Simplicity Group has acquired Chicago-based Zen Wealth Management Group, expanding its holistic financial planning platform with additional tax preparation, tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, insurance, and wealth management capabilities.
Zen Wealth founder Eddie Patel is joining Simplicity as a Partner as part of the transaction.
Zen Wealth will rebrand as Simplicity Tax Advisors and plans to use Simplicity’s scale, resources, and distribution network to expand its business model into additional geographic markets.
The acquisition adds a financial planning practice that integrates tax strategy with longer-term wealth accumulation and protection planning. Simplicity said the combination is intended to help advisors and clients address tax considerations alongside retirement, investment, insurance, and other financial planning needs.
Zen Wealth serves both individual and business clients and provides services spanning wealth management, tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and insurance planning. The firm has focused on connecting tax planning with broader financial strategies rather than treating tax preparation as a standalone service.
Simplicity provides financial products, technology, and support to advisors, financial institutions, and consumers through affiliation, outsourcing, and partnership models. The company positions its platform around combining wealth accumulation strategies with financial protection solutions.
By integrating Zen Wealth into its organization as Simplicity Tax Advisors, Simplicity plans to scale the firm’s tax-focused planning approach across its broader national network while providing Zen Wealth with access to additional institutional resources and distribution capabilities.
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“Eddie and the team at Zen Wealth have built a model that seamlessly bridges tax preparation and holistic wealth management. Their expertise goes beyond tax preparation and planning to address the wealth accumulation and protection goals of their clients. We are thrilled to welcome Zen Wealth to Simplicity and look forward to scaling their proven approach across our national footprint.”
Bruce Donaldson, President And CEO Of Simplicity
“Joining Simplicity marks an exciting milestone for our team. Integrating skillful tax preparation with forward-looking tax planning is critical for long-term holistic financial planning, yet it remains the missing link in most families’ retirement plans. By combining our specialized expertise with Simplicity’s institutional-caliber resources, we can enhance the value we provide to families as they navigate complex financial decisions.”
Eddie Patel, Founder Of Zen Wealth Management Group And Partner At Simplicity
