About Katie Diehl

Katie is an Accredited Financial Counselor with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She enjoys frugal picnics, meal prepping while watching true crime, and hitting the trails on mountain bikes with her husband.

Favorite budgeting and tracking method and why: I track with a spreadsheet because I like having full control over what I see and how things are calculated… and it forces me to revisit each purchase.

Favorite financial literacy topic: Money traps. - getting to the root of wasteful spending and adjusting bad habits that will make a big difference over time.

Favorite “small” financial habit: If my husband and I want to buy some snacks, we have to walk to the grocery store (over 3 miles round trip).

What do you refuse to spend money on?:  luggage costs when traveling. I will book the absolute cheapest flight and fit everything into a free personal item bag and maybe a carry on if that's included with the ticket. 

My goal is to support you as you create a financial plan that truly fits you, your values, your goals and your real life. I see my role as a mix of educator, encourager and challenger. 

Together, we’ll look closely at your financial picture, talk through what’s working and what’s not, and identify any gaps or habits that might be holding you back. I’ll offer tools, knowledge and perspective, but lasting change depends on your willingness to engage and take action. My mission is to help you feel both empowered and stretched so you can make thoughtful, informed decisions that move you toward your financial goals. 

What does a first meeting with me look like?

In our first meeting, I get to know you (we get to know each other), what your goals are for your time at Birch, what put you in the financial situation you are in and learn your philosophy around money.

What does a financial counseling meeting with me NOT look like?

A session with me isn’t a one-size-fits-all finance lesson. Instead, we’ll zero in on your unique challenges and tackle those together.

What is my favorite part of my job?

My favorite part of the job is not only when a participant comes up with a realistic plan and is able to act on it but is also able to adjust the plan when unexpected life events happen and keep going. 

What is my least favorite part of my job? 

My least favorite part is being the one to say what no one else will. It’s uncomfortable at times, but keeping people accountable is what helps them succeed.

When someone who doesn't know what a financial counselor does asks me about my job, I say:

My goal is to support you as you create a financial plan that truly fits you: your values, your goals, and your real life. I see my role as a mix of educator, encourager, and challenger. Together we’ll look closely at your financial picture, talk through what’s working and what’s not, and identify any gaps or habits that might be holding you back.