Stan Harrison — Helping You Master Money and Protect What Matters Most
We’re proud to announce a bold new addition to the MONEY section of Black Men In America — a column dedicated to practical financial advice, wealth-building strategies, and navigating life’s unexpected turns with confidence.
Meet Stan Harrison, a seasoned financial expert and the trusted face behind Stan Harrison State Farm in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. With a passion for protecting families and empowering communities, Stan brings years of real-world experience to our readers — from auto, home, and renters insurance to financial literacy, risk management, and planning for the future.
As a respected State Farm Agent, community mentor, and Chamber of Commerce board member, Stan is more than just an insurance professional — he’s a purpose-driven advocate for smart decision-making, economic independence, and being prepared for whatever life throws your way.
In his upcoming columns, Stan will break down:
- Common money mistakes and how to avoid them
- Building generational wealth — one decision at a time
- The power of financial protection: why insurance matters
- Real talk about saving, budgeting, and bouncing back
- And insider advice from a man who’s helped hundreds secure their futures
Stan’s approach is clear, honest, and rooted in the belief that good neighbors become strong communities when they are informed and financially secure.
Stay tuned each month as Stan Harris shares tips, strategies, and personal insights designed to help you make smarter financial choices and live a more secure life.
October 2025
That “small” Voice
Consider for a moment the impact your absence would have on your family or loved ones. Death is an inevitable part of life, and it is prudent to prepare accordingly. Are you heeding that internal prompt encouraging you to act? Are you listening to that small voice urging you to secure a policy that provides the guarantees and financial protection you want?
The primary purpose of life insurance is to provide monetary support to your family at the time of your passing, replacing the financial structure you currently offer. Life insurance grants peace of mind that few other products can replicate. Lately there have been conversations surrounding generational wealth. Can you find a more immediate, cost-effective, tax-free, and straightforward way to transfer wealth than life insurance?
As an advisor, one of the most challenging situations occurs when I am contacted following a customers death, only to discover that no policy exists to help the grieving family. Another common difficulty arises when clients cancel policies before realizing their full long-term benefits. Since these policies are designed to last a lifetime, patience and stewardship are essential.
One of my most senior customers, in a community gathering shared the following “The only people who don’t have a policy are those who are super rich or super foolish!” She added “If your current savings will not replace your income potential then you need to get a policy today!”
Frequently, individuals devote more time to leisure planning than ensuring the financial stability of their dependents. The same dedication invested in enjoyable activities should also be directed toward safeguarding your family’s future.
Life insurance is an invaluable asset whose benefits are often overlooked, despite its crucial role in preserving financial security for dependents. Many people delay buying life insurance due to concerns about cost, competing priorities, health issues, misinformation, procrastination, trust, or apprehension.
An emerging voice for the millennial generation Mr. Vernon Brundage addresses this issue “Excuses are tools of the incompetent used to build bridges to nowhere and monuments of nothingness, and those who use them seldom specialize in anything else.”
Just in case you choose to listen to that other small voice which leads you astray; A qualified advisor will address concerns and clarify policy options, emphasizing that anyone who provides financial support to others should consider life insurance as a responsible measure. My professional philosophy is straightforward: If anyone relies on you—for financial support, meals, or assistance—you need life insurance!
A common question is: Which policy type is best? My answer is consistent: “The best policy is the one that is active at the time of your passing!” A life insurance policy represents a critical gesture of care, ensuring the well-being and security of loved ones in your absence.
The benefits of life insurance include:
- Guaranteed insurability protection (key for children)
- Peace of mind through tax-free benefits (subject to standard conditions)
- Locked-in rates for permanent policies.
- Flexible premium payment options available in certain permanent policies
- Accessible cash value during your lifetime
- Financial protection
- Income replacement
- Debt security
- Coverage for end-of-life expenses
- Legacy and educational planning
- Support for business ventures
- Access for capital with home or large purchases
- Guaranteed cash value growth.
- Tax-free benefits
- Dividend potential (Mutual companies) and optional riders
- Asset protection
- Creditor protection/lawsuit exemption
- Supplemental retirement funding
- Policies available without underwriting approval.
- Protection from chronic and terminal illnesses
Life insurance offers essential financial assurance to dependents, addressing liabilities and maintaining stability after loss.
The discussion whether to secure a policy has been debated for centuries, one would think that this issue was culturally confined however Benjamin Franklin observed: “It is a strange anomaly that men could be careful to insure their houses, their ships, their merchandise, and yet neglect to insure their lives—surely the most important of all to their families, and more subject to loss.”
Prompt action to secure the right coverage is paramount to the individual and community welfare. It is imperative to heed that small inner voice and take decisive steps to protect your family.
For further information or assistance, please contact me on 386-427-5277 or toll-free at 833-538-7829.
