Austin, Texas-based Bluespring Wealth Partners on Wednesday announced the acquisition of Kestra Financial-affiliated firm Front Porch Financial, which is merging with existing Bluespring partner firm U.S. Financial Services.
Front Porch adds $73 million in assets under management (AUM) to its merger with U.S. Financial, creating a combined $1.7 billion firm, Josh Bartholomew, Head of Business Development at Bluespring, told WSR by email.
“After the Front Porch acquisition, U.S. Financial will have 16 advisors, for a total of 36 employees across 4 states,” he said, pointing out the transaction was finalized Dec. 1.
Front Porch operates one office out of Cranford, New Jersey, which will remain open, according to Bartholomew.
“With four other locations across the north and southeastern United States, this marks U.S. Financial’s fifth office location,” Bluespring said in a news release.
Bartholomew explained, “This deal reinforces Bluespring’s disciplined approach to identifying and partnering with high-performing advisory firms seeking strategic growth and the ability to preserve their client-first values.”
Front Porch was founded by Elizabeth Blanchard, an advisor with over 30 years of experience in the sector, Bluespring said. She started her financial career as a bank teller and corporate banking professional in New York.
According to Bluespring, Blanchard works with women in transition, advocates for financial literacy and supports underserved communities.
Blanchard works with women in transition, advocates for financial literacy and supports underserved communities.
Blanchard “connected with Bluespring last year during our annual Ascend conference given her interest in support around long-term succession planning,” recalled Bartholomew.
“Recognizing Bluespring’s ability to support continuity, growth, and advisor legacy, Liz decided to move forward with us, working with our M&A team to identify how we could best support her future vision of her firm,” he said.
He added, “Front Porch will eventually operate under the U.S. Financial name.”
Blanchard emphasized the importance of continuity and shared expertise, saying, “Putting clients first is always my priority, and this partnership lets me do that on an even greater scale. By working with Bluespring and U.S. Financial to put a succession plan in place, I can ensure long-term support for my clients. Joining the Bluespring Community also gives them access to a broader team and resources while preserving the personal touch they value.”
Last year, Bluespring announced nine deals totaling over $6 billion in AUM, Bartholomew told WSR. A year earlier, the firm made two acquisitions, he noted.
Last year’s deals included Bluespring’s acquisition of Reliant Wealth Planning, a wealth management and financial advisory firm based in Louisville, Kentucky, that oversaw over $560 million in AUM.
“This is the first deal Bluespring has announced for 2026, with more expected to close in Q1,” Bartholomew said.
He added, “Looking ahead, our focus is on disciplined growth – for both existing partners like U.S. Financial Services and also through the selective acquisition of additional firms that align with our values.”
Firms affiliated with Bluespring now collectively hold $25 billion in AUM, the firm said.
Jeff Berman, Contributing Editor and Reporter at Wealth Solutions Report, can be reached at jeff.berman@wealthsolutionsreport.com.
