J Graydon Coghlan
Welcome to the digital hub of J. Graydon Coghlan, a distinguished leader and innovator in the field of wealth management and retirement planning. This platform highlights Graydon’s extensive career dedicated to empowering individuals and families to achieve financial security and independence. With decades of experience in strategic financial planning, investment management, and client-focused solutions, J. Graydon Coghlan has built a reputation for excellence and trust. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Graydon Coghlan is committed to educating and supporting his clients, helping them navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence. Through his visionary leadership and personalized approach, Graydon Coghlan continues to inspire financial empowerment and success for generations to come.
Graydon Coghlan – A Career Dedicated to Wealth Management Excellence
Graydon Coghlan is a seasoned wealth management professional and founder of CFG Wealth Management, a firm known for its client-first approach to financial planning and retirement readiness. J. Graydon Coghlan’s career spans decades, beginning with formative experiences at leading firms Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch. These early roles allowed him to gain expertise in assisting employees from major corporations—including telecommunications, high-tech, and utility companies—plan for their retirement. His ability to tailor solutions to each client’s unique needs earned him the trust and respect of his clients, laying the foundation for his success.
J. Graydon Coghlan’s journey to entrepreneurship began with a desire to offer more personalized and objective financial services. In March 2002, he founded CFG Wealth Management, originally known as Coghlan Financial Group, Inc. Establishing a firm from scratch required determination and resilience, but the strong relationships J. Graydon Coghlan had built over the years enabled him to grow his client base steadily. CFG Wealth Management specializes in comprehensive financial planning and risk management, with a particular focus on retirees and those approaching retirement. Graydon’s dedication to client service has been the driving force behind the firm’s growth and its reputation as a trusted partner in financial planning.
A cornerstone of Graydon’s philosophy is building and maintaining strong relationships with clients. He believes that truly understanding a client’s goals, concerns, and unique circumstances is essential for effective financial planning. This approach has shaped CFG Wealth Management’s reputation for quality service and a personalized touch. The firm’s proprietary Retirement Planning Review (RPR) exemplifies this commitment. The RPR provides tailored scenarios for 401(k) distributions, pensions, and other retirement plans, offering a detailed, 35-page report specific to each client’s financial situation. This bespoke service helps clients make informed decisions and aligns with the firm’s mission to empower individuals through education and guidance.
J. Graydon Coghlan’s commitment to educating clients extends beyond one-on-one consultations. CFG Wealth Management hosts regular seminars designed to help workers navigate the complexities of retirement planning. These events, often tailored for specific companies or industries, provide attendees with complimentary RPRs and practical strategies for retirement readiness. The seminars have become a cornerstone of Graydon’s efforts to demystify financial planning and provide actionable advice. By fostering an environment of learning and support, Graydon has built a loyal client base that spans multiple generations.
One of Graydon’s notable achievements is his longstanding relationship with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union locals across California. His in-depth understanding of union-specific retirement plans, combined with a commitment to exceptional service, has led to widespread recognition among CWA members. Through word-of-mouth referrals, CFG Wealth Management has become a trusted resource for union members seeking to optimize their 401(k)-type plans, pensions, and other benefits. This relationship reflects Graydon’s ability to build trust and deliver value, even within complex financial ecosystems.
When Graydon established CFG Wealth Management, he made a pivotal decision to transition from a commission-based model to a fee-based business structure. This shift aligned with his belief that financial advisors should prioritize their clients’ best interests without the influence of proprietary product incentives. Partnering with Securities America, Inc., one of the nation’s leading independent broker-dealers, Graydon gained the flexibility to offer a wide range of non-proprietary financial products. This move allowed CFG Wealth Management to expand its services, including health, life, and long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, and estate planning. J. Graydon Coghlan is actively pursuing the addition of an in-house attorney to provide comprehensive estate planning services, ensuring that clients have access to full-service retirement planning under one roof.
CFG Wealth Management also leverages advanced tools like Tolerisk, which provides in-depth analyses of clients’ investment portfolios. By comparing current holdings to recommended allocations based on factors such as risk tolerance, investment objectives, time horizon, and income needs, Tolerisk offers clients a clear understanding of how their portfolios align with their financial goals. These tools, combined with a high level of personalized service, set CFG Wealth Management apart in a competitive industry.
Client service is at the heart of CFG Wealth Management’s success. The firm has implemented robust systems to ensure clients receive timely support, with a promise to return calls within an hour and provide access to knowledgeable staff six days a week. This commitment to responsiveness and accessibility has fostered strong, multi-generational relationships. Families often remain with the firm even after the original client has passed, a testament to the trust and loyalty Graydon and his team have earned.
J. Graydon Coghlan also places a strong emphasis on community involvement, supporting organizations that reflect his personal values and experiences. Inspired by close family friends, he has been a longtime supporter of the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation, which provides assistance to CHP employees and their families. Graydon’s personal connection to epilepsy, through a nephew with the condition, has motivated him to support TERI, Inc., an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with developmental needs. Additionally, Graydon supports Voices for Children, a nonprofit that finds safe and permanent homes for abused and neglected children. These philanthropic efforts demonstrate Graydon’s dedication to giving back and making a positive impact beyond his professional endeavors.
A San Diego native, J. Graydon Coghlan graduated from San Diego State University, where he studied Finance and Economics. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation from the College for Financial Planning and maintains Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses, along with a California insurance license. Graydon lives in Del Mar with his wife, Jeannette, and their three children, Graydon Jr., Genevieve, and Gabrielle. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, golfing, boating, tennis, and staying active.
Through CFG Wealth Management, Graydon has built a legacy of trust, innovation, and personalized service in the wealth management industry. His unwavering commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of his clients has positioned him as a leader in retirement planning and financial services. Whether working with union members, Fortune 500 retirees, or referrals from satisfied clients, J. Graydon Coghlan continues to uphold his mission of helping individuals and families secure their financial futures with confidence.
Thank you for exploring the online portfolio of Graydon Coghlan, a distinguished leader in wealth management and retirement planning. With a career rooted in both corporate finance and independent advisory services, J. Graydon Coghlan has built a legacy of empowering individuals and families to achieve financial independence and long-term security. His proven expertise in strategic planning, investment management, and client-centered solutions has made a profound impact on his clients and their financial futures. Beyond his professional accomplishments, J. Graydon Coghlan is dedicated to educating clients, mentoring emerging professionals, and fostering a culture of trust and excellence. His visionary approach combines deep financial expertise with a passion for service, enabling others to reach their financial goals and create lasting legacies for future generations.