Welcome to The Financial Flymingo

Hi, I’m Katlyn, the heart behind this platform. I’m thrilled to share the ups, downs, and lessons that have shaped my financial journey and inspired me to help others.

From Sunny San Diego to a Life of Service

Born and raised in San Diego, I grew up as an only child in a family navigating the challenges of high-cost living. Early on, I became keenly aware of financial struggles, sparking a lifelong interest in making finances work smarter, not harder.

At 25, I felt a calling to serve and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Guided by my dad’s advice, I chose a career as an Air Traffic Controller—an opportunity to serve my country while building a future-ready skill set.

Military Adventures and Educational Milestones

My military journey began at McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst AFB in New Jersey and continued to sunny Panama City, Florida. As I transitioned from Active Duty to the Air National Guard, I built a new chapter alongside my mom, my two dogs (Juno and Titus), and my cat (Morgan).

Simultaneously, I pursued higher education. I earned a Bachelor’s in Business Management with a Psychology minor, then advanced to a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. These degrees deepened my understanding of how mental health, socioeconomic factors, and life experiences shape our financial behaviors.

The Birth of The Financial Flymingo

When I joined the Federal Aviation Administration in New Orleans, I worked alongside 14 veterans. I quickly discovered that 10 of them had never completed their Military Service Buyback. Determined to help, I had them bring in their DD-214s and assisted with all their paperwork. This experience illuminated a passion I didn’t realize I had—helping veterans who often just don’t know where to start. It also highlighted a significant gap in resources for veterans transitioning to civilian federal roles. Inspired by these experiences, I created The Financial Flymingo—a platform dedicated to bridging those gaps and empowering veterans and federal employees with clear, actionable financial advice.

Turning Challenges into Purpose

Life hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating divorce to reassessing retirement goals, I’ve faced my share of setbacks. During these experiences, I realized how financial knowledge—especially for women and minorities—is often inaccessible. This insight propelled me to pursue my Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, with plans to complete it by the end of 2025.

Join the Journey

The Financial Flymingo is more than just a blog; it’s a community. Here, I share lessons, strategies, and insights tailored to military members, veterans, and federal employees looking to take control of their financial futures.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, let’s spread our wings and soar toward financial empowerment!