Graydon Coghlan
Welcome to the digital hub of Graydon Coghlan, a respected leader and seasoned expert in the field of wealth management and retirement planning. This platform showcases Graydon’s decades-long commitment to helping individuals, families, and union workers navigate the complexities of financial planning with clarity and confidence. As the founder of CFG Wealth Management, Graydon has built a reputation for integrity, personalized service, and forward-thinking strategies that prioritize long-term financial well-being. His work extends beyond traditional advising—he is a passionate educator, community advocate, and trusted partner to those seeking stability and security in retirement. Through his client-first philosophy, depth of knowledge, and unwavering dedication to service, Graydon Coghlan continues to shape the future of retirement planning for generations to come.
Graydon Coghlan: A Distinguished Career in Wealth Management
Graydon Coghlan’s journey into the world of wealth management began at two of the nation’s most prominent financial institutions—Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch. It was here that Graydon honed his expertise in retirement planning, specifically for employees of local corporations in key industries such as telecommunications, high technology, and utilities. His early work involved demystifying complex retirement plans for working professionals, guiding them through the intricacies of 401(k) structures, pension allocations, and long-term financial goal-setting.
J. Graydon Coghlan’s approach was marked by attentiveness and integrity—traits that quickly earned him a loyal following among corporate employees. Many of the individuals he assisted in the early days of his career still maintain professional ties with him today. These formative years not only established his credibility but also laid the groundwork for a career built on enduring client relationships.
A Leap Into Independence: Founding CFG Wealth Management
Driven by a desire to provide more personalized, transparent, and comprehensive financial services, Graydon made the bold decision to leave the wirehouse environment and launch his own firm. In March 2002, he founded CFG Wealth Management, originally known as Coghlan Financial Group, Inc. This move represented not just a career pivot, but a fundamental shift in his business model—from a commission-based framework to a fee-based advisory structure.
This transition was guided by J. Graydon Coghlan’s belief that fiduciary responsibility and client-first principles were better upheld under a fee-based model. “As I see it, it’s the proper way to do business,” he explains. His vision for CFG Wealth Management was to provide clients with holistic financial services including health, life, and long-term care insurance, estate planning, and even reverse mortgages. To achieve this, he partnered with Securities America, Inc., one of the country’s largest independent broker/dealers, providing the support needed for independent advisors to thrive.
A Client-Centered Philosophy
From the outset, Graydon built CFG Wealth Management on the principle that strong relationships are the cornerstone of successful financial planning. This client-centric philosophy informs every aspect of the firm’s operations. CFG’s personalized approach ensures that each individual’s unique financial situation is carefully considered, and tailored solutions are crafted accordingly.
This dedication is perhaps best embodied in CFG’s proprietary Retirement Planning Review (RPR). Designed to demystify and optimize the distribution of 401(k)s, pensions, and other retirement assets, the RPR is custom-built for each client. More than just a template, the 35-page report is based on a thorough review of a client’s specific employer retirement plan, combined with insights gathered from a bespoke questionnaire. Attendees of CFG’s corporate-focused seminars are offered these detailed reports free of charge, without any obligation—an example of Graydon Coghlan’s commitment to education and transparency.
Serving Union Workers with Dedication
Graydon Coghlan’s work with union members, especially those in the Communications Workers of America (CWA), has become a defining element of his career. Recognizing that union members face unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to retirement planning, Graydon cultivated strong relationships with CWA locals across California. As word of his expertise spread, more CWA presidents invited CFG to provide guidance and services to their members.
Through his close ties with the CWA community, J. Graydon Coghlan developed a deep understanding of union retirement plans and benefits structures. This has allowed CFG Wealth Management to become a trusted advisor to hundreds of CWA members, helping them confidently navigate the transition from active employment to retirement.
Tools and Technology That Empower Clients
In addition to the RPR, CFG Wealth Management offers another powerful tool: Tolerisk. This innovative service analyzes a client’s existing investment portfolio and compares it to a recommended asset allocation based on the client’s objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, and income needs. Tolerisk delivers a clear and actionable roadmap for clients looking to optimize their financial future.
These services are backed by a responsive and knowledgeable team that upholds Graydon Coghlan’s high standards of service. Clients can expect their calls to be returned within an hour and have access to support six days a week. Each team member at CFG has immediate access to client records, enabling efficient, personalized service with every interaction.
Building Legacy Through Family and Referrals
Graydon Coghlan’s dedication to service has created a ripple effect—many of his clients refer their friends and family to CFG Wealth Management. These referrals have become a cornerstone of the firm’s growth, especially among clients unaffiliated with the corporations or unions that Graydon originally served. It’s not uncommon for CFG to serve multiple generations within the same family, as trust and satisfaction are passed down alongside financial advice.
Events like CFG’s annual Client Appreciation Dinners reinforce this familial atmosphere. These sit-down gatherings, featuring guest speakers on investment strategies, often draw large crowds, with nearly a quarter of attendees being guests of existing clients, further testament to the deep relationships CFG cultivates.
Commitment Beyond Business
While wealth management is J. Graydon Coghlan’s professional focus, his dedication to service extends into the community. Inspired by his upbringing and personal experiences, he supports several charitable organizations, including the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation, TERI, Inc., and Voices for Children. Whether aiding families of fallen CHP officers or supporting children with developmental challenges, Graydon Coghlan views giving back as an essential part of his life’s work.
Education, Credentials, and Family Life
A lifelong San Diego resident, J. Graydon Coghlan earned his degree in Finance and Economics from San Diego State University. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation from the College for Financial Planning and maintains multiple securities licenses, including the Series 7, 63, and 65, as well as being a licensed insurance agent in California.
J. Graydon Coghlan resides in Del Mar with his wife, Jeannette, and their three children—Graydon Jr., Genevieve (“Eve”), and Gabrielle (“Elle”). He enjoys an active lifestyle filled with golf, biking, boating, tennis, and fitness. His mother, Shirley, remains actively involved in CFG Wealth Management, reinforcing the firm’s strong family values, while his brother, Chris, also continues the family’s legacy in financial services in San Francisco.
With over two decades at the helm of CFG Wealth Management, Graydon Coghlan continues to exemplify what it means to be a dedicated wealth manager, combining personalized service, deep industry knowledge, and a heart for community. As he explores expanding in-house estate planning capabilities and further enhances client offerings, Graydon remains steadfast in his mission to guide individuals and families toward financial security in retirement and beyond.