Get to Know LifePlan Financial Design

Our Advisory Team

Mike Douglas Headshot

Mike Douglas

President and Advisor

Brian Pugh Headshot

Brian Pugh

Financial Advisor

LifePlan Financial Design Support Staff

Dan Kangas

Integrator and Director of Operations  

Katie Anibal Headshot

Katie Anibal

Director of Sales  

Melissa Prince

Director of Marketing & Client Relations

Rachel Anibal Headshot

Rachel Anibal

Director of Client Services and New Business

Our History

Bruce Van Hal

Founder | 1956 – 2021

Bruce D. Van Hal founded LifePlan Financial Design, LLC, in 2009 in a rented law firm conference room. His desire was to bring creativity, integrity, and quality to the financial planning process. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in the insurance and annuity industry, Bruce grew the firm steadily over the years, first adding part-time staff, then full-time. Eventually, he was able to purchase a building in Okemos, now the headquarters for LifePlan. In 2013, Bruce created and launched a Registered Investment Advisory firm to offer his clients fiduciary level care and servicing. In 2014, the Howell location was launched and has grown to be a fully self-sustaining satellite office. The team has grown from Bruce alone to several employees working between the Okemos and Howell locations. Even after his passing, his legacy will endure as LifePlan strives to provide value, confidence, and financial peace for the future.

Strategic Partner

Mike Canet Headshot

Mike Canet

JD, LLM, Strategic Consultant

Michael supports the Senior Financial Center team and is the author of three books, “Surviving the Perfect Storm,” “Successonomics” with Steve Forbes, as well as “Death and Taxes” with Art McPherson, all on the bestseller list. He is also the host of the nationally syndicated television and WJZ radio show “The Savvy Investor.” Michael has built his business and reputation on the added stability he helps provide for his clients. He uses retirement and estate planning techniques to carefully allocate clients’ assets so they can retire with the added confidence, income, and tax-deferred wealth protection they need and deserve. He is committed to providing accessibility and ongoing service for the people he works with.
 
Michael attended law school at the Catholic University of America, earning a spot on the legal honor society. He then earned his LLM in taxation from the University of Baltimore. As a Wilson Scholar, Michael made the “Who’s Who of American University Students” list.

Research and Support

Josh Headshot

Josh

Senior VP of Sales

Chris Headshot

Chris

VP of Life Sales  

Brett Headshot

Brett

Marketing Strategist

Robert Headshot

Robert

Media Director

Mike Headshot

Mike

Chief Radio Officer

Heather Headshot

Heather

Michigan’s Retirement Coach Radio Co-Host

Raymond

Financial Planning Team

Located in Kennesaw, GA The Research and Support team members are individuals working directly for an independent third-party firm The Impact Partnership. Standley Financial Group and The Impact Partnership are separate entities and are not affiliated with nor controlled by Standley Financial Group. The Research and Support team has a limited role on an as-needed basis.

The LifePlan Team:

At LifePlan, we strongly believe that having a team of experts by your side is the best approach to achieving your financial goals. The power of a team lies in the diversity of skills, knowledge, and experience that each member brings to the table. With a team of advisors, you have access to a broader range of perspectives and ideas, which can help you make more informed decisions and navigate complex financial situations with confidence.
 
By working with a team, you can also benefit from the collective expertise of professionals with specialized knowledge in different areas of finance, such as tax planning, investment management, and retirement planning. This can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan that takes into account all aspects of your financial life and aligns with your long-term goals.
 
Moreover, a team approach provides a level of continuity and support that is unmatched by a single advisor. In the event that your primary advisor is unavailable, you can rest assured that the rest of the team is familiar with your situation and can step in to provide guidance and support when needed.
 
In summary, while a single advisor can provide valuable guidance, a team approach to financial planning offers many benefits that can help you achieve your financial goals more effectively. By tapping into the collective expertise of a team of professionals, you can develop a comprehensive financial plan that is tailored to your unique needs and aligned with your long-term objectives.

Schedule a meeting with the knowledgeable advisors at LifePlan Financial Design today!

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Mike Douglas Headshot

Mike Douglas

President and Advisor

Mike Douglas specializes in wealth management and retirement planning at LifePlan Financial Design. Previously, he spent many years in the service industry, focusing on account management and business-to-business relationships. He combines those experiences with his life, health, and Series 65 securities licenses and training to help families pursue their financial goals. His CFP® certification and MBA round out his unique insight.

