The Financial Freshman

Rod McRae and Chloe Blanchard

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. Whether you’re figuring out where to start with retirement planning, wondering if investing is only for people in finance, or stressing about how to talk about money with your partner, Chloe asks the questions you’re probably too embarrassed to ask, and Rod answers with honest, practical advice. No jargon. No sales pitches. Just real conversations about building wealth, planning for the future, and making smart choices—even if you don’t have six figures in the bank (yet). Perfect for recent grads, first-jobbers, or anyone who wants to get their money right from day one, The Financial Freshman is your go-to guide for taking control of your financial future—and feeling confident in doing so. 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.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    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. Infographic: https://mcraecapital.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Life-planning16.4x10-10.28.pdf

    26 min

  2. Jun 19

    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.

    29 min

  3. Jun 5

    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.

    35 min

  4. May 22

    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.

    38 min

  5. May 8

    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

    30 min

  6. Apr 24

    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.

    27 min

  7. Apr 10

    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.

    34 min

  8. Mar 1

    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.

    21 min

  9. Mar 1

    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.

    23 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

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. Whether you’re figuring out where to start with retirement planning, wondering if investing is only for people in finance, or stressing about how to talk about money with your partner, Chloe asks the questions you’re probably too embarrassed to ask, and Rod answers with honest, practical advice. No jargon. No sales pitches. Just real conversations about building wealth, planning for the future, and making smart choices—even if you don’t have six figures in the bank (yet). Perfect for recent grads, first-jobbers, or anyone who wants to get their money right from day one, The Financial Freshman is your go-to guide for taking control of your financial future—and feeling confident in doing so. 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Rod McRae and Chloe Blanchard
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rod McRae and Chloe Blanchard