About Mario Payne
Mario J. Payne is a U.S. Army veteran, Certified Financial Planner, and founder of TOAMS Financial, an independent advisory firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. He has over 15 years of experience helping clients grow wealth, plan for the future, and reduce financial stress. Mario has launched initiatives like The Relax Estate and Payneful Profits to create long-term financial security for individuals and families.
Early Life and Education
Mario J. Payne was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. After high school, he pursued his undergraduate education at Tennessee State University, earning a degree in Business Administration. Later, he earned a degree in financial planning through the College for Financial Planning. His pursuit of excellence led him to gain the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation. His qualifications place him in a rare category since less than two percent of licensed African American advisors carry the CFP® credential.
Military Service
During college, Mario joined the United States Army. He served as a Financial Sergeant during Operation Enduring Freedom. During his deployment, he worked in finance and personnel management. He was trusted with helping soldiers manage their pay, make sound financial choices, and plan for their future amid unpredictable conditions.
Early Career in Financial Services
Mario began his career in financial services at American Income Life Insurance Company. There, he learned how to communicate complex money topics to working families. Soon after, he joined Edward Jones, one of the largest financial firms in the country. Through investment and planning strategies, Mario helped retirees, business owners, and families prepare for their futures. This period allowed him to refine his methods and learn how to deliver value across different walks of life.
Launching TOAMS Financial
In 2013, Mario founded TOAMS Financial, an independent, SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The name stands for “Tithes Offering Alms Means Stewardship,” a symbol of Mario’s faith. The firm is based in Jacksonville, Florida, and serves clients across the U.S. and internationally.
TOAMS began as a firm built on the belief that financial independence is a right, not a privilege. Mario used structured analysis and client-first planning to create a business that delivers clarity to people dealing with long-term financial decisions. Under his guidance, TOAMS became a rare African-American-owned RIA firm with SEC registration in the United States.
Thought Leadership and Media Work
Mario believes that information should never be gatekept. That principle led him to launch Payneful Profits, a YouTube channel that breaks down current economic trends, stock market movements, and practical planning strategies. His ability to simplify hard topics and explain real-world financial moves has made his content popular across various platforms.
His insights have reached broader audiences through features in Forbes and Cheddar News. In these appearances, he shared an analysis of stock performance and market cycles.
LETB: A New Investment Tool
In recent years, Mario Payne co-created LETB, the first Black-owned, AI-backed Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). LETB stands for “Let Bob,” referencing the investment platform that accompanies the fund. Let Bob is a tool to help retail investors make data-backed portfolio decisions. Unlike many fintech tools that confuse users, Let Bob brings strategy within reach.
RELAX Estate: The Future of Estate Planning
Mario Payne created the Relax Estate, an AI-powered estate planning platform. Designed for business professionals and families alike, the Relax Estate automates trusts, wills, and power of attorney with a user-friendly interface. Unlike traditional estate tools that feel overwhelming or overpriced, the Relax Estate brings legal protection and generational wealth-building into the hands of everyday people—efficiently, affordably, and digitally.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Mario doesn’t separate his business life from his community presence. He believes one should support the other. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Jacksonville Public Library, contributing to efforts that expand access to books, technology, and literacy programs. He also serves on the Tennessee State University Foundation Board, helping raise scholarship funds and promote student success at his alma mater.
His other board roles include Knots 4 Kids, a nonprofit focused on mentoring youth in underserved communities. Mario actively supports and contributes to the I Jacksonville, which has enabled countless students to pursue college degrees.
In his church and broader civic life, he participates in financial oversight, ensuring that faith-based and grassroots organizations are managed with care and integrity.
Real Estate Projects and Revitalization Work
In addition to finance and education, Mario works and advises on property redevelopment projects through an initiative known as House Wars. These projects support neighborhood revitalization and give lower-income families access to stable, quality housing. Mario uses House Wars to bring investors, contractors, and local leaders together to turn neglected properties into homes. Families who once thought homeownership was out of reach are now holding their keys and creating legacies as a result of this initiative.
Recognitions and Accomplishments
Mario has received multiple awards throughout his career, including the 100K Day Award from business coach Myron Golden and the 40 Acres Entrepreneur of the Year. Beyond personal recognition, the visibility of his firm has opened up conversations around financial equity, access, and education.
