High Finance Comes to Dunbar.

High Finance Comes to Dunbar. 

Teens learn money management to break the cycle within their low-income neighborhoods.

 “I can buy some Nike shoes, or I can use that money to own a part of Nike.” That was one of the lessons a participant in Quality Life Center’s teen program took away from a guest speaker, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Napoleon Robinson.

Napoleon is from the Dunbar community.

Robinson was raised by his aunt who worked as a janitor for the Lee County School District. As a child, he attended programs at Quality Life Center from the time he was seven through his teenage years.

After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Florida A & M University, he landed a job in St. Louis, Missouri, at Edward Jones Investments.

His desire to serve his hometown stemmed from knowledge of fear that people in his community were fearful of investing. “Planning for retirement needs to be more than just having a savings account. I can communicate that in a way that resonates with people in my community.”

The 22-year old decided to push for an office in Southwest Florida.

His efforts paid off when he opened his Edward Jones Investments branch in Lehigh Acres last year. “I want people to know there is someone here to help them achieve their long-term financial goals,” said Robinson.

“It can seem scary when all you hear is the talking heads on television.” Robinson wants to provide better understanding of the stock market and how we can use it. “My services are for anyone who is serious about reaching their financial goals – not just the Top 10%.”

Money management and long-term planning topped the list of topics on Robinson’s agenda, as he spoke with the Leaders In Training of Excellence Teen Program.  The lecture then turned into practice. Using “The Stock Market Game” on howthemarketworks.com, he challenged them to put their newly-obtained knowledge to the test by making some investing decisions.

Robinson will return to Quality Life Center in a month to see which teen made the best investment decisions.

 “I learned that it is important to diversify,” said Carisma Bryant, a 14-year-old Q Dancer shared.  “Don’t put all your money in the same company. You have to be creative…even with your stocks! ”. The teens are anticipating Napoleon’s return, as the student who creates the best portfolio while using “The Stock Market Game” will receive a plaque from Edward Jones Investments.

Quality Life Center is proud of Napoleon and all of its former Q students who are positively impacting their communities, and the organization looks forward to highlighting their contributions at our 25^th Anniversary Gala in November 2015.