First Financial Advisory Services Inc
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Refreshed weekly • Updated today.
Client AUMClient assets under management
$276,366,934
Clients
516
Advisors
3
of 7 employees
About
First Financial Advisory Services is a small supported SEC-registered advisory firm with three advisors managing roughly $278 million for about 516 clients. It serves individuals (including some high‑net‑worth clients), families, small businesses and charitable organizations with portfolio management, financial planning, and preparatory educational services, and it periodically offers impersonal seminars on retirement and related topics.
The firm’s investment approach is value‑oriented and long‑term, using a blended strategic/tactical framework informed by Modern Portfolio Theory and fundamental analysis; advisors work with clients to create Investment Policy Statements, monitor accounts, and recommend rebalancing. FFAS operates on a non‑discretionary basis, meaning advisors provide recommendations but require client consent before executing trades, and they emphasize collaborative, questionnaire-driven planning.
What is noteworthy relative to peers is the firm’s combination of legacy commission-based accounts and disclosure that its representatives also act as broker‑dealer registered representatives and may receive commissions and 12b‑1 fees, along with disclosed financial ties to its recommended broker‑dealer/custodian relationships. FFAS also offers distinctive Financial Orientation programs and structured educational materials — including compendia, scorecards and account‑aggregation tools — designed to improve clients’ financial literacy before bespoke advice is provided.
Client services
Expertise
Occupation focus
Fee options
Fixed fees up to $5,000 annually for broad financial planning services; may exceed $5,000 in limited cases with notice
$0 - $500,000: 1.5% annually $500,000 - $1,000,000: 1.25% annually $1,000,000 - $2,000,000: 1.0% annually
Commissions with a minimum of $65.00 per transaction; $7.50 custodian handling charge plus $1.50 for paper confirmations; commission reductions possible to 80% for certain clients
Typically $150 per hour for specific financial planning or consulting services
Financial Orientation Program fees: $500 annually for Basic FOP plus $250 per additional household person; $750 for Premium FOP plus $375 per additional household person
Account minimum: $25,000 (may be waived at firm’s discretion) Fee-only: Fee-based advisory fees starting at 1.5% annually, negotiable for accounts $2,000,000 or more
Main office
85 Beach Street, P.O. Box 1968
Westerly RI 02891
Advisors at this office
3
Most active in
California · Connecticut · Florida · Georgia · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · New Hampshire · New York · North Carolina · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · Texas · Virginia
Also doing business as
Far Flung Change · First Financial Advisory Services Inc
Disclosures
Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.
Business activities & affiliations
Is not active or affiliated with:
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Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
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Broker-dealer / trader
They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.
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Bank
They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.
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Trust company
They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.
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Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
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Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
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Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
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Real estate agent
They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.
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Other specialized services
They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.
Quick links
Advisors at this firm
Peter R
Series 66
Westerly, RI
First Financial Advisory Services Inc
Peter Robinson is a Series 66-licensed financial advisor with over 13 years of industry experience, currently serving at First Financial Advisory Services Inc in Westerly, RI. His prior experience includes roles at Cetera Advisors LLC and Seacorp. Outside of his advisory work, he is an artist and owner of Pine Box Art, a musician, and a board member of the Mystic Chamber Music Series. First Financial Advisory Services is a small supported firm managing approximately $278 million for around 516 clients, serving individuals, families, small businesses, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a value-oriented, long-term investment approach using a blended strategic and tactical framework and emphasizes collaborative, questionnaire-driven financial planning.
Matthew C
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Westerly, RI
First Financial Advisory Services Inc
Matthew Cunningham is a CFP® professional with 19 years of industry experience, currently with First Financial Advisory Services Inc. He has been with the firm since 2008 and has prior experience at Cetera Advisors LLC and First Allied Securities, Inc. Cunningham serves as treasurer for the nonprofit World's Biggest Disc Golf Wishes and has held leadership roles in the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce and the Estate Planning Council of Rhode Island. First Financial Advisory Services is a small supported SEC-registered firm with three advisors managing approximately $278 million for over 500 clients. The firm serves individuals, families, small businesses, and nonprofits using a value-oriented, long-term investment approach within a strategic and tactical framework, emphasizing collaborative planning and client consent for transactions.
Geraldine C
Series 63
Westerly, RI
First Financial Advisory Services Inc
Geraldine Cunningham is a financial advisor with First Financial Advisory Services Inc who holds a Series 63 designation and has 43 years of industry experience. She has worked at First Financial Advisory Services since 2004 and has prior experience at Cetera Advisors LLC, Geraldine B. Cunningham & Associates, and First Allied Securities, Inc. Cunningham serves as a member of the Estate Planning Council of Rhode Island and acts as an arbitrator and expert witness in FINRA arbitrations. First Financial Advisory Services is a supported SEC-registered advisory firm with three advisors managing approximately $278 million for a diverse client base, including individuals, families, small businesses, and charitable organizations. The firm employs a value-oriented, long-term investment approach using a blended strategic and tactical framework informed by Modern Portfolio Theory and fundamental analysis, and it emphasizes collaborative, questionnaire-driven planning on a non-discretionary basis.
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