Meet Mario Cabral | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mario Cabral and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mario, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Ever since I could remember, I’ve been all about taking risks. This wasn’t just some phase or a fleeting interest; it’s been a core part of who I am, deeply rooted in my upbringing and experiences. Growing up, whether it was going one-on-one in basketball, video games, or strategizing in Monopoly, I was always down to gamble, put it all on the line and had no problem putting money up as well. Monopoly, especially, hit different. It taught me early on that navigating tight spots and making bold moves was key to coming out on top. I can still recall almost hitting rock bottom in the game, time and again, because I went all in on properties and upgrades. But even when I had to liquidate most of my assets, that one major hotel flipped my situation completely, teaching me two critical life lessons: never lose hope, and embracing risk is essential for major wins.

This mindset has been a game-changer, shaping not just my life but also carving out my career path. The real risk? It’s not stepping up to the plate. Many hold back, eyes fixed on what could go wrong, missing out on the vast opportunities that boldness brings. My view’s always been different. I’m wired to look on the bright side, to see the potential in every opportunity.

This belief wasn’t just childhood talk; it became the bedrock as I dove into the world of financial planning and entrepreneurship. Kicking off a business from the ground up, especially coming from a humble Dominican background and a place of limited means, was no small feat. The path was riddled with uncertainties and challenges. Yet, it was my readiness to face risks head-on, armed with resilience and unwavering commitment, that kept me pushing through the darkest times.

So central is this belief to who I am that I’ve made it a permanent part of me—a tattoo with dice and “one life one chance” encircling my ankle, a constant reminder of my ethos and journey. Jim Rohn once said, “All of life is a risk. If you’re not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.” For someone with dreams as big as mine, settling just isn’t in the cards. Taking risks isn’t merely a tactic; it’s the very fabric of building the extraordinary life and career I’m determined to achieve.

What should our readers know about your business?
Stepping into the world of financial planning, I’ve been through it but wouldn’t change a thing. Each morning, I’m all in, ready to stack another brick towards building something bigger than myself. The love and respect from the folks I help out? Priceless. I’ve been told I’m out here doing “God’s work.” The satisfaction I get from this hustle goes way deeper than just the big paychecks.

Getting to where I’m at now wasn’t a cakewalk. In a game where you’d typically picture an old white guy, here I am, flipping the script— young, Black, and proud, with roots stretching back to the Dominican Republic. Starting from zero, without the luxury of tapping into a wealthy network like some of my counterparts, was no joke. But feeling sorry for myself wasn’t going to make matters better. I realized that being a young Black man in this field is my superpower. It’s about lifting up folks who’ve been left out of the financial conversation, bringing that knowledge to my people, from someone who walks the same ground and talks the same talk.

I doubled down on myself. I realized I can’t make time go faster so I can grow older. I can’t change my skin color or background. But what can I do to become successful in this business? Invest. No not stocks, crypto, or real estate. Invest in myself! I invested in leveling up my game. Achieved the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ mark, a rarity for financial advisors under 30, especially Black/Latino. Less than 0.5% of advisors with those demographics have that designation. I also became more intentional with my networking, dropping cash on events and joining circles that would elevate me. I learned that life’s like a video game. You’re given a character to play through the story mode. To beat the game (life), you have to keep leveling up, equipping your character with the skills and tools to break through to the next level. Sadly most of us remain stuck on the same level for decades even generations because of the lack of priority to level up their character.

What makes me stand out isn’t just my skills but where I come from and how real I keep it. Some folks hit a little success and get excited about “getting out of the hood” and forget where they came from, trying too hard to fit a mold where now it becomes hard to connect with the future leaders of tomorrow – the kids. I’m straight out of the inner city of Syracuse, NY. The Southwest side. I can be on the block talking that slang with folks or I can be presenting ideas and solutions at the front of a board meeting. That’s my edge. Showing the youngins that excellence can come from the same streets they’re playing in, proving that with the right moves and guidance, they can rise up, too.

My goal? To inspire and motivate, to show that with grit and grind, you can snatch whatever you dream of out of life. Waking up every day, knowing I’m on my path, and turning every ambition into reality—that’s what fuels me. This journey is about more than just financial planning; it’s about empowering every soul I touch to chase greatness, no matter where they’re starting from.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my best friend hits up Syracuse, NY, I’ve got the perfect day planned out to make sure we hit all the high notes, mixing up physical activity, some mental stimulation, relaxation, epic eats, and lively entertainment.

We’d kick off our morning with a vibe that gets both our minds and bodies in the right state. Starting with a chill session at Barnes and Noble, we’d dive into some personal development books, soaking up a solid 20 minutes of growth and inspiration. Next up, we’d hit the Baldwinsville YMCA for some spirited basketball followed by a refreshing swim. It’s all about getting that energy up and flowing right from the jump.

After we’ve worked up a sweat and expanded our minds, it’s time to switch gears and indulge in some pampering. We’d freshen up and then head over to Mirbeau Inn for a spa day. There’s nothing like a bit of relaxation and rejuvenation to balance out the morning’s activities.

Once we’re feeling all zen, it’s time to fuel up, and what better place than Funk n Waffles? I’d introduce my friend to my all-time favorite dish there – let’s just say it’s a taste sensation that perfectly captures the unique vibe of Syracuse.

With our taste buds satisfied, the next stop on our itinerary would be an S.U basketball game. Catching Syracuse and Duke on the court is always a highlight. The energy, the rivalry, it’s an experience you’ve got to feel at least once, and those games never disappoint.

Before the game, we’d hit up a couple of bars downtown, getting into the spirit with some pregame drinks. It’s all about soaking in that downtown Syracuse atmosphere and building up the excitement before we cheer on the team.

To cap off an already perfect day, we’d make our way to Margaritas for Latin night. It’s the ideal spot to end the night on a high note, dancing away to the Latin beats and celebrating the day’s adventures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Looking back on the grind and everything I’ve hustled through, there’s no way I’d be standing where I am without a solid lineup of influences that kept me pushing. Top of that list? God, no question. Ever since the world turned upside down with the pandemic and since I jumped headfirst into this entrepreneurial battlefield, my connection with the man upstairs gotten real deep. This journey’s a tough one, filled with moments that’ll knock you down and test your spirit. I’m beyond thankful to God for being the rock I can lean on, handing off all my worries, fears, and stress about what’s next, so I can keep moving forward, locked in and full of faith.

Then there’s Napoleon Hill, who dropped “Think & Grow Rich” – that book’s my bible on the grind to getting mine. I cannot forget Jim Rohn, his take on personal development lit a fire in me. The wisdom these two laid out made me see the bigger picture, taught me that anything I’m chasing is within reach if I put in the work to be the man that deserves it all. It’s about setting your sights high, believing in your hustle, and transforming into someone who’s ready to hold down those dreams.

But the real MVPs? My family, hands down. Coming up as the youngest, I got a lot of love and protection – and while I’m grateful for that shield, it’s what’s pushing me now to hustle hard. I’m driven to flip the script, to give back and look out for my folks and siblings the same way they always did for me.

Every step of this journey, from the faith that keeps me steady, to the wisdom that fuels my ambition, down to the family that’s my heart – it’s all driving me forward. They’ve taught me about resilience, faith, and the power of never letting the vision fade, no matter how rough the path gets.

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