Mario Payne

Mario Payne is a U.S. Army veteran, Certified Financial Planner, and the founder of TOAMS Financial, an independent advisory firm headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. With over 15 years of experience, he has dedicated his work to helping clients grow their wealth, plan for the future, and alleviate financial stress. Through initiatives such as The Relax Estate and Payneful Profits, he has focused on delivering practical solutions that promote long-term financial security for families and individuals.

Early Life and Education

Mario J. Payne was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from high school, he pursued higher education at Tennessee State University, earning a degree in Business Administration. Determined to advance his knowledge, he later completed a degree in financial planning at the College for Financial Planning. His dedication to excellence earned him the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation. His credentials distinguish him in the field, as fewer than two percent of licensed African American advisors hold the CFP® certification.

Military Service

During his college years, Mario joined the United States Army. He served during Operation Enduring Freedom as a Financial Sergeant. In this role, he handled finance and personnel duties, supporting service members with managing their pay, making sound financial choices, and preparing for the future during unpredictable times. His military experience helped him develop the skills to guide others through financial decisions with confidence and care.

Early Career in Financial Services

Payne started his career in financial services with American Income Life Insurance Company. In this position, he worked closely with working families, helping them understand and manage critical financial topics. He later moved on to one of the largest financial firms in the country, where he focused on supporting retirees, business owners, and families with investment strategies and financial planning. This experience helped him refine his ability to meet clients' diverse needs at different stages of life and with varying financial goals.

Launching TOAMS Financial

In 2013, Mario founded TOAMS Financial, an independent investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm’s name, "Tithes Offering Alms Means Stewardship," reflects his faith and commitment to responsible financial management. The firm is located in Jacksonville and serves clients across the United States and in international markets. From the outset, TOAMS Financial was founded on the principle that financial independence should be accessible to all. By focusing on structured analysis and prioritizing client needs, he has developed a firm that enables people 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 everyone. This belief led him to create Payneful Profits, a YouTube channel that clearly and understandably explains economic trends, stock market activity, and planning strategies. His ability to present complex financial information in simple terms has helped him reach a broad audience. His insights have also been featured in recognized media outlets, where he has shared his analysis of stock performance and market cycles.

LETB: A New Investment Tool

In recent years, Mario co-developed LETB, an Exchange-Traded Fund backed by artificial intelligence. LETB stands for "Let Bob," and it is a platform that works in conjunction with the fund to support retail investors. The platform is designed to help users make informed investment decisions based on data, offering a more straightforward approach to portfolio management. This tool was designed to provide everyday investors with access to informed and user-friendly investment strategies.

RELAX Estate: The Future of Estate Planning

Payne also launched The Relax Estate, an artificial intelligence-powered estate planning platform that helps families and professionals create legal documents, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. The Relax Estate was designed to make estate planning more affordable and less overwhelming, offering a straightforward and efficient process for people to protect their families and build generational wealth.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Mario is dedicated to giving back to the community through his professional and personal efforts. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Jacksonville Public Library, supporting programs that improve access to books, technology, and educational resources. He is also a member of the Tennessee State University Foundation Board, where he helps raise scholarship funds and promotes student success. Additionally, he serves with an organization dedicated to mentoring youth in underserved communities, providing guidance and support to help young people achieve their goals. His community involvement extends to supporting programs that help students pursue higher education and contributing to financial oversight efforts in his church and civic organizations to promote responsible management.

Real Estate Projects and Revitalization Work

Beyond his work in finance, Payne is active in real estate development through an initiative called House Wars. This program brings together investors, contractors, and local leaders to restore neglected properties and provide affordable, stable housing for families. The goal is to create opportunities for homeownership for those who may have thought it was beyond their reach. These efforts revitalize neighborhoods, and families can build secure futures and establish lasting legacies.

Recognitions and Accomplishments

Mario has been recognized for his contributions with several honors, including the 100K Day Award from a well-known business coach and the 40 Acres Entrepreneur of the Year award. His work has earned personal recognition and helped raise awareness of the importance of financial education, equity, and access.

Mario Payne continues to focus on providing valuable guidance, creating tools that promote financial security, and working to strengthen his community. His dedication to helping others achieve stable and secure futures is at the heart of his career and service.