Blended Families and Financial Satisfaction: Planning Beyond the Numbers

CFP CE Pending (1.0 expected)*

About the Webinar

Blended family households are increasingly common, yet they often bring unique relational and financial complexities that traditional planning models may overlook. Drawing on recent research, this webinar will explore how family structure may influence financial satisfaction and examine the underlying dynamics that may shape financial decision-making, communication, and long-term planning outcomes.

Participants will gain insight into common challenges, including competing financial loyalties, fairness versus equality, legacy concerns, and the “yours, mine, and ours” dilemma. Through guided case studies, attendees will apply these concepts in real-world planning scenarios and explore practical strategies for navigating the emotional and relational complexities that often sit beneath the numbers.

About Dr. Mikel Van Cleve

Dr. Mikel Van Cleve, CFP® is a financial planning researcher, educator, and practitioner with over two decades of industry experience. His work explores how family relationships—particularly within blended families—shape financial behavior, well-being, and planning outcomes. Drawing on longitudinal data and advanced quantitative methods, Mikel examines how relational dynamics influence financial decision-making across the life course. Grounded in both research and real-world application, his work generates practical insights for financial planners, scholars, and policy discussions alike.