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

Roderick McRae III headshot

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.

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 1: Starting off on the Right Foot
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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. 

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 2: Early Money Habits Lead to Success
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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.

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 3: Who Is FICA and Why Are They Taking My Money?
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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.

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 4: Being "Good" at Money Shouldn't Be Hard
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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. Bonus: Here’s the budget template we talk about in the episode. 

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 5: How Do I Talk About Money Without Ruining My Relationship?
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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.

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 6: What Can My Savings Do for Me?
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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.

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 7: The Credit Card Game
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Episode 8: How Do I Retire Like a Boss?

Are your 20s really the right time to seriously think about retirement? Rod would tell you they are. In this episode, we talk all things retirement—with an essential breakdown of the types of accounts—so you can feel confident about your choices.

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 8: How Do I Retire Like a Boss?
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Episode 9: Do I Really Need a Financial Advisor?

What does a financial advisor do, and at what point do you need one? And until then, how do you properly manage your money on your own? We answer these questions and much more in this week’s episode. Bonus: Here’s the infographic we talk about in the episode. 

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 9: Do I Really Need a Financial Advisor?
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Episode 10: Life Steps and Their Finances

How do I know if I’m ready to buy a house? And when should I combine finances with my partner? This episode makes sure you’re going into big decisions such as these with a deep understanding of what’s to come. Plus, Rod shares his essential piece of advice for any major life decision. 

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 10: Life Steps and Their Finances
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Episode 11: How Much House Can I Buy?

The real cost of homeownership includes a lot more than the “monthly estimate” lets on. This episode breaks it all down from additional costs like appraisals and taxes to how much income-based wiggle room you really need. Rod and Chloe talk about mortgages, your house as an investment, and what kind of return can you […]

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 11: How Much House Can I Buy?
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Episode 12: Is All Debt Bad?

Is all debt bad? Not exactly, and Rod would tell you it largely depends on the type. In this episode, we break down the basics of debt and discuss an outline for what a manageable amount of debt actually looks like for someone in their 20s or 30s.

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 12: Is All Debt Bad?
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Episode 13: Why Does it Feel Like Everyone’s Richer Than Me?

Social media turns some people’s highlights into everyone else’s measuring stick, and it’s messing with how we think about our money. On a more personal level, things can get even trickier when it comes to friends and finances; Rod and Chloe discuss how to stay financially considerate and responsible when dining out or hosting friends.

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 13: Why Does it Feel Like Everyone’s Richer Than Me?
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Episode 11: “How Much House Can I Buy?” is coming out on 7/31/2026

The Financial Freshman
The Financial Freshman
Episode 13: Why Does it Feel Like Everyone’s Richer Than Me?
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  • Episode 13: Why Does it Feel Like Everyone’s Richer Than Me?

    Episode 13: Why Does it Feel Like Everyone’s Richer Than Me?

    Aug 28, 2026 • 00:32:13

    Social media turns some people’s highlights into everyone else’s measuring stick, and it’s messing with how we think about our money. On a more personal level, things can get even trickier when it comes to friends and finances; Rod and Chloe discuss how to stay financially considerate and responsible when…

  • Episode 12: Is All Debt Bad?

    Episode 12: Is All Debt Bad?

    Aug 14, 2026 • 00:29:51

    Is all debt bad? Not exactly, and Rod would tell you it largely depends on the type. In this episode, we break down the basics of debt and discuss an outline for what a manageable amount of debt actually looks like for someone in their 20s or 30s.

  • Episode 11: How Much House Can I Buy?

    Episode 11: How Much House Can I Buy?

    Jul 31, 2026 • 00:36:26

    The real cost of homeownership includes a lot more than the “monthly estimate” lets on. This episode breaks it all down from additional costs like appraisals and taxes to how much income-based wiggle room you really need. Rod and Chloe talk about mortgages, your house as an investment, and what…

  • Episode 1: Starting off on the Right Foot

    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.

  • Episode 2: Early Money Habits Lead to Success

    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. 

  • Episode 3: Who Is FICA and Why Are They Taking My Money?

    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.

  • Episode 4: Being "Good" at Money Shouldn't Be Hard

    Episode 4: Being "Good" at Money Shouldn't Be Hard

    Apr 24, 2026 • 00:27:18

    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?

    Episode 5: How Do I Talk About Money Without Ruining My Relationship?

    May 8, 2026 • 00:29:49

    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. Bonus: Here’s the budget template we talk…

  • Episode 6: What Can My Savings Do for Me?

    Episode 6: What Can My Savings Do for Me?

    May 22, 2026 • 00:37:41

    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

    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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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. 

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