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 build wealth, plan for their future, and alleviate financial stress. Through his efforts with The Relax Estate and Payneful Profits, he has provided practical solutions that support long-term financial security for individuals and families. Mario J. Payne was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from high school, he attended Tennessee State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Later, he completed a degree in financial planning through the College for Financial Planning. His commitment to professional development led him to earn the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation. With these achievements, he is part of a small group, as fewer than two percent of licensed African American advisors hold the CFP® credential. While in college, Mario joined the United States Army and served as a Financial Sergeant during Operation Enduring Freedom. In that role, he supported soldiers by helping them manage their pay, make sound financial decisions, and plan for their future during challenging and unpredictable times. His career in financial services began at American Income Life Insurance Company, where he gained experience communicating financial topics to working families. Payne later joined Edward Jones, where he helped retirees, families, and business owners create strategies for managing their finances and planning. These positions helped him develop his skills in providing thoughtful, client-focused guidance. In 2013, Mario founded TOAMS Financial, which stands for “Tithes Offering Alms Means Stewardship.” From Jacksonville, the firm serves clients across the United States and internationally. Under his leadership, it became one of the few African-American-owned investment advisory firms registered with the SEC. He created Payneful Profits, a YouTube channel designed to simplify complex financial topics, including economic trends, stock market activity, and planning strategies. His insights have also been featured in prominent media outlets, including Forbes and Cheddar News. Mario co-founded LETB, the first Black-owned, AI-supported Exchange-Traded Fund, and an investment tool called Let Bob that helps retail investors make informed decisions. He also developed The Relax Estate, an AI-powered estate planning platform that efficiently allows users to create trusts, wills, and powers of attorney. He contributes to his community by serving on the boards of the Jacksonville Public Library, the Tennessee State University Foundation, and Knots 4 Kids, where he supports literacy programs, scholarships, and youth mentorship. He contributes to neighborhood revitalization through House Wars, helping families access stable housing. Mario Payne’s dedication to promoting financial education, opportunity, and equity has been recognized with honors such as the 100K Day Award and the 40 Acres Entrepreneur of the Year.