Birchwood's Financial and Investment Blog

By Bridget Handke, CFP, CAP

During our record breaking cold snap in Minnesota, I saw many friends posting about Marie Kondo-ing their house. Schools were closed and it was dangerous to go outside, so what else did Minnesotans have to do but reorganize? I have to admit when Netflix put Tidying Up on my “Recommended for You”...

By RACHEL INFANTE, CFP®

There are many things we plan for as couples—like where we want to live, how many children we want to have, and when we want to retire. More often than not, we don’t plan appropriately for the inevitable. Death unfortunately is not an option. Wouldn’t it be better to know that your loved ones...

By Kay Kramer, CFP

One of the many things that you may think about as you near a transition to retirement or are retired, is how your charitable giving may change. Below are a few common questions or scenarios we see as financial planners: Your charitable giving may change focus from money to more time You...

By Dana Brewer, CFP

I have been using the same fitness trainer since 2001. I don’t say this to boast about my fitness but to explain why after 18 years I still need a trainer. After all those years, I feel I should be able to put together a great workout plan, execute proper technique, and listen to my body to...

By Bridget Handke, CFP, CAP

Something we’ve learned in our Financial Advisory firm is that a client’s retirement success in part depends on how financially savvy their kids are. We’ve seen too often how a client’s financial plan is stressed if they continually help out their kids money-wise. Planning to retire? It can be...

By RACHEL INFANTE, CFP®

Remember the first time you met your partner and had many in depth conversations about each other? What’s your favorite food? What’s your favorite color? What are your religious beliefs? How many kids do you hope to have? How many times in the early stages of your relationship did you discuss...

By Dana Brewer, CFP

How can you ensure that your digital property is taken care of at your death? Digital assets are all of the various online accounts in your name that may include files such as photos, videos, email account, and bank accounts just to name a few. Although setting up digital accounts has made our...

By Bridget Handke, CFP, CAP

I have two millennial daughters and even though they have grown up with a financial planner for a mom, I realize they don’t know as much about money as I’d like them to.  I still have more I could teach them! If your child is a millennial (born 1981-96), you may worry that they don’t know...

By Bridget Handke, CFP, CAP

The death of a spouse can be one of the most challenging things a person can endure. The emotional impact, changes to your family structure, and loss of your closest companion can all take a toll. Financial issues shouldn't add to the emotional hardship. Yet, too often widows and widowers may...

By Dana Brewer, CFP

Growing up, my family often took adventure vacations. At 12-years-old we took a week-long rafting trip down the Selway River in Idaho rafting over significant rapids and an occasional waterfall. We backpack camped in the Cascade Mountains on numerous occasions. It was here that I first observed...