September 2025
Investing vs. Divesting: Meaning and Impact on the African American Community
In my prior article, I wrote specifically about our responsibilities to invest in ourselves, and our futures. Recently there has been waves of issues regarding companies that have either chosen to disrespect or have failed to acknowledge the existence of the African American buying power. This article encourages investing in assets/companies that matter personally and avoiding companies that demonstrate a lack of respect. Your spending choices signal approval for a company’s actions; As my dad would say- “You vote with your dollars!” It is just as important to divest or avoid investing with companies who either ignore, take us for granted or simply disregard our needs.
The terms “investing” and “divesting” are often heard in financial, business, and policy discussions, but their differences extend far beyond simple definitions. For the African American community, the implications of investing and divesting carry profound historical, economic, and social weight. Understanding the contrast between these concepts is crucial for grasping their potential to shape, uplift, or challenge communities.
Investing refers to the allocation of resources—whether money, time, energy, or expertise—into an asset, project, or community with the expectation of generating a positive return, growth, or impact over time. In a financial sense, investing means purchasing assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or starting a business, with the hope that their value will increase.
However, investment can also mean pouring resources into communities, education, and infrastructure. Social investing, for example, seeks not only a financial return but also a positive social or environmental outcome.
Divesting is the act of withdrawing resources, typically in the form of money or assets, from an investment, organization, or industry. While divestment is often used as a financial “TOOL”—such as selling shares in a company—it also functions as a strategy for enacting social or political change. For instance, divestment campaigns have called for the withdrawal of funds from industries or entities that are viewed as harmful, unjust, or misaligned with certain values, such as fossil fuels, tobacco, or private prisons. Several decades ago, you may remember the push to divest from South Africa due to their position on racial injustice.
At their core, investing and divesting are opposite actions. Investing is about building, supporting, and nurturing; divesting is about withdrawing, distancing, and, sometimes, protest. The key differences can be summarized as follows:
- Direction of Resources: Investing directs capital and resources into a target, aiming for growth and improvement; divesting pulls resources out, aiming to reduce support or send a message.
- Intent: Investors look to foster opportunity and benefit, whether for profit or social good. Divestors often aim to express objection, align with values, or avoid complicity.
- Impact: Investing can create jobs, improve infrastructure, and build wealth. Divesting may influence change, reduce financial support for certain activities, or prompt policy adjustments.
- Time Horizon: Investments are typically long-term in nature, while divestments can be more immediate actions.
For the African American community, the history of investing and divesting is intimately tied to broader struggles for economic empowerment and social justice. Historically, African Americans were systematically excluded from access to capital, homeownership, and business investment due to discriminatory policies such as redlining, segregation, and unequal access to credit.
Conversely, divestment has been a tool for protest and social change—most notably in the campaign to divest from apartheid South Africa, which saw significant support from African American activists and institutions.
Investing in the African American community means more than individual stock market participation. It encapsulates targeted efforts to build Black-owned businesses, support access to quality education, increase homeownership, fund local initiatives, and bring venture capital to underrepresented entrepreneurs.
The benefits are multi-layered:
- Wealth Building: Investment provides opportunities for generational wealth creation, which has historically lagged in African American households due to systemic barriers.
- Community Development: Capital investment can revitalize neighborhoods, improve schools, develop infrastructure, and promote safer, healthier communities.
- Empowerment: Investing in Black-owned banks, institutions, and businesses fosters self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship, and local leadership.
- Representation: When capital flows into diverse hands, it ensures that solutions and innovations reflect the needs and voices of the entire community.
Divestment has also played a powerful role in the African American experience. Institutions, including churches, universities, and pension funds have used divestment to protest and reject investments in practices or industries that perpetuate inequality, violence, or environmental harm.
Some examples include:
- Withdrawing funds from companies involved in private prisons, which disproportionately impact African American populations.
- Divesting from polluting industries that disproportionately affect Black neighborhoods.
- Boycotting companies with histories of discriminatory practices.
Divestment, in this context, is not merely a financial act but a declaration of values—a refusal to support systems that harm the community.
Recently, there has been a surge in awareness and activism surrounding where resources are invested or withheld. The “Buy Black” movement encourages investment in Black-owned businesses as a form of economic solidarity. Simultaneously, campaigns to divest from policing, prisons, and harmful industries echo a call for funds to be reallocated toward education, healthcare, and public safety.
Financial literacy initiatives in the African American community (like www.blackmeninamerica,com) are working to demystify investing, making it accessible and empowering for all generations. At the same time, divestment strategies are used to push for corporate and government accountability—holding institutions to higher standards of equity and ethics.
The major difference between investing and divesting lies in their purpose: one seeks to build, the other to withdraw. For the African American community, both actions carry significance. Investing means planting seeds for prosperity, equity, and empowerment. Divesting means taking a stand against injustice and reallocating support for more ethical and inclusive alternatives.
