Josiah Grauso is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and financial professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. As Vice President and Senior Investment Advisor at ASC Financial Group, he specializes in retirement planning, Social Security optimization, and income diversification. Josiah is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve financial security through personalized strategies that reduce risk and create sustainable income streams.
In addition to his professional role, Josiah is a featured expert on the television show Wealth After Work, where he provides valuable financial planning advice and insights on topics like retirement strategies and wealth management. The show airs on five stations—Wolf Fox, WNEP ABC, Service Electric Network, Blue Ridge Cable TV, and WFMZ—allowing Josiah to extend his passion for financial education to a broad audience. He also hosts workshops and seminars to empower clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their financial futures.
A graduate of Northampton Community College with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business Management, Josiah Grauso began his career at PNC Bank before joining ASC Financial Group in 2007. His professional credentials include the Series 65 Investment License, Certified Senior Advisor designation, and National Social Security Advisor certification.
Deeply committed to community service, Josiah volunteers at the Cold Weather Shelter at Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church during the winter months. Based in Bartonsville, Pennsylvania, Josiah enjoys snorkeling, skiing, and spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their four children. His career is driven by a commitment to integrity, clarity, and treating clients like family.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day starts with prayer and reflection, which helps me center myself and set clear priorities. I spend my mornings meeting with clients or preparing personalized financial strategies. The afternoons are usually dedicated to workshops or internal meetings with my team. I stay productive by focusing on small, actionable steps and ensuring each task aligns with the bigger picture. I also make time to review client feedback to continuously improve.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by first understanding the needs of my clients or community. Once I identify a need, I break it down into actionable steps and involve the right people to execute the plan. For example, when launching Social Security workshops, I started with research, developed clear educational materials, and then promoted the sessions through multiple channels.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increased focus on financial literacy excites me. More people are taking an active interest in understanding their finances, and it’s rewarding to be part of that shift.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I prioritize starting each day with a structured plan. Writing out my goals for the day, both personal and professional, ensures I stay focused and make steady progress.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace challenges early and not fear failure. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe financial planning can and should be simple. Many think it has to be complicated, but I’ve found that clear, straightforward strategies often work best for most people.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend reviewing and updating your goals regularly. Whether it’s financial goals or personal aspirations, keeping them top of mind helps you stay on track.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away for a moment of quiet prayer or reflection. It helps me recalibrate and focus on what truly matters.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Education has been key. By hosting workshops and seminars, I’ve been able to build trust with clients while providing real value.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I saw how the 2008 financial crash devastated families. It was a wake-up call that pushed me to prioritize risk management and safe strategies. I learned that preparation and adaptability are critical in uncertain times.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There’s a growing need for simplified financial planning tools. Creating a user-friendly app that helps seniors easily track income, expenses, and Social Security benefits could fill a major gap.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on calendar management software to keep my schedule organized. It ensures I’m always prepared for client meetings and workshops.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey has been impactful. It aligns with my belief in financial simplicity and long-term planning.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed The Pursuit of Happyness. It’s a powerful story about perseverance and staying focused on your goals, no matter the obstacles.
Key learnings
- Education and Simplicity Drive Success
- Faith and Reflection Anchor Productivity
- Resilience Builds Leadership