Mario Payne

Certified Financial Planner, and Founder of TOAMS Financial

Mario Payne is a U.S. Army veteran, Certified Financial Planner, and the founder of TOAMS Financial, an independent advisory firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. With more than 15 years of experience, he has dedicated his career to helping clients manage their finances, build wealth, and confidently plan for the future. Through initiatives like The Relax Estate and Payneful Profits, he has worked to create practical tools that support long-term financial stability for individuals and families.

Early Life and Education

Mario J. Payne was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. After completing high school, he attended Tennessee State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. His commitment to professional growth led him to further his education at the College for Financial Planning, where he earned a degree in financial planning. His dedication to excellence in his field is reflected in his achievements of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation. His qualifications place him in a small group, as fewer than two percent of licensed African American advisors hold the CFP® certification.

Military Service

While in college, Mario joined the United States Army as a financial sergeant during Operation Enduring Freedom. In this role, he managed financial and personnel responsibilities, helping service members handle their pay, make sound financial decisions, and plan for the future during challenging circumstances. His military service strengthened his ability to offer guidance and support in situations that require careful planning and thoughtful decision-making.

Early Career in Financial Services

Payne began his career in financial services at American Income Life Insurance Company. In this position, he worked with working families, helping them understand key financial matters and plan for their future. Later, he joined one of the largest financial firms in the country, where he focused on supporting retirees, business owners, and families through investment strategies and financial planning. This experience helped him understand how to provide tailored financial advice to people from different backgrounds.

Launching TOAMS Financial

In 2013, Mario founded TOAMS Financial, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm’s name, "Tithes Offering Alms Means Stewardship," reflects his faith and dedication to responsible financial practices. The firm is based in Jacksonville and serves clients across the United States and internationally. From the outset, TOAMS Financial was founded on the principle that financial independence should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few. By focusing on structured analysis and prioritizing client needs, he developed a business that enables individuals to make informed, long-term financial decisions. Under his leadership, TOAMS became one of the few African-American-owned registered investment advisory firms with SEC registration nationwide.

Thought Leadership and Media Work

Payne believes that financial knowledge should be accessible to all. This belief inspired him to create Payneful Profits, a YouTube channel that explains economic trends, stock market activity, and planning strategies in clear and understandable terms. His talent for breaking down complex topics has helped him connect with a broad audience across various platforms. His insights have also been shared in media appearances, where he has discussed stock performance and market cycles.

LETB: A New Investment Tool

In recent years, Mario co-created LETB, an Exchange-Traded Fund supported by artificial intelligence. LETB stands for "Let Bob," the platform's name that works in conjunction with the fund to assist retail investors. The platform provides data-backed insights to help users make more informed decisions, offering a practical approach that helps simplify investment choices for everyday people.

RELAX Estate: The Future of Estate Planning

Payne introduced the Relax Estate, an estate planning platform powered by artificial intelligence. Through a straightforward and cost-effective process, this platform helps users create essential legal documents, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. The Relax Estate aims to make estate planning more accessible to families and professionals by eliminating unnecessary complexity and high costs, supporting efforts to build generational wealth, and providing security for loved ones.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Mario is deeply involved in his community and uses his skills to contribute to various causes. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Jacksonville Public Library, where he helps support programs that improve access to books, technology, and educational opportunities. He also serves on the Tennessee State University Foundation Board, where he helps raise scholarship funds and promote student success. Additionally, he is involved with an organization that focuses on mentoring young people in underserved communities, helping guide and encourage them toward achieving their goals. His community service also includes supporting educational initiatives that help students pursue college degrees and overseeing financial matters in his church and other civic organizations to ensure responsible management and stewardship.

Real Estate Projects and Revitalization Work

Alongside his work in financial services, Payne is involved in real estate redevelopment through a program called House Wars. This initiative brings together investors, contractors, and community leaders to restore neglected properties and create stable housing for families. The effort aims to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for families who may have believed such a goal was out of reach. Through House Wars, neighborhoods are revitalized, allowing families to build secure futures and establish lasting legacies.

Recognitions and Accomplishments

Mario has been recognized for his achievements and contributions throughout his career. His awards include the 100K Day Award from a respected business coach and the 40 Acres Entrepreneur of the Year award. Beyond these honors, his firm's visibility has helped to bring attention to meaningful conversations about financial access, equity, and education.

Mario Payne remains committed to offering valuable financial guidance, creating tools that support long-term security, and contributing to the well-being of his community. His work reflects a strong dedication to helping others build stable and prosperous futures through thoughtful planning and responsible action.