Mike and his wife, Kimberly, live in Okemos, Michigan, with their four children: Gavin, Zachary, Kaleb, and Emmalyn, along with their Shorkie (Shih Tzu/Yorkie), Satchmo. He enjoys spending time with his family – sports, cooking, fishing, and more. Mike plays the piano and several other instruments at church and also enjoys golf and coaching his kids’ teams. A former college football and tennis athlete, Mike and Kimberly enjoy challenging physical events and recently completed the 29029 Everesting challenge.in a rented law firm conference room. His desire was to bring creativity, integrity, and quality to the financial planning process. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in the insurance and annuity industry, Bruce grew the firm steadily over the years, first adding part-time staff, then full-time. Eventually, he was able to purchase a building in Okemos, now the headquarters for LifePlan. In 2013, Bruce created and launched a Registered Investment Advisory firm to offer his clients fiduciary level care and servicing. In 2014, the Howell location was launched and has grown to be a fully self-sustaining satellite office. The team has grown from Bruce alone to several employees working between the Okemos and Howell locations. Even after his passing, his legacy will endure as LifePlan strives to provide value, confidence, and financial peace for the future.

Brian Pugh Headshot

Brian Pugh

Financial Advisor

Brian is a financial advisor with LifePlan and strives to build lasting relationships with clients while helping them achieve their personal financial goals. Brian takes great pride in creating and implementing sound financial plans that include tax savings strategies to create generational wealth for our clients and their families. Brian often joins Mike on LifePlan’s podcast to continue to educate and share financial insights from various points of view. He has a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and has acquired his life, health, and Series 65 securities licenses. When not in the office, Brian spends his time with his wife, Brooke, and three young children, Graham, Olivia, and Eli, being active, playing games, and catching any Michigan State sporting event.

Dan Kangas

Integrator and Director of Operations

Dan serves as the Integrator and Director of Operations at LifePlan Financial Design, overseeing the day-to-day operations that keep the firm running efficiently and aligned with its mission. As the firm’s EOS Integrator, he manages internal systems, compliance coordination, financial reporting, and ongoing process improvement to ensure the team has the structure and support needed to deliver an exceptional client experience.

Dan’s behind-the-scenes leadership allows advisors to stay focused on what matters most, helping clients pursue clarity, confidence, and long-term financial peace of mind.

Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their three children, Jillian, Emma, and Jack. He loves coaching youth sports and traveling up north in Michigan with his family.

Katie Anibal Headshot

Katie Anibal

Director of Sales

Katie plays an integral role in LifePlan Financial Design’s growth, leading the sales process with a focus on organization, clarity, and client experience. As Director of Sales, she works closely with the advisory team to ensure each client interaction is thoughtful, consistent, and aligned with LifePlan’s long-term planning philosophy.

Katie and her husband, Steven, raise their three children, Ezekiel, Gabriel, and Faith, while serving as pastors and homeschooling their family. They enjoy staying active together through outdoor activities and coaching sports.

Melissa Prince

Director of Marketing & Client Relations

Since joining LifePlan Financial Design in 2018, Melissa has grown into the role of Marketing Director and Client Relations Coordinator, bringing both strategy and heart to the firm’s outreach and client experience. She oversees the planning, implementation, and analysis of all marketing campaigns while also developing processes that strengthen communication and long-term relationships with clients. Her organizational leadership helps keep the office running smoothly each day.

Melissa and her husband, Jason, stay busy with their five children, Maya, Corbin, Damin, Isak, and Avery, and their granddaughter, McKenna. As a family, they enjoy homeschooling, playing card games, and taking summer road trips together.

Rachel Anibal Headshot

Rachel Anibal

Director of Client Services and New Business

Rachel leads Client Services and New Business at LifePlan Financial Design, helping ensure clients receive consistent support from their first interaction through ongoing service. She coordinates retirement planning processes and guides clients through a smooth, organized onboarding experience designed to build confidence and clarity.

Rachel enjoys baking, staying active, and spending time with her husband, Ethan, their two children, Audrey and Liam, and their family and friends.