Both practices, when strategically employed, can help shape a future where resources are not only tools for growth but also instruments of justice and healing. Understanding their power and potential enables the African American community—and society at large—to make choices that honor history, foster opportunity, and demand accountability.
It is now up to you, be steadfast in selecting companies or funds whose missions & actions align with your core values. You have heard this statement at least once- “Put your money where your mouth is” Vote wisely!
August 2025 – Money – Part 2
After reading Mr. Johnson’s article (How Do Black People Spend Their Money), I was reminded of the following quote shared with me by my mentor Dr. Charlie Roberts. “What you don’t know won’t hurt you but not knowing will certainly cost you a lot of money.”
This quote reflects the reality that ignorance, especially in matters of personal finance, can have tangible consequences. In a world where access to information is more democratized than ever, the challenge is not a lack of resources, but a lack of initiative.
Yet, even with all the practical advice at our disposal, the greatest obstacle to financial progress remains inertia. Many of us know what should be done, but the gap between knowledge and action persists. This is where intentionality becomes paramount. It is not about waiting for the perfect financial moment—rather, it’s about starting where you are, with what you have, and refusing to be paralyzed by either fear or perfectionism.
I have seen firsthand how small, consistent actions—reviewing your budget every week, setting up automatic transfers into savings, or simply having candid conversations with family members about money—can blossom into habits that transform futures. Education, accountability, and a willingness to seek guidance are key. If there is a lesson to be learned from the stories of wealth-building, it is that you do not have to walk this path alone. There are resources, mentors, and tools available for those willing to reach out and take the first step.
Taking ownership of your financial education is not merely prudent; it is essential.
That’s why it’s important to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and honest self-assessment. True progress comes not from isolated acts, but from a sustained commitment to growth, leaning into discomfort, confronting past mistakes, and being open to new approaches. The process of building wealth is rarely linear, nor is it free of setbacks. But each lesson learned, whether through success or failure, becomes a building block for future prosperity.
I would like to thank Mr. Gary Johnson for this courageous article that showed a realistic financial picture of the African American community. His article could have been easily labeled as controversial; however, the facts are the facts! We all know that though people are not completely truthful, numbers however do not have the luxury of falsehood. I would also like to remind readers that knowledge of financial literacy not only contributed to my life – but it has shaped my point of view & the direction to start a business. Before I decided to open an insurance & financial services franchise, I was always reminded that “You are either part of the problem or part of the solution- no questions!” I chose to make it my mission to change the face of wealth by educating & eliminating the fear of investing. I would also like to remind the reader that the facts presented over 15 years ago are still relevant & even more pronounced in 2025.
The financial realities we face today are neither the result of chance nor immutable destiny—they are shaped by choices, systems, and the stories we tell ourselves. Recognizing this is the first step toward meaningful transformation. The numbers from decades past serve as both warning and guidepost: if we ignore them, we risk perpetuating cycles of hardship; if we study and act upon them, we can rewrite those cycles into narratives of progress.
So how do we translate awareness into action? It starts with honest conversations—within households, among friends, and across communities. Transparency about money matters can dismantle shame and inspire collective problem-solving. Whether it’s exploring the fundamentals of investing, learning about credit scores, or uncovering the mechanics of interest and compounding, open dialogue replaces isolation with empowerment.
Moreover, the path to financial well-being requires challenging ingrained beliefs about wealth and possibility. Too often, the legacy of financial marginalization breeds skepticism and caution, but it need not be a life sentence! By choosing to see ourselves as agents of change—capable of learning, adapting, and leading—we reclaim the narrative and lay the groundwork for generational prosperity.
In this extension, I would like to focus on three actionable items that each reader can do within the next month to improve the trajectory of you & your family’s financial future. These include Retirement/401K enrollment, Debt Reduction & Life Insurance.
In reflecting on these truths, I am reminded that financial empowerment begins with confronting our habits and the cultural narratives we inherit. Too often, we are taught to measure success by visible markers—what we wear, what we drive, or what adorns our homes—while the foundations of true, lasting wealth lie in knowledge, discipline, and ownership. The journey from being a consumer to becoming an investor is both a mindset shift and an act of courage, particularly in communities where historic barriers to wealth-building persist.
It is not enough to simply earn money; we must learn the principles that allow wealth to multiply and endure. This means asking difficult questions about our own spending patterns and considering how each dollar might serve us in the long run. When I first began educating myself about assets, liabilities, and investment strategies, it was a revelation to see how seemingly small decision choosing to save rather than spend, to invest rather than consume—could ripple outward, shaping not only my own financial destiny but also for those around me.
True financial literacy empowers individuals to see beyond immediate gratification, to imagine a future in which money is a tool of liberation rather than limitation.
