First Financial Advisory Services Inc logo

First Financial Advisory Services Inc

Updated today

Client assets under management

$276,366,934

Clients

516

15% high-net-worth

Advisors

3

of 7 employees

Firm type

Supported

1-4 advisors or >$200M in AUM

Clients per advisor

172

Very High

Average account size

$535,595

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

Financial planning Portfolio management Educational seminars or workshops

Expertise

General retirement planning Charitable giving & philanthropy

Occupation focus

Founder/Business Owner Retired

Want help finding the right advisor?

Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.

Fee options

Fixed

Fixed fees up to $5,000 annually for broad financial planning services; may exceed $5,000 in limited cases with notice

Percentage

$0 - $500,000: 1.5% annually $500,000 - $1,000,000: 1.25% annually $1,000,000 - $2,000,000: 1.0% annually

Commissions

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

Project-based

Typically $150 per hour for specific financial planning or consulting services

Subscriptions

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

Other

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 location

First Financial Advisory Services Inc

85 Beach Street

Westerly RI 02891, United States

Number of offices

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

Disclosures

Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.

Business activities & affiliations

Advisors at this firm

user avatar

Peter R

Series 66

Westerly, RI

First Financial Advisory Services Inc

Peter Robinson is a Series 66-registered financial advisor with First Financial Advisory Services Inc, bringing 13 years of industry experience. He has worked at Cetera Advisors LLC, Seacorp, and First Allied Securities, Inc. Outside of his advisory role, Robinson is an artist and owner of Pine Box Art and is active as a musician. He also serves as a board member for the Mystic Chamber Music Series, supporting concert promotion. First Financial Advisory Services, Inc. provides portfolio management and financial planning to individual investors, families, and small businesses, managing approximately $250 million in client assets. The firm employs a value-oriented, long-term investment approach with a focus on non-discretionary portfolio management and customized financial planning.

General retirement planning Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired
user avatar

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 serving at First Financial Advisory Services Inc. He has worked with First Financial Advisory Services since 2008 and has prior experience with Cetera Advisors LLC and First Allied Securities, Inc. Outside of his advisory role, Cunningham is involved in nonprofit activities, including serving as treasurer for World's Biggest Disc Golf Wishes and participating in the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce. First Financial Advisory Services, Inc. provides portfolio management and financial planning to individuals, families, and small businesses, managing approximately $250 million in client assets. The firm employs a value-oriented, long-term investment strategy that incorporates strategic and tactical asset allocation and fundamental analysis, primarily operating on a non-discretionary basis.

General retirement planning Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired
user avatar

Geraldine C

Series 63

Westerly, RI

First Financial Advisory Services Inc

Geraldine Cunningham is a financial advisor with First Financial Advisory Services Inc. She holds a Series 63 designation and has 43 years of industry experience. Her work history includes roles at Cetera Advisors LLC and First Allied Securities, Inc. She is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Rhode Island and serves as a FINRA arbitration arbitrator. First Financial Advisory Services, Inc. provides portfolio management and financial planning to individual investors, families, and small businesses, managing approximately $250 million in client assets. The firm employs a value-oriented, long-term investment approach that combines strategic and tactical asset allocation with fundamental analysis when appropriate.

General retirement planning Charitable giving & philanthropy Founder/Business Owner Retired
Warmer team member

Not sure where to start?

We'll help you think it through — whether you ultimately need an advisor or not.

Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly — so you can choose with confidence.

Find your advisor
Discover

Compare top advisor firms by metric, firm size, and location.

Warmer provides personalized recommendations and introductions to independent fiduciary advisors. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.

Each advisor listed on our site is an independent fiduciary responsible for their own advice. Warmer may receive fees from advisors for participation or referrals; these fees are paid by advisors and do not affect the fees clients pay for advisory services.

For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before entering into an advisory relationship.

By using our service, you agree to Warmer's Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement and Privacy Policy. Logos provided by Logo.dev

© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. ("Warmer")