Matthew Michael, AIF®

Matt started his career as a Financial Advisor shortly before one of the most challenging markets any advisor has seen. That experience shaped his belief in the importance of thoughtful planning, ongoing education, and clear communication. Over the past 18 years, he has built a disciplined process that integrates wealth management with personal income tax planning. Through this process, he works to educate clients, help them clarify their goals, and make well-informed financial decisions.

Matt’s passion is to serve others through this process and to build long-term relationships where trust is earned through communication, transparency, and accountability.

Keeping with the theme of starting new things in difficult environments, Matt founded Illuminate Wealth Advocates, LLC amid the 2020 pandemic. His vision was to create a wealth management firm dedicated to guiding clients through all aspects of their financial walk and sincerely impacting their lives.

Committed to professional growth and higher standards of care, Matt earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation in 2025. This designation reflects training in fiduciary responsibility and a dedication to accountability, transparency, and trust in serving clients.

Outside of work, Matt spends most of this time with his beautiful wife Vanessa, and their four children: Landon, Lilly, Lucy, and Lawson. He enjoys playing golf and hockey, and is active in serving the community around him. Matt currently serves on the board of Purpose Movement, a Christian, non-profit outreach that helps support those in Arizona experiencing various needs. and as a member of the Finance Team at Rock Point Church.