Guardian Investment Advisors: Plan with Purpose

Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, sits down with the team at Guardian Investment Advisors to explore their comprehensive, education-first approach to retirement planning. With a commitment to fiduciary standards and personalized guidance, Guardian helps clients not just retire—but retire confidently.

In this Spotlight Series interview, Brent Meyer, Founder of SafeMoney.com, speaks with the team at Guardian Investment Advisors about their values-driven, education-first philosophy in helping clients navigate retirement. With a commitment to the fiduciary standard and a focus on comprehensive, personalized financial strategies, Guardian stands out for its ability to help clients not just get to retirement—but thrive in it.

Brent Meyer: What makes your approach to retirement planning stand out?

Guardian Investment Advisors: We specialize in helping clients get to—and through—retirement. That means our planning goes far beyond just saving or investing. We focus on balancing growth and protection, identifying income gaps, and proactively addressing potential pitfalls like taxes, market volatility, and healthcare costs.

Our motto says it best: “We can help you save for retirement, get to retirement, and stay in retirement.” That’s our promise, and it guides every conversation we have. What truly sets us apart is our comprehensive, values-driven, client-first approach.

Brent Meyer: Can you share some real-life examples of how your team has helped clients?

Guardian Investment Advisors: Absolutely. Here are a few that really highlight our process:

• Tom and Linda, both 63, were afraid of outliving their money. We built them a personalized income plan that included guaranteed lifetime income, Social Security optimization, and reduced their market exposure. The result? Greater confidence and lasting peace of mind.
• Debbie, 58, was concerned about rising healthcare costs. We helped her build a Medicare strategy, design a long-term care plan, and fund a hybrid insurance solution using existing assets—so she didn’t need to come up with any out-of-pocket money.
• Mark, 67, had never considered a tax strategy. We introduced Roth conversions and tax-efficient withdrawals that ultimately lowered his lifetime tax bill and increased his after-tax income by more than 20%.

These cases show how a thoughtful, personalized plan can really transform someone’s retirement outlook.

Brent Meyer: How do you define your ethical standard as advisors?

Guardian Investment Advisors: We’re fiduciaries, and that’s not just a label—it’s a responsibility. It means we are legally and ethically required to act in our clients’ best interests at all times, without exception. That includes avoiding conflicts of interest, offering transparent advice, and prioritizing what’s right over what’s profitable.

We believe trust is the foundation of every good plan. So we work hard to earn it—and keep it—through honest guidance, ongoing education, and putting our clients first, every step of the way.

Brent Meyer: What advice would you give someone looking for the right financial advisor?

Guardian Investment Advisors: Start by asking the right questions. Are they a fiduciary? Are they independent? Do they take time to educate you? And do they offer comprehensive planning?

Look for someone who listens—really listens—to your goals and concerns. You want an advisor who looks at the full picture: investments, income, taxes, healthcare, and protection. Transparent fees and a long-term strategy are essential, too. Retirement is too important to leave to chance.

Brent Meyer: What are some of the top financial strategies you implement for clients?

Guardian Investment Advisors: We take a personalized, layered approach. Some of our most effective strategies include:

• Building reliable retirement income plans
• Optimizing Social Security for maximum benefit
• Tax-efficient withdrawals and Roth conversions
• Using guaranteed income tools, like annuities, when appropriate
• Protecting principal with active risk management
• Medicare planning and long-term care solutions
• Diversifying across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts
• Coordinating with estate and legacy planning needs

Every plan starts with education and ends with a customized written roadmap that grows with the client’s needs over time.

Brent Meyer: How do you stay informed and up-to-date in such a dynamic industry?

Guardian Investment Advisors: We never stop learning. Our team participates in ongoing education, pursues industry certifications, and attends leading financial planning conferences. We also partner with thought leaders and stay on top of market trends, regulatory changes, and new planning strategies.

It’s our job to ensure clients are receiving the most accurate, timely, and effective advice. Staying current is part of our fiduciary duty.

Brent Meyer: What role does financial literacy play in your client relationships?

Guardian Investment Advisors: It’s everything. We believe empowered clients make better decisions, so we take the time to teach—not tell. Our process includes discovery meetings, simplified explanations, and clear resources that are easy to understand.

Clients don’t have to become experts, but they should always feel confident in their plan and know exactly why we’re recommending a certain path. When people understand their retirement strategy, they become more engaged—and that’s where the magic happens.

Brent Meyer: What are your long-term goals for the people you serve?

Guardian Investment Advisors: Our mission is to help every client retire with confidence, enjoy financial freedom, and feel secure in the face of life’s changes. That means:

• Generating sustainable, predictable income
• Minimizing taxes and reducing unnecessary risk
• Preparing for healthcare costs and long-term care
• Leaving a legacy that reflects their values
• Providing a plan that evolves as their life evolves

We want our clients to live well, worry less, and know that they’ve made informed decisions that protect their future and their loved ones.

Final Thoughts

Brent Meyer: Any final words of advice for someone who’s unsure where to start?

Guardian Investment Advisors: Don’t wait. Start with a conversation. Whether you’re five years out or already retired, the right plan can make all the difference. Work with someone who will educate you, listen to your concerns, and craft a plan that’s truly built around your life.

The earlier you get clarity, the sooner you can retire with confidence—and live the retirement you’ve worked so hard for.

About Garry Thurman

Garry Thurman is the CEO of Guardian Investment Advisors, where he leads a team dedicated to delivering client-first, comprehensive retirement planning. With a strong foundation in fiduciary principles, Garry specializes in helping clients navigate every phase of retirement—from income planning and tax strategy to Medicare, long-term care, and legacy protection. His mission is simple: to empower retirees with clarity, confidence, and lasting financial security through education and personalized guidance.

By focusing on protection as much as growth, Garry and his team help individuals and families build resilient retirement strategies they can trust—no matter what the future holds.

Thank you for joining us—and stay tuned as we continue to spotlight more outstanding financial professionals across the country.

The content provided is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. SafeMoney.com is not affiliated with, does not endorse, and assumes no responsibility or liability for the actions, advice, or services of any third-party financial professional, company, or organization featured in this content. SafeMoney.com is not a licensed financial advisory firm and does not offer individualized financial planning, investment recommendations, or insurance product guidance. Viewers are strongly encouraged to consult with a licensed and qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. Any financial strategies discussed may not be appropriate for all individuals and are subject to the terms, conditions, and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company or financial institution.

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