What if the real path to wealth isn’t found in market charts or product conversations but in the overlooked tax decisions most people never get taught decisions that quietly determine whether your money grows or slips away?

In this episode of the Make Life Less Taxing Podcast, Daniel Hanzelka sits down with Mario Payne Army veteran, Certified Financial Planner, business owner, and founder of Thomas Financial—to explore a tax-first philosophy that is reshaping how families build clarity, confidence, and long-term freedom.

Mario shares the remarkable journey that led him from military service to becoming a nationally recognized advisor, including the life-changing moment overseas that deepened his faith and clarified his mission to help families steward their resources with wisdom and purpose. He explains why taxes often represent the greatest hidden barrier to wealth, how real estate can change the financial equation, and why the story behind someone’s goals often matters more than spreadsheets or projections.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why taxes not investments are often the biggest obstacle to long-term wealth

• How real estate can reshape a financial plan and reduce unnecessary tax pressure

• Why storytelling builds more clarity than charts or industry jargon

• The difference between reactive tax filing and proactive tax strategy

• How faith, stewardship, and perspective influence the way people make financial decisions

• Why a tax-first approach creates more long-term freedom for W-2 earners and business owners

• The mindset shift required to move from information to intentional action

👤 About Mario Payne

Mario Payne is an Army veteran, Certified Financial Planner, and founder of Thomas Financial. Known for his tax-first approach and commitment to stewardship, Mario helps families and business owners reduce unnecessary tax drag, build durable wealth, and make decisions rooted in clarity, purpose, and long-term peace of mind. Connect With Mario Payne

📍 Location: Jacksonville, Florida

🌐 Website: https://toamsfinancial.com/

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toamsfinancial/

🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOAMSFinancial/

📞 Contact: 904-733-5321

🎧 About the Make Life Less Taxing Podcast

Make Life Less Taxing is a show dedicated to helping people build freedom, clarity, and purpose in every part of their financial life. No hype. No product talk. Just real conversations that help you think differently and live more intentionally.

🌐 More Episodes: https://makelifelesstaxingpodcast.com

📥 Be a Guest: https://makelifelesstaxingpodcast.com/apply

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