Biography of Mario Payne
Mario Payne is a U S Army veteran, Certified Financial Planner, and the founder of TOAMS Financial, an independent advisory firm in Jacksonville, Florida. With over 15 years of experience, he has focused on guiding individuals and families toward financial stability, wealth growth, and effective long-term planning Through his initiatives, including The Relax Estate and Payneful Profits, he has consistently provided resources and strategies to support financial security for people from all walks of life
Early Life and Education
Mario J. Payne was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. After finishing high school, he pursued higher education at Tennessee State University, earning a degree in Business Administration His drive to enhance his financial knowledge led him to the College for Financial Planning, where he earned a degree in financial planning. His dedication to his profession resulted in him attaining the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation. These achievements placed him among a small group of professionals, as fewer than two percent of licensed African American advisors in the country hold the CFP® credential
Military Service
While attending college, Mario joined the United States Army as a Financial Sergeant during Operation Enduring Freedom In this role, he handled finance and personnel responsibilities, supporting fellow service members with managing their pay, making sound financial decisions, and planning for their futures during times of uncertainty. His military experience strengthened his ability to help others navigate complex financial matters with confidence and care
Early Career in Financial Services
Payne began his career at American Income Life Insurance Company. In this position, he worked closely with working families, helping them better understand financial concepts and develop plans to secure their futures He later advanced his career by joining one of the largest financial firms in the country. In this role, he guided retirees, business owners, and families through investment strategies and comprehensive financial planning This experience broadened his knowledge and helped him build the skills needed to address clients' financial goals at various stages of life.
Launching TOAMS Financial
In 2013, Mario founded TOAMS Financial, an independent investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) TOAMS stands for "Tithes Offering Alms Means Stewardship," representing his faith and belief in responsible and ethical financial practices The firm is based in Jacksonville and serves clients throughout the United States and internationally. From its inception, TOAMS Financial was built on the principle that financial independence should be accessible to everyone He built a firm to help people make informed long-term decisions by focusing on structured analysis and client-centered service Under his leadership, TOAMS became one of the few African American-owned registered investment advisory firms with SEC registration in the country
Thought Leadership and Media Work
Payne believes financial information should be shared openly to benefit more people. This belief inspired him to create Payneful Profits, a YouTube channel that simplifies economic trends, stock market activity, and financial strategies for a broad audience His ability to break down complex financial topics into clear and understandable language has allowed him to connect with many people seeking to improve their financial knowledge His insights have also been shared in media appearances where he has discussed stock performance, market cycles, and economic developments
LETB: A New Investment Tool
Mario co-created LETB, an Exchange-Traded Fund that integrates artificial intelligence into investment strategy. LETB stands for "Let Bob," the platform that supports the fund by helping retail investors make data-backed decisions The platform aims to make investing more approachable by providing practical tools for portfolio management This solution empowers everyday investors to make informed decisions based on reliable data rather than relying on guesswork
RELAX Estate: The Future of Estate Planning
Payne also introduced the Relax Estate, an estate planning platform designed to simplify the creation of key legal documents, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. The platform uses artificial intelligence to guide users through these steps in an affordable and user-friendly way By offering a streamlined alternative to traditional estate services, Relax Estate makes it easier for families and professionals to plan for the future and build generational wealth
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Mario has made community involvement an essential part of his work He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Jacksonville Public Library, where he supports programs that promote access to books, technology, and educational resources He also contributes to the Tennessee State University Foundation Board, where he helps raise scholarship funds and support student success at his alma mater. Additionally, he participates in mentoring efforts for youth in underserved communities, providing guidance and encouragement to help them achieve their goals. His community work includes supporting programs that promote access to higher education and providing financial oversight within his church and local organizations to ensure responsible management
Real Estate Projects and Revitalization Work
In addition to his financial work, Payne is active in real estate redevelopment through an initiative called House Wars This program brings together investors, contractors, and community leaders to renovate neglected properties and provide affordable, stable housing for
families The effort aims to create opportunities for homeownership while improving neighborhoods and building stronger communities. Families have secured homes through House Wars and created foundations for future generations
Recognitions and Accomplishments
Mario has received recognition for his professional and community contributions throughout his career His honors include the 100K Day Award from a respected business coach and the 40 Acres Entrepreneur of the Year award These achievements demonstrate his dedication to promoting financial literacy, equity, and opportunities for individuals and families.
Mario Payne continues to focus on delivering financial guidance that helps people build secure futures, developing practical tools that support economic independence, and giving back to his community His work reflects a deep commitment to ethical service, thoughtful planning, and meaningful support for those he serves
