Financial Planning Researcher | Educator | Consultant

Dr. Mikel Van Cleve, CFP®, is a financial planning researcher and educator with over two decades of industry experience. His work examines how family relationships, particularly in blended families, shape financial behavior, well-being, and planning outcomes.

Drawing on longitudinal data and advanced quantitative methods, Dr. Van Cleve investigates how relational dynamics influence financial decision-making across the life course. His research is grounded in both theory and practice, producing insights meaningful to scholars, financial planners, and policy conversations alike.

Dr. Van Cleve is especially passionate about helping financial professionals better serve blended families through evidence-based strategies.

Featured Research

Financial Infidelity in Blended Families

Examines the determinants and consequences of financial infidelity in blended family systems, highlighting the roles of relational boundaries and trust in shaping financial outcomes.

The Psychology of Estate Planning with Blended Families

Examines how psychological dynamics and family relationships shape estate planning decisions in blended families, highlighting why traditional planning approaches often fail and how practitioners can better support complex family systems.

Bridging Research and Practice

Dr. Van Cleve’s work sits at the intersection of academic research and financial planning practice. In addition to scholarly publications and conference presentations, he has led the development of financial planning strategies, digital advice platforms, and educational initiatives that serve over 1 million users.

This dual perspective informs a research agenda that is both analytically rigorous and practically relevant.

This site provides access to Dr. Van Cleve’s research, publications, and ongoing work at the intersection of family relationships and financial well-being.