ACCI Conference 2026

Mikel Van Cleve is a researcher and financial planning practitioner focused on how blended family dynamics shape financial decision-making and outcomes. His work examines the limitations of traditional planning frameworks, many of which assume nuclear family households, and explores how financial professionals can better account for the structural and relational complexities of modern families.

As a CFP® professional and Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning, Mikel brings a dual lens of research and practice. His experience spans direct client work, leadership roles in financial services, and the development of digital planning tools for large-scale institutions.

Mikel teaches courses in financial psychology and money & relationships, and works with firms and advisors seeking to better serve clients navigating complex family dynamics. He is also part of a blended family, which helps inform his perspective on how financial decisions play out in real-world contexts.