Trae Bodge is one of the country's leading smart-shopping and personal-savings experts. You've probably seen her on CNBC and Good Morning America, or in publications like The New York Times, USA Today, and MarketWatch. She joins us on the show for a holiday-season intervention on spending, shopping, and gift-giving. Trae also shares news about her, mom-inspired Threadneedle Alley Foundation, a nonprofit that provides grants and guidance to midlife entrepreneurs facing financial challenges. Through Dec. 31, 2025, entrepreneurs ages 40 and up can apply for a $5,000 grant and ongoing mentorship . 

 

 

🎁 🎁 🎁A Special Gift from our friend... The Mad Fientist (only through Dec 10th)

 

 

 

Brandon Ganch's (aka The Mad Fientist) is one of the early pioneers of the FI Movement and has shared his knowledge and brilliant resources with millions of people for over a decade. He will be featured on our holiday episode (releasing on 12/21/25). This holiday season he has a brand new beta software called Wealthmachines.co, a complete system designed for financial independence that focuses on your assets and the income they generate. Even though he's brilliant at developing software, his real passion is music, and he has a new album coming out with a juicy offer! Until December 10th, he is gifting early access to you before it goes to a monthly subscription when you purchase his new album. Here's how you can support his passion and get his software:

 

1. Preorder his brand new EP Album for $4.99 before December 10th on Amazon Music (or other music retailers) and ​follow him on ​Spotify (help him get to 1000 subscribers)
2. Send a copy of the receipt to fi@madfientist.com​
3. Go to Wealthmachines.co and click the "Get Access" link in the top right corner to get free access. Note: The public release won't be until 2027, but you'll be able to start using it as soon as it's ready. Also, you will NOT need to pay an annual fee once the app becomes publicly available (the annual fee will be more than the EP's cost, every single year)!

 

 

DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS:

 

🆕NEW PARTNER:  Monarch Money

The modern way to manage money! Monarch will change the way you organize your financial life. Track, budget, plan, and do more with your money – together. Get 50% off the first year using this link and entering code: CATCHINGUP50

 

Alloy

TheAlloyMarket.com offers a seamless and efficient way to sell your gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, regardless of its condition. They are committed to transparency and fairness, ensuring you get the best possible value for your items. Visit TheAlloyMarket.com and use referral code CUTOFI15 to get a $15 bonus when you sell items over $199 (limited time offer). 

For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners 

 

 

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🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website 

 

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Charity:  Threadneedle Alley 

🌐 TrueTrae.com

 

 

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⚠️Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.