---
title: The Latest from Birchwood Financial Partners | Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®
description: Bridget Handke, one of the owners of Birchwood Financial Partners, has a personal mission to help people thrive. She does this by developing long-term relationships with clients that enables her to understand what is most important to them. Bridget strives to give clients a sense of confidence. She is able to translate complex financial concepts into plain language so their personalized financial plan is understandable, flexible and helps promote peace of mind.
---
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Phone: [952-885-9088](tel:19528859088)
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# Financial Insights Blog
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## Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®
Bridget Handke, one of the owners of Birchwood Financial Partners, has a personal mission to help people thrive. She does this by developing long-term relationships with clients that enables her to understand what is most important to them. Bridget strives to give clients a sense of confidence. She is able to translate complex financial concepts into plain language so their personalized financial plan is understandable, flexible and helps promote peace of mind.
Find me on:
### Recent Posts
[ ](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/widow-finances)
## [A Thoughtful Guide to Finances After Losing a Spouse](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/widow-finances)
[Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/author/bridget-handke-cfp-cap)
May 21, 2026 9:00:00 AM
My sister-in-law is an emergency room nurse. When she talks about her work, I sometimes find myself wanting to look away. And when I talk about...
[Read More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/widow-finances)
[ ](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/when-loss-brings-more-than-grief)
## [When Loss Brings More than Grief: Practical Lessons for Families](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/when-loss-brings-more-than-grief)
[Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/author/bridget-handke-cfp-cap)
Oct 16, 2025 8:00:00 AM
In a recent blog, When Caring Gets Complicated: Personal Lessons, I shared what I learned while navigating the challenges of caregiving. What I’ve...
[Read More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/when-loss-brings-more-than-grief)
[ ](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/when-caring-gets-complicated-personal-lessons)
## [When Caring Gets Complicated: Personal Lessons](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/when-caring-gets-complicated-personal-lessons)
[Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/author/bridget-handke-cfp-cap)
Aug 28, 2025 8:00:00 AM
Caring for aging parents is something many of us don’t fully understand until we’re in the thick of it. I’ve been going through it — first with my...
[Read More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/when-caring-gets-complicated-personal-lessons)
[ ](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/managing-finances-during-economic-fluctuations)
## [Managing Your Finances During Economic Fluctuations: Strategies for Retirees](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/managing-finances-during-economic-fluctuations)
[Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/author/bridget-handke-cfp-cap)
Mar 20, 2025 7:00:00 AM
When we live in times of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Economic fluctuations can feel like a roller coaster and may create...
[Read More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/managing-finances-during-economic-fluctuations)
[ ](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/simplify-your-financial-life)
## [Simplify Your Financial Life](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/simplify-your-financial-life)
[Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/author/bridget-handke-cfp-cap)
Aug 8, 2024 8:00:00 AM
Whatever your age or stage in life, managing your finances can often feel overwhelming. Whether you are in your 30s or 40s, or approaching...
[Read More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/simplify-your-financial-life)
[ ](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/financial-surprises-retirement)
## [Financial Surprises in Retirement and How to Manage Them](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/financial-surprises-retirement)
[Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/author/bridget-handke-cfp-cap)
May 23, 2024 10:24:14 AM
Many people dream of retiring for years. As you approach this significant milestone in life, it's natural to anticipate the freedom and relaxation of...
[Read More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/financial-surprises-retirement)
[ ](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/why-you-need-a-financial-advisor)
## [Why You Need a Financial Advisor](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/why-you-need-a-financial-advisor)
[Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/author/bridget-handke-cfp-cap)
Mar 14, 2024 8:50:20 AM
If you have lived for several decades, your personal finances have likely become more complex. You may have accumulated various retirement accounts...
[Read More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/why-you-need-a-financial-advisor)
[ ](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/tax-guide-women)
## [Tax Guide for Women Who've Had a Major Life Change](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/tax-guide-women)
[Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/author/bridget-handke-cfp-cap)
Feb 29, 2024 11:09:16 AM
Life is full of twists and turns, and we may find ourselves facing significant life changes that impact our financial well-being. These events often...
[Read More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/tax-guide-women)
[ ](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/strategic-philanthropy)
## [Strategic Philanthropy: 4 Strategies for Maximizing Tax Benefits](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/strategic-philanthropy)
[Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/author/bridget-handke-cfp-cap)
Nov 24, 2023 10:00:00 AM
Whether it's bundling your donations in one year rather than over two, or figuring out the right year to start making major donations, there are some...
[Read More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/strategic-philanthropy)
[ ](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/gift-taxes-and-navigating-the-maze-of-money-assets-stocks-and-more)
## [Gift Taxes and Navigating the Maze of Money, Assets, Stocks, and More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/gift-taxes-and-navigating-the-maze-of-money-assets-stocks-and-more)
[Bridget Handke, CFP®, CAP®](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/author/bridget-handke-cfp-cap)
Nov 16, 2023 12:49:06 PM
Let’s talk about gifts–not just those wrapped in fancy bows but the ones involving stocks, property, and even art. Delving into the world of...
[Read More](https://blog.birchwoodfp.com/gift-taxes-and-navigating-the-maze-of-money-assets-stocks-and-more)
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*All written content is for information purposes only. It is not intended to provide any tax or legal advice or provide the basis for any financial decisions. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Birchwood Financial Partners, Inc., and our editorial staff. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser or qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency. The inclusion of any link is not an endorsement of any products or services by Birchwood Financial Partners. All links have been provided only as a convenience.*
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