First Financial Advisors
Fee-only wealth management and strategic tax planning.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
* | N/A | Acquisition | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
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First Financial Advisors, Inc. is an independent, fee-only Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) established in 1988. The firm provides customized financial planning, wealth management, retirement plan management, and strategic tax planning services to individuals, families, and businesses. Its business model is centered on a fee-only compensation structure, meaning it does not accept sales commissions or transaction fees, aligning its success with that of its clients. Fees are typically based on a percentage of assets under management.
Based in Muskegon, Michigan, the firm was founded to offer personalized, independent financial advice. The principal owners are Anthony G. Tidswell, James A. Mikesell, II, and Eric M. Lans. The company's investment strategy is primarily long-term, employing a "buy and hold" philosophy and asset allocation principles based on Modern Portfolio Theory to manage portfolios. It serves a diverse client base, including high-net-worth individuals, and focuses on creating tailored strategies for retirement, college savings, and tax minimization.
In August 2025, First Financial Advisors, Inc. was acquired by The Retirement Planning Group (TRPG), an employee-based RIA of Cetera. This acquisition brought over $300 million in assets to TRPG and integrated the First Financial team, including advisors Anthony Tidswell, Eric Lans, and James Mikesell, into the larger firm. The merger was presented as a strategic move to enhance service capabilities and establish a clear succession plan, while maintaining the core philosophy of providing client-centric financial planning and tax expertise.
Keywords: wealth management, financial planning, registered investment advisor, fee-only advisor, retirement planning, strategic tax planning, asset management, investment management, portfolio management, estate planning, succession planning, high-net-worth, investment advice, retirement savings, college funding, tax-efficient investing, independent advisor, asset allocation, Michigan financial advisor