Rae Upchurch
Financial Literacy Advocate
Personal Notes
I’m Rae and I’m so glad you’re here. As a seasoned financial educator and coach, I’ve spent years helping individuals and families understand how money really works from the basics of budgeting and credit to building long-term financial security. I know that managing money can feel overwhelming and that’s exactly why I created this program, to give clear, practical tools and strategies you can actually use right now. My mission is simple—I want you to feel confident about your financial future, avoid common pitfalls, and see money not as a stressor but as a tool to open doors for your life.
Bio
LauRae “Rae” Upchurch is a seasoned financial educator, certified financial coach, and advocate for empowering individuals through financial literacy. With over a decade of experience in personal finance training and program development, Rae has designed and delivered workshops on topics ranging from budgeting, credit building, and debt management to long-term planning, taxes, and financial wellness. She holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Western Michigan University and is uniquely positioned to bridge the worlds of athletics and financial education.
As the founder of Upward Edge, a NIL and Financial Education Management company, Rae focuses on equipping student-athletes with the financial knowledge they need to manage income from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and to build lasting financial stability beyond sports.
Known for her relatable teaching style and ability to make complex financial topics accessible, Rae has been recognized as an award-winning educator who believes money should be a tool for creating freedom, not stress. Her mission is to ensure that young people—especially athletes—leave her sessions not only more knowledgeable but also empowered to take control of their financial futures.
Rae Upchurch is an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI®).
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