J Graydon Coghlan
Welcome to the digital hub of J. Graydon Coghlan, a trusted expert and thought leader in the fields of retirement planning and wealth management. This platform highlights Graydon Coghlan’s extensive career dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve financial security through strategic planning and personalized investment solutions. With decades of experience in financial advising, risk management, and retirement planning, Graydon Coghlan has earned a reputation for his integrity, client-first approach, and deep industry knowledge. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is passionate about financial education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their future. Through his visionary leadership and commitment to personalized service, Graydon Coghlan continues to shape the financial well-being of his clients for generations to come.
About J. Graydon Coghlan: A Legacy of Financial Guidance and Community Commitment
Graydon Coghlan has spent his career helping individuals navigate the complexities of retirement planning, risk management, and wealth preservation. From his early days at Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch to founding his own firm, CFG Wealth Management, Graydon Coghlan’s journey has been defined by a deep commitment to his clients, a passion for financial education, and a belief in fostering strong personal relationships. His story is one of determination, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to both his profession and his community.
Early Career and Foundation in Financial Services
Graydon began his career in the financial industry working at Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch, where he quickly developed a reputation for his expertise in helping employees of major corporations—including those in the telecommunications, high-tech, and utility sectors—plan for their retirement. His approach emphasized personal engagement and strategic planning, earning him the trust and respect of employees at these companies.
Despite a successful career in the traditional financial services world, Graydon envisioned a business model that placed the needs of his clients above corporate interests. He sought to move away from the commission-based structure prevalent at large financial firms and instead embrace a fee-based approach that prioritized transparency and objectivity. This vision led him to take the bold step of starting his own firm.
The Birth of CFG Wealth Management
In March 2002, Graydon founded CFG Wealth Management, formerly known as Coghlan Financial Group, Inc. His firm was established with the mission of offering comprehensive financial planning and risk management services tailored to retirees. From the outset, Graydon built his business on the core principle of forming lasting relationships with clients, recognizing that each individual’s financial needs are unique.
J. Grayson Coghlan emphasizes that by delivering a personal and hands-on approach, CFG Wealth Management has maintained a unique edge in retirement planning. The firm’s philosophy revolves around educating clients, helping them understand their options, and crafting customized strategies to secure their financial future. Over the years, this client-focused approach has earned Graydon and his team a reputation for excellence, leading to a steady growth in clientele, primarily through referrals.
A Trusted Partner for Union Members
One of the significant milestones in Graydon’s career was developing strong relationships with Communications Workers of America (CWA) union locals across California. His deep understanding of their retirement plans and financial challenges enabled him to provide valuable guidance on 401(k) and pension plans. As a result, word-of-mouth referrals among CWA leadership led to invitations for Graydon and his firm to offer financial planning services to union members statewide.
This expansion allowed J. Graydon Coghlan to refine his expertise in working with union employees, ensuring they could maximize their retirement benefits. His firm’s ability to provide tailored solutions that addressed the specific retirement plans of each organization cemented CFG Wealth Management as a trusted advisor in the space.
Innovations in Retirement Planning
Graydon Coghlan’s commitment to innovation has been evident in the proprietary tools and services offered by CFG Wealth Management. One of the firm’s most distinctive offerings is the Retirement Planning Review (RPR)—a personalized financial roadmap that helps clients understand their retirement plan distributions, 401(k) options, and pension benefits. Unlike generic financial planning templates, the RPR is crafted by hand and tailored to each client’s circumstances.
Graydon Coghlan also regularly hosts retirement planning seminars aimed at educating workers about their financial futures. Each seminar is designed specifically for employees of a particular company, ensuring that the information provided is highly relevant to their retirement plans. Attendees who seek further guidance receive a detailed, 35-page RPR report, compiled after completing a specialized questionnaire.
In addition to the RPR, CFG Wealth Management offers Tolerisk, a comprehensive portfolio analysis tool that evaluates an individual’s investment holdings against recommended allocations based on their risk tolerance, investment objectives, time horizon, and income needs. These innovative tools help clients make informed financial decisions with confidence.
Building a Client-Focused Culture
CFG Wealth Management’s success is rooted in a service-first culture. J. Graydon Coghlan has built a team that prioritizes client satisfaction, ensuring that every client inquiry is handled with efficiency and care. Clients know they can reach someone six days a week and can expect a returned call within an hour. The firm’s robust client management system allows any team member to provide support at a moment’s notice, ensuring seamless service.
This high level of personal attention has led to strong relationships not just with individual clients, but with their entire families. As a result, many families remain with the firm across multiple generations, solidifying CFG Wealth Management’s reputation as a trusted financial partner.
Commitment to Community and Philanthropy
Beyond his professional achievements, Graydon is deeply committed to giving back to the community. His philanthropic efforts are influenced by personal experiences and family traditions. One cause particularly close to his heart is the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation, an organization his family has supported for years. The foundation provides financial assistance to CHP employees and their families, reinforcing Graydon’s belief in supporting those who serve the community.
His commitment to charitable work extends to TERI, Inc. (Training, Education, and Research Institute), an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Graydon Coghlan’s involvement with TERI, Inc. stems from his personal connection—his nephew has epilepsy, and he understands the importance of programs that provide specialized care and support.
Additionally, J. Graydon Coghlan supports Voices for Children, an organization dedicated to finding safe and permanent homes for abused, neglected, and abandoned children in San Diego County. His contributions to these organizations reflect his dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need.
Personal Life and Credentials
A lifelong resident of San Diego, Graydon Coghlan attended San Diego State University, where he studied Finance and Economics. His extensive professional qualifications include:
- Series 7: NASD General Securities Representative
- Series 63: NASAA Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
- Series 65: NASAA Uniform Investment Advisor Law Examination
- California Insurance License (#0B31440)
- Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation from the College for Financial Planning
Graydon Coghlan lives in Del Mar, California, with his wife, Jeannette, and their children, Graydon Jr., Genevieve (“Eve”), and Gabrielle (“Elle”). He enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including biking, golfing, boating, tennis, and exercising. His mother, Shirley, plays an active role in the family business, while his sister, Denise, resides in Poway with her family. His brother, Chris, has also pursued a career in financial services in San Francisco.
A Lasting Legacy
J. Graydon Coghlan’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, ethical business practices, and a client-first mentality. Through CFG Wealth Management, he has built a firm that not only helps individuals secure their financial futures but also fosters a culture of trust, education, and service. Whether through his dedication to retirement planning or his philanthropic efforts, Graydon Coghlan’s impact is far-reaching—one that continues to shape the financial well-being of individuals and families for generations to come.
Thank you for exploring the online portfolio of Graydon Coghlan, a trusted leader in retirement planning and wealth management. With a career built on financial expertise, personalized investment strategies, and a dedication to client success, Graydon Coghlan has helped individuals and families secure their financial futures with confidence. His deep knowledge of retirement planning, risk management, and wealth preservation has made a lasting impact on those he serves. Beyond his professional achievements, J. Graydon Coghlan is committed to financial education, mentoring individuals on the path to retirement security, and fostering a client-focused approach to wealth management. His dedication to integrity, strategic planning, and personalized service empowers others to navigate their financial journeys with clarity and confidence.