Brenda Patterson
FounderBrenda founded Guardian Gate to help families in her community understand their options and put real protection in place. She leads the team and believes every client deserves clear answers and a plan they feel good about.
Financial services and insurance
Guard what you've built. Open the gate to what comes next.
Guardian Gate LLC helps individuals, families, business owners and retirees protect their income, prepare for retirement and plan the legacy they want to leave, with clear guidance and coverage that fits real life.
- Financial Services
- Insurance
- Health Coverage
- Retirement
- Legacy Strategies
Meet the team
The people behind the gate.
Frank Patterson
Senior Financial AssociateFrank works alongside Brenda helping clients think through income protection, retirement and legacy goals. He enjoys taking complicated topics and making them simple, one conversation at a time.
Lyn Grey, MBA
Senior Financial AssociateLyn helps clients get started, answers questions along the way and keeps every plan moving forward. She brings a fresh perspective to the family business and a genuine care for the people it serves.
Why it matters
The numbers behind the plan.
A good plan starts with an honest look at where most households stand. These figures come from national research, not from us, and each source is named.
of U.S. adults said they would cover a surprise $400 expense with cash or its equivalent. The rest would borrow, sell something or could not cover it.
Source: Federal Reserve, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2023 (May 2024)
of Americans reported having any life insurance coverage, while a record 42% said they need coverage or need more of it.
Source: LIMRA and Life Happens, 2024 Insurance Barometer Study
people in the U.S., about 8% of the population, had no health insurance at any point during 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2023
Baby Boomers reach age 65 every day, a pace projected to run from 2011 through 2029. Retirement income planning matters more than ever.
Source: Pew Research Center (2010)
Statistics describe national averages and are shared for education only. Your situation is your own, which is why we start with a conversation.
The Four Gates
Four conversations every household should have.
Before any product, we talk through the four areas that shape a family's financial future. Each one is a gate worth guarding.
Protect Your Income
Your paycheck funds everything else. If it stopped because of illness, injury or loss, what would carry your family forward?
- Life insurance sized to your real obligations
- Coverage for health and medical costs
- A plan for the people who depend on you
Defeat Debt
Debt quietly delays every other goal. We look at what you owe and how it fits with protecting your home and family along the way.
- A clear view of where the money goes
- Mortgage protection for the family home
- Room to save while you pay things down
Prepare for Retirement
Retirement is a paycheck you build for yourself. We help you see your number and the strategies that may help you reach it.
- Your financial independence number
- Annuities and income strategies
- Planning around Social Security
Leave a Legacy
A legacy is more than an inheritance. It is making sure the people and causes you love are cared for, on your terms.
- Permanent life insurance options
- Final expense planning
- Beneficiary reviews and wealth transfer
Who we serve
Guidance for every season of life.
Individuals
Starting out, starting over or leveling up. Build protection and savings habits that grow with you.
Families
Protect the household, the home and the kids' future with a plan everyone can understand.
Business Owners
Your business supports your family. Explore coverage and strategies that protect both.
Retirees
Turn savings into dependable income, plan for health costs and decide how you want to be remembered.
The toolkit
The right tool for each part of the plan.
No single product fits every household. We start with your goals and budget, then match the options that make sense for you.
Indexed Universal Life (IUL)
Permanent life insurance with cash value that can grow based on the performance of a market index, with built-in limits on both gains and losses.
Often a fit for: people who want lifelong coverage plus a long-term savings component.
Term Life Insurance
Straightforward protection for a set period, such as 10, 20 or 30 years, usually the most affordable way to cover big obligations.
Often a fit for: young families, mortgages and income replacement.
Whole Life Insurance
Coverage designed to last your whole life, with level premiums and guaranteed cash value that builds over time.
Often a fit for: lifelong protection and legacy planning.
Health Insurance
Help comparing health coverage options so medical costs do not undo the rest of your plan.
Often a fit for: individuals, families, the self-employed and those between jobs.
Annuities
Contracts that can turn savings into a stream of income, with options built for growth, protection or guaranteed lifetime payments.
Often a fit for: pre-retirees and retirees focused on reliable income.
Retirement Planning
Know your number, see the gap and build a strategy around your timeline, income sources and comfort with risk.
Often a fit for: anyone who wants retirement to be a plan, not a guess.
