG's inorganic growth momentum. In the first quarter 2025, TRPG closed three acquisitions, totaling approximately $180 million in assets.  

Click here to learn more about TRPG and click here for more information about Cetera.

About Cetera
Cetera Financial Group is the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, empowering independent advisors and institutions with personalized support, flexible affiliation models, and end-to-end growth solutions. Home to approximately 12,000 advisors and institutions, Cetera's multi-channel ecosystem enables financial professionals to grow, scale or transition their businesses on their own terms.

Unlike traditional IBDs, Cetera offers true choice – blending modern technology, integrated wealth solutions, and a community-driven culture. Cetera's five-channel model and commitment to long-term advisor value provide a scalable blueprint for consistent, repeatable growth.

As of June 30, 2025, Cetera manages approximately $590 billion in assets under administration and $263 billion in assets under management. Its award-winning Voice of the Customer program has captured more than 40,000 advisor reviews, with over 35,000 five-star ratings, giving Cetera a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction score.

Learn more at www.cetera.com and follow Cetera on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and Facebook.

"Cetera Financial Group" refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser, and the following FINRA/SIPC members: Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Wealth Services LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. Located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. Cetera firms are under separate ownership from any other named entity.

*Value approximated based on asset holding details provided to Cetera as of May 31, 2025.

About The Retirement Planning Group
The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG) is Cetera's employee-based RIA and an SEC registered investment advisory firm headquartered in Leawood, KS. With over 3,100 clients and approximately $3 billion in assets under management, as of June 30, 2025, TRPG is one of the fastest growing companies in the Kansas City area. TRPG helps clients and their families nationwide navigate every financial decision they face throughout their lives by providing comprehensive wealth management services, including retirement planning, portfolio and investment management, tax planning, tax preparation and filing by our in-house tax team.

SOURCE Cetera Financial Group