Melanie Colusci*, CFP^®,CEPA^® ,AEP^®

I'm more than just a financial planner.

I’m a Montana girl turned Pittsburgher, raising our boys (and five very opinionated cats!) with my husband in the North Hills. When I’m not deep in financial planning, you’ll find me camping, swimming, or just enjoying the outdoors with my family. Nature keeps me grounded—but helping people build strong financial futures is what truly lights me up.

Hi, I'm Melanie Colusci — Founder and President of Bridger Financial Group, and someone who believes financial planning should feel personal, not transactional.

With over 25 years in the industry, I’ve worked with individuals and business owners through some of life’s most joyful and most difficult transitions—especially those navigating life after loss. My goal is always the same: to bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind when people need it most.

At Bridger, we take a holistic approach to wealth management. We don’t just crunch numbers—we talk life. Whether you’re building a business, managing a major change, or figuring out what’s next, we’re here to create a financial strategy that reflects your values and vision.

I’m also a Certified Exit Planning Advisor™ (CEPA®), which means I’ve had specialized training to help entrepreneurs transition out of their businesses with intention and confidence—whether they’re ready to sell, pass it on, or just step back and breathe a little.

As a business owner myself, I understand the pressure, the passion, and the hustle—especially for women leaders. That’s why I’ve made it a mission to support other women in business and leadership. I’ve even written two books to help women take control of their financial and professional futures.

I launched Bridger Financial Group in 2015, but its foundation—trust, transparency, and heart—was laid long before that. Because to me, financial planning isn’t just about money. It’s about people, purpose, and creating a life you love.

Explore our latest insights:

https://www.bridgerfinancialgroup.com/blog

CA insurance license number is G29689

*Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. **The Five Star Wealth Manager Award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria:1) Credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR) or a registered investment advisor; 2) Actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years; 3) Favorable regulatory and complaint history review; 4) Fulfilled their firm review based on internal firm standards; 5) Accepting new clients; 6) One-year client retention rate; 7) Five-year client retention rate; 8) Non-institutionalized discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9) Number of client households served; 10) Educational and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or awarded. Once awarded, wealth managers may opt to purchase additional profile ad space or related award promotional products. The award methodology does not evaluate the quality of services provided. The award is not indicative of the award winner’s future performance. 1726 Pittsburgh wealth managers were considered for the award; 453(approximately 27 percent of the award candidates) were named Five Star Wealth Managers. To qualify as having a favorable regulatory and complaint history for this award, the person cannot have (1) been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine, (2) had more than a total of three customer complaints filed against them (settled or pending) with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process, (3) individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint filed with a regulatory authority, (4) filed for bankruptcy, or (5) been convicted of a felony.

Melanie Colusci’s Book, From Start-Up to Success, encompasses that success can come from anywhere.