Mortgage Protection
Life insurance designed around your home loan, so your family can keep the house if the unexpected happens.
Often a fit for: homeowners and new home buyers.
Final Expense
Smaller permanent policies meant to cover funeral and end-of-life costs, so loved ones are not left with the bill.
Often a fit for: seniors and anyone who wants to spare family that burden.
Legacy Planning
Thoughtful use of life insurance, beneficiary designations and coordinated planning so what you built reaches the people you choose.
Often a fit for: parents, grandparents and business owners.
Know your number
What is your financial independence number?
Most people hope to retire someday. Far fewer know how much they may need invested to make it happen. This estimate gives you a starting point.
Yearly income you want× 25= your number
This is based on the widely used 4% rule of thumb: withdrawing about 4% of a portfolio per year. It is a planning shortcut, not a guarantee.
- Roughly how much you may need by retirement
- What you may need to save each month to get there
- Whether your current pace looks on track
- Where a conversation could help close the gap
Interactive planner
Move the sliders. Everything stays on your screen.
Your estimated number$0Income gap of $0 × 25
Projected savings at retirement$0in 25 years
Monthly savings to reach it$0at the return you chose
For education only. Results are hypothetical estimates based on the assumptions you choose, are not guaranteed and do not reflect any specific product. Taxes, fees and market changes are not included.
How it works
A clear path, at your pace.
No pressure and no surprises. You see the plan and understand it before you decide anything.
-
Conversation
We listen first. Tell us about your household, your goals and what is on your mind.
-
Snapshot
Together we look at income, debts, current coverage and savings to find the gaps.
-
Your Plan
We walk you through options that fit your budget and timeline, in plain language.
-
Ongoing Care
Life changes. We stay in touch and review your plan as your family and goals grow.
A gate is there to keep what matters safe, and to open when it is time to move forward. That is the work we do for every family we serve.
Guardian Gate LLC
About Guardian Gate
A family business, built for families.
Guardian Gate LLC is a family-run financial services and insurance agency serving individuals, families and businesses in the 11 states where we are licensed.
We work with individuals, families, business owners and retirees on life insurance, health insurance, annuities, retirement and legacy strategies. Guardian Gate LLC is affiliated with Experior Financial Group.
- Family owned and operated
- Licensed in 11 states
- Weekday and Saturday appointments
Common questions
Answers, before you ask.
What happens during a consultation?
It is a conversation, not a sales pitch. We learn about your household, your goals and any coverage you already have. If we can help, we explain your options in plain language. You decide if and when to move forward.
What is the difference between term and whole life insurance?
Term life covers you for a set number of years and is usually the lowest cost way to get a large amount of protection. Whole life is designed to cover you for your entire life and builds cash value over time, which generally means a higher premium. Many families use one or a mix of both.
What is an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy?
An IUL is a type of permanent life insurance. Part of your premium can build cash value, and that growth is tied to the performance of a market index, subject to a cap on gains and a floor that limits losses from index declines. Policy costs and terms vary, so it is important to review how a specific policy works before you choose it.
How do annuities work?
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company. You contribute money, either at once or over time, and in return the contract can provide growth and a stream of income later, sometimes for life. There are several types, each with different features, fees and surrender periods, so we walk through them carefully.
How much life insurance do I need?
It depends on your income, debts, the people who rely on you and the goals you want covered, such as paying off a home or funding education. We help you add those pieces up so the number reflects your real life rather than a rule of thumb.
Can you help with health insurance too?
Yes. Health insurance is one of our core services. We can help you compare options and understand how health coverage fits with the rest of your plan.
Do you only work with clients in Georgia?
No. We are licensed in 11 states. Reach out and we will let you know if we can serve you where you live.
What is Experior Financial Group?
Guardian Gate LLC is affiliated with Experior Financial Group. We are happy to answer any questions about that relationship during your consultation.
Do you give tax or legal advice?
No. We focus on insurance and financial strategies. For tax or legal questions, please consult a qualified tax professional or attorney. We are glad to work alongside them.
Book a consultation
Let's build a plan for your family.
Pick the team member you would like to meet with and choose a time below, or call or email us. We will listen, answer your questions and help you see your options clearly.
Office hours
| Monday to Friday | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Book online below with Brenda, Frank or Lyn, or call and we will find a time that fits your schedule. You can also use the chat bubble on this page.
Call (678) 892-8554