Consider, for example, the significance of enrolling in your company’s retirement plan or initiating contributions to an IRA. Each contribution is more than just a deposit—it’s a declaration that your future matters, and that you are taking deliberate steps to secure it. Retirement planning is more crucial now than ever due to the most recent news suggesting a 25% reduction in Social Security Retirement benefits for individuals filing in 2033 or later.
Similarly, tackling debt is not merely about reducing numbers on a statement, but about reclaiming the power to dictate your own financial narrative. Each dollar paid off is a weight lifted, granting you more freedom to pursue opportunities rather than obligations.
Life insurance, often misunderstood or overlooked, functions not only as a safety net for loved ones but as a cornerstone of generational wealth. When structured wisely, it can serve as both protection and a means to build assets that outlast a single lifetime. These tool-retirement plans, debt reduction, and life insurance—are not reserved for the wealthy; they are accessible strategies that anyone can begin to implement, within the next 30 days regardless of your individual starting point.
Adopting these practices, even in small increments, can have a compounding effect over time. The journey toward financial stability and growth is not measured by a single leap, but by a series of intentional steps—each one building on the last. Setting aside a portion of each paycheck, negotiating to lower high-interest debts, or taking the time to understand the nuances of various life insurance policies might seem like modest actions, but collectively, they chart a powerful course toward a resilient financial future.
It is important to emphasize that these changes are accessible and achievable, no matter your current circumstances. Progress is rarely linear, and setbacks may arise, but persistence is key. Celebrate each milestone—be it paying off a credit card, increasing your retirement contributions, or explaining the basics of compound interest to a family member. These victories are cumulative, gradually shifting your relationship with money from one of anxiety or avoidance to one grounded in confidence and foresight.
By fostering this sense of urgency and purpose, we not only improve our own prospects, but also become catalysts for broader transformation. As we equip ourselves with knowledge and put it into practice, we become examples for others—proving that financial security is within reach, and that generational wealth is not a distant dream, but an attainable reality.
Your financial goals should have specific purposes! For instance, an account with $16,400 earning 10% would yield $1,640 annually to pay the annual property taxes, which will ensure that the family home will remain in the family into perpetuity. (Average property tax .82% & home value of $250,000 with $50,000 homestead exemption)
Another example is an account with $1,000,000 earning 10%, annual withdrawal rate 4% ($40,000) to use or supplement your plan for retirement & the $1,000,000+ principle will grow to pass to future generations. Some would question how these numbers are possible; I will redirect you to the original article which shows the buying power of the African American community. Rule #1 in any financial plan is to Pay yourself first! Becoming a millionaire in America is not as difficult as previously viewed, there are several articles, videos & examples available – if you are willing to act toward financial freedom.
The shift to a wealth-building mindset is a journey that transcends individual benefit. As more people in our community embrace these principles, we set a new standard and legacy for the generations that follow. True empowerment comes from understanding that the financial decisions we make today echo long into the future, shaping not just personal fortunes, but the destiny of entire communities.
This is especially urgent when the economic disparities identified years ago have only widened, underscoring the need for intentional change.
As you begin to internalize these concepts, it becomes clear that every financial decision, no matter how minor it may seem, carries the potential to either reinforce old cycles or spark transformative change. Shifting our mindset involves not only resisting the pull of instant gratification but also cultivating curiosity about how wealth is created and sustained. Financial empowerment is not about deprivation; it’s about making intentional choices that open doors and expand possibilities.
Start by examining your daily habits and ask: does this purchase help me move closer to my long-term goals, or is it momentary satisfaction at the expense of future security? This simple question can spark a profound shift, encouraging a move from passive consumption to active, purposeful investing. For many, this means viewing money less as something to be spent and more as a seed to be sown—an instrument for building, protecting, and eventually transferring wealth. During the early 2000 a concept called the “Latte Factor” was popularized by David Bach, author “The Automatic Millionaire” used to show how small daily expenses like buying a latte can significantly impact long term savings. I often challenge individuals to simply reduce their streaming channels or app purchases, use the monthly savings from these service reductions as the investment starting point.
Community matters, too. Sharing knowledge, discussing financial strategies, and supporting others in their journeys can collectively uplift entire neighborhoods. When financial literacy is seen not just as a personal asset but as a communal resource, its impact multiplies. Imagine the strength of a community where financial decisions are guided as much by wisdom as by aspiration, where everyone’s progress contributes to a larger legacy of well-being and abundance.
By approaching your finances with intention, discipline, and a willingness to learn, you lay the groundwork for lasting prosperity—not only for yourself, but for those who will walk the path after you.
As a respected State Farm agent, mentor, and community leader, Stan Harrison, CLU, CHfC, CASL, MDRT (386) 427-5277can help you with money management, insurance, generational wealth, and real-world financial planning. From protecting what matters to building what’s next — Stan’s got you covered. Click here to contact Stan and have him assist you with your financial needs.
