Mario Payne

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 dedicated his career to helping clients build wealth, prepare for the future, and alleviate financial stress. Through initiatives such as The Relax Estate and Payneful Profits, he has worked to offer lasting economic security for individuals and families.

Mario J. Payne was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. After finishing high school, he attended Tennessee State University, earning a degree in Business Administration. Later, he pursued further education and completed a degree in financial planning through the College for Financial Planning. His commitment to excellence earned him the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation. These qualifications place him among fewer than 2 percent of licensed African American advisors who hold the CFP® credential.

During college, he joined the United States Army and served as a Financial Sergeant during Operation Enduring Freedom. In that role, Mario assisted fellow soldiers in managing their pay, making informed financial decisions, and planning for their futures during demanding and uncertain times.

His early career in financial services began at American Income Life Insurance Company, where he developed the ability to communicate economic concepts clearly to working families. He later joined Edward Jones, where he supported retirees, business owners, and families, helping them plan for the future through investment strategies and financial guidance. These experiences helped shape his approach and strengthened his ability to serve diverse clients.

In 2013, Payne founded TOAMS Financial, short for “Tithes Offering Alms Means Stewardship.” The firm is based in Jacksonville and serves clients across the United States and internationally. Under his leadership, the firm became one of the country's few African-American-owned SEC-registered investment advisory firms.

Mario created Payneful Profits, a YouTube channel designed to explain financial topics, such as market trends, economic shifts, and planning strategies, practically. His insights have also been featured in prominent media outlets, including Forbes and Cheddar News.