Mario Payne is a U.S. Army veteran, Certified Financial Planner, and founder of TOAMS Financial, an independent advisory firm in Jacksonville, Florida. With over 15 years of experience, he has helped clients build wealth, prepare for the future, and alleviate financial stress. Through initiatives like The Relax Estate and Payneful Profits, he has focused on creating long-term financial security for individuals and families.
Mario J. Payne was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. After high school, he pursued a degree in Business Administration from Tennessee State University. Later, he completed a degree in financial planning through the College for Financial Planning. His dedication to professional growth led him to earn the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation. These achievements place him among fewer than 2 percent of licensed African American advisors who hold the CFP® credential.
While still in college, Mario joined the United States Army and served as a Financial Sergeant during Operation Enduring Freedom. In this role, he assisted fellow soldiers in managing their pay, making informed financial decisions, and planning for their futures during challenging circumstances.
His career in financial services began at American Income Life Insurance Company, where he learned to explain complex financial matters to working families. He later worked at Edward Jones, guiding retirees, business owners, and families in creating personalized plans. These roles helped him develop a thoughtful and client-focused approach.
In 2013, he established TOAMS Financial, which stands for “Tithes Offering Alms Means Stewardship.” The firm, based in Jacksonville, serves clients throughout the United States and internationally. Under his leadership, TOAMS became one of the few African-American-owned investment advisory firms registered with the SEC.
Payne created Payneful Profits, a YouTube channel to explain economic trends, stock market activity, and planning strategies more clearly. His work has been featured in outlets such as Forbes and Cheddar News.
He co-founded LETB, the first Black-owned, AI-supported Exchange-Traded Fund, alongside a platform called Let Bob that assists retail investors in making informed decisions. Mario also launched The Relax Estate, an AI-based tool that helps users create trusts, wills, and powers of attorney in a simple, digital format.
His service extends into the community through board roles with the Jacksonville Public Library, the Tennessee State University Foundation, and Knots 4 Kids, where he supports initiatives focused on literacy, scholarships, and youth mentorship. He also contributes to real estate revitalization through House Wars, helping families access affordable, quality housing. Mario Payne’s work has earned recognition through honors such as the 100K Day Award and the 40 Acres Entrepreneur of the Year, reflecting his commitment to financial education, equity, and access.
