Graydon Coghlan has long recognized that financial literacy is the cornerstone of retirement security for union households across America. Through his work with CFG Wealth Management and his deep engagement with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), he has built a legacy of trust by helping union members understand their pensions, navigate 401(k) rollovers, and maximize Social Security benefits. In an era where retirement planning is more complex than ever, especially for working-class families, his commitment to education has empowered hundreds to take control of their financial futures. What sets J. Graydon Coghlan apart is not just his financial acumen but his relentless focus on people—educating them, empowering them, and giving them a sense of agency over their retirement decisions.
Why Union Households Face Unique Retirement Challenges
Union households face a distinct set of circumstances when planning for retirement. Their employment is often characterized by union-negotiated benefits, including defined benefit pensions and healthcare coverage, which differ significantly from private-sector 401(k)-based retirement plans. These complexities, while beneficial in structure, can create confusion without proper guidance. J. Graydon Coghlan quickly realized that despite having access to valuable benefits, many union members didn’t fully understand how to leverage them effectively. Retirement options can vary based on years of service, age, and union-specific agreements. In some cases, misinformation or a lack of clarity has led to costly mistakes. Through CFG Wealth Management, Graydon has worked tirelessly to decode these challenges, helping workers plan wisely, make informed decisions, and avoid common financial pitfalls that could jeopardize their retirement stability.
Graydon Coghlan on the Power of Personalized Education
At CFG Wealth Management, J. Graydon Coghlan implemented a comprehensive, relationship-based strategy for delivering financial education. Instead of relying on broad, one-size-fits-all financial advice, he offers union households a highly personalized experience. Each engagement is tailored to the client’s specific retirement timeline, financial obligations, and future goals. Graydon’s method is deliberate and patient, taking the time to explain pension options, health insurance transitions, required minimum distributions, and the impact of inflation on retirement income. Union members often express their gratitude for finally feeling like they’re being spoken to with respect, not talked down to. These personalized sessions have helped people understand when to retire, how to estimate their monthly income post-employment, and what actions to take to ensure long-term financial health. It’s more than service—it’s empowerment.
Navigating 401(k) Rollovers with Confidence
Many union members find themselves uncertain when it comes to managing their 401(k) plans, particularly when they retire or transition to a new role. Questions surrounding rollovers, taxation, early withdrawal penalties, and investment options can create anxiety and confusion. J. Graydon Coghlan has made it a priority to demystify these areas. At CFG Wealth Management, he and his team walk clients through each step of the rollover process, explaining the pros and cons of every available option. Rather than focusing solely on asset allocation, Graydon stresses the importance of understanding risk tolerance, time horizon, and the tax implications of different strategies. His approach ensures that union members preserve their hard-earned retirement savings while creating opportunities for those assets to grow. These rollovers aren’t just transactions—they’re the beginning of a longer conversation about what comes next in retirement and how to adapt to changing financial landscapes over time.
Real-World Success: How Graydon Coghlan Built Trust in the CWA Community
The trust that J. Graydon Coghlan has cultivated within the CWA community didn’t happen overnight. It began with sincere engagement at the local level. Early in his career, Graydon sought out opportunities to present at union halls and community centers, answering member questions and offering free consultations. His straightforward, no-pressure style made an immediate impression. As one local CWA president described it, “Graydon wasn’t there to sell something—he was there to teach us.” That commitment to education over sales quickly elevated CFG Wealth Management’s reputation. More locals began reaching out, asking for workshops and consultations. Over time, the firm became an essential resource for hundreds of CWA members across California. Graydon’s team even developed custom planning tools specifically for union members to help them visualize their income streams, expenses, and benefit elections. These success stories continue to multiply, with retirees referring friends and younger workers taking proactive steps toward financial readiness—all because they trust CFG and the person behind it, J. Graydon Coghlan.
Graydon Coghlan and the Role of Social Security in Retirement Planning
Social Security remains one of the most critical yet misunderstood aspects of retirement income. For union households, coordinating pension payouts with Social Security benefits is a delicate process that requires both strategic thinking and long-term planning. J. Graydon Coghlan is deeply committed to helping his clients understand their claiming options, including the implications of early retirement, delayed benefits, and spousal benefits. At CFG Wealth Management, Graydon uses customized projections to show clients the real-world impact of their claiming decisions. These sessions often reveal significant income differences that can arise based on when and how benefits are claimed. Clients learn how working beyond full retirement age can affect benefit calculations, how Medicare premiums interact with Social Security income, and how benefits are taxed. The outcome is not just a better retirement plan, but peace of mind—because decisions are made with confidence and clarity, rather than guesswork or fear.
The Evolution of CFG Wealth Management
The decision to establish CFG Wealth Management in 2002 was not just a career shift—it was a philosophical evolution for J. Graydon Coghlan. Dissatisfied with the limitations of the commission-based wirehouse model, Graydon sought to create an advisory firm where the client’s interests came first. This led to the adoption of a fee-based model, which aligned the firm’s compensation with client success. Over the past two decades, CFG has grown into a respected and values-driven organization offering a wide spectrum of financial services. From insurance strategies to estate planning to long-term care solutions, CFG takes a holistic view of each client’s needs. This integrated approach has made the firm especially appealing to union families, who often need support in multiple areas as they approach retirement. The result is a seamless experience that helps clients feel supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
Graydon Coghlan on Why Financial Literacy Isn’t Optional
For J. Graydon Coghlan, financial literacy is not a luxury or an afterthought—it’s the very foundation of a secure retirement. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that people make the best decisions when they understand the tools at their disposal. This belief fuels every presentation, every client meeting, and every piece of educational content produced by CFG Wealth Management. It’s why the firm offers ongoing support, follows up with clients years after initial meetings, and invests time in educating families—not just individuals. Union workers who might otherwise feel overlooked by traditional financial institutions find a welcoming and knowledgeable partner in Graydon and his team. By treating every client interaction as an opportunity to teach, CFG is reshaping what financial advisory relationships can look like.
Looking Ahead: A Continued Commitment to Union Families
As economic conditions shift and public policy continues to evolve, union households will face new challenges—and new opportunities. Whether it’s understanding the implications of inflation, managing healthcare costs in retirement, or adapting to new tax regulations, ongoing education will be essential. J. Graydon Coghlan and CFG Wealth Management are committed to evolving alongside their clients. Plans are underway to expand digital outreach and create virtual learning platforms so that CWA members nationwide can access personalized guidance regardless of location. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the firm remains not just a trusted advisor, but an active partner in navigating the future.
Graydon Coghlan and CFG Wealth Management Stand as a Model of Integrity and Empowerment
Graydon Coghlan has demonstrated that when financial literacy is paired with empathy and expertise, it changes lives. Through his unwavering dedication to union households and his visionary leadership of CFG Wealth Management, he has helped hundreds of families prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement. His story is not just one of financial success, but of meaningful impact—a reminder that the right advisor can be a partner, a teacher, and an advocate all at once. As the retirement landscape grows ever more complex, Graydon’s model of education-first, client-centered service offers a path forward for the industry and a beacon of hope for the hardworking families who rely on it.
