The Financial Freshman Podcast
Figuring out your finances doesn’t have to be overwhelming or boring—instead, it can be rewarding in more ways than one. Each episode, join Rod McRae, a seasoned managing partner at McRae Capital Management, and Chloe Blanchard, a curious, candid young adult with a million money questions, as they break down the topics every young adult needs to know but nobody ever explained.
Meet the Hosts
Rod McRae CFA, CFP®
For the past three decades Rod has served as a Managing Parter at McRae Capital Management. He provides comprehensive investment management and financial counseling tailored to the unique needs of families. His expertise extends beyond portfolio construction to include strategic guidance on budgeting, tax optimization, and retirement readiness. Rod ensures his clients achieve long-term financial security and a lasting family legacy. Rod holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner CFP® designations.
Chloe Blanchard
Chloe Blanchard is a young adult who knows how important it is to understand her financial picture. Like most people around her age and stage of life, she’s part of the way there—but could use some help from Rod to feel comfortable about her money decisions.
Episode 1: Starting off on the Right Foot
Money habits aren’t often taught in school—so where else are you supposed to learn them? Rod and Chloe dive into the foundations of what you need to know to set yourself up for financial success in early adulthood.
Episode 2: Early Money Habits Lead to Success
Cash, savings, and retirement—where should you focus first, and how should you manage each of these “buckets”? Rod’s guide to setting yourself up with strong habits in these areas will lead you on the right path.
Episode 3: Who Is FICA and Why Are They Taking My Money?
We’ve all been there: that moment when you’re looking at your first paycheck and wondering where all your money went. In this episode, Rod and Chloe break down paychecks, taxes, healthcare plans, and more so you can navigate your first job’s finances with ease.
Episode 4: Being “Good” at Money Shouldn’t Be Hard
Financial literacy isn’t something reserved for finance bros; a comfortable, confident money attitude is possible for everyone. Discover valuable financial tips and resources, known how to stay smart when it comes to financial scams, and learn some common financial words explained in simple terms.
Episode 5: How Do I Talk About Money Without Ruining My Relationship?
Money is a taboo topic in many relationships, but there are ways for couples to find common ground. In this episode, Rod and Chloe talk about the balance of numbers and emotions and offer advice on how to navigate that with your partner. Budget template: https://mcraecapital.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Financial-Planning-Expenses.pdf
Episode 6: What Can My Savings Do for Me?
As it turns out, your savings don’t belong in a savings account—if you want the maximum benefits, that is. Tune in to this week’s episode to discover where your savings can be instead, and why making the right choices now can help you immensely down the line.
Episode 7: The Credit Card Game
Rod’s #1 rule: Do not get yourself into credit card debt. In this episode, we break down why credit card debt so dangerous; we also discuss the right way to use a credit card, having multiple cards, when to pay them, credit scoring, debt consolidation, and more.
Episode 8: “How Do I Retire Like a Boss?” is coming out on 6/19/2026
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Episode 7: The Credit Card Game
Jun 5, 2026 • 00:35:27
Rod’s #1 rule: Do not get yourself into credit card debt. In this episode, we break down why credit card debt so dangerous; we also discuss the right way to use a credit card, having multiple cards, when to pay them, credit scoring, debt consolidation, and more.
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Episode 6: What Can My Savings Do for Me?
May 22, 2026 • 00:37:26
As it turns out, your savings don’t belong in a savings account—if you want the maximum benefits, that is. Tune in to this week’s episode to discover where your savings can be instead, and why making the right choices now can help you immensely down the line.
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Episode 5: How Do I Talk About Money Without Ruining My Relationship?
May 8, 2026 • 00:29:50
Money is a taboo topic in many relationships, but there are ways for couples to find common ground. In this episode, Rod and Chloe talk about the balance of numbers and emotions and offer advice on how to navigate that with your partner. Budget template: https://mcraecapital.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Financial-Planning-Expenses.pdf
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Episode 4: Being "Good" at Money Shouldn't Be Hard
Apr 24, 2026 • 00:27:19
Financial literacy isn’t something reserved for finance bros; a comfortable, confident money attitude is possible for everyone. Discover valuable financial tips and resources, known how to stay smart when it comes to financial scams, and learn some common financial words explained in simple terms.
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Episode 3: Who Is FICA and Why Are They Taking My Money?
Apr 10, 2026 • 00:33:31
We’ve all been there: that moment when you’re looking at your first paycheck and wondering where all your money went. In this episode, Rod and Chloe break down paychecks, taxes, healthcare plans, and more so you can navigate your first job’s finances with ease.
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Episode 1: Starting off on the Right Foot
Mar 1, 2026 • 00:23:13
Money habits aren’t often taught in school—so where else are you supposed to learn them? Rod and Chloe dive into the foundations of what you need to know to set yourself up for financial success in early adulthood.
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Episode 2: Early Money Habits Lead to Success
Mar 1, 2026 • 00:21:21
Cash, savings, and retirement—where should you focus first, and how should you manage each of these “buckets”? Rod’s guide to setting yourself up with strong habits in these areas will lead you on the right path.
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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute an offer of investment management or investment advisory services by McRae Capital Management Inc. (“McRae”) and may not be relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities or other assets. Nothing on the podcast is intended to be, and you should not consider anything on the podcast to be, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice.
The contents of the podcast may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates, and projections about the financial industry, the economy, McRae itself or its investments. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of the underlying expected actions or future performance and future results may differ significantly from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. All expressions of opinions are subject to change without notice. Inherent in any investment is the risk of loss. Further, past performance is not indicative of future results.
