The Atlas Annuity Podcast

Did you know that your will doesn’t control who gets your retirement accounts? That job belongs to your beneficiary forms—and if those aren’t right, everything else falls apart. In this episode, Marty Becker explains why annuities have a built-in advantage when it comes to estate planning and passing your assets to loved ones. You’ll hear about three real-life court cases where families lost hundr...

In this episode of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker explains why 2025 might be the best time in history to consider a Roth conversion strategy. You’ll learn: Why low tax rates make converting now more appealing How the SECURE Act created a tax trap for your heirs What a 20-year Roth conversion could mean for your legacy The real cost of doing nothing vs converting gradually How annuities ca...

Tired of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with managing your own investments? In this episode, I break down a chart that shows exactly how most people react to market ups and downs—and why those reactions often lead to poor decisions. Then I lay out a side-by-side comparison: What happens if you follow the old 4% withdrawal rule versus using a guaranteed income strategy instead? We look at r...

Not all annuities are created equal—and there’s no such thing as “the best annuity” for everyone. In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down a real client story to show how different recommendations can miss the mark when they aren’t tied to your specific goals and timeline. You’ll learn the one question that must be answered before making any annuity decision, how to spot vague or biased advice, a...

Podcast Episode 78: Dismantling Another Clark Howard Annuities Rant Clark Howard is back with another anti-annuity rant—and once again, he gets most of it wrong. In this episode, I respond point-by-point to his claims about taxes, fees, surrender charges, commissions, and so-called “gotchas.” If you’ve ever been told annuities are too expensive, too complicated, or just a bad idea altogether, this...

If you're deciding between a Deferred Income Annuity (DIA) and a Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) with an income rider, this episode will give you the facts you need to make a smart choice. I walk through: The key differences in how each annuity works What you give up in a no-fee option—and what you gain with a fee How the death benefits compare Real-world income examples that show just how big the gap...

You’ve probably never questioned how banks actually make money. Most people haven’t. But once you see the numbers—the profits, the leverage, and the risk—you might think twice about keeping your retirement savings in a bank account. In this episode, I break down: How banks use your money to earn 200% to 700% profits What fractional reserve banking really means Why the 2008 crisis wasn’t the last t...

There are only four reasons anyone ever buys an annuity—and in this episode, I walk you through each one using a simple acronym: P.I.L.L. Whether you’re looking to protect your principal, create guaranteed income, leave a legacy, or prepare for long-term care, this breakdown will help you understand when an annuity makes sense—and when it doesn’t. I’ll also share a powerful analogy about retiremen...

Why are there so many types of annuities—and what really makes them different? In this episode, Marty breaks down how annuity features and benefits are designed by insurance companies. You’ll learn how actuaries use math, risk analysis, and market data to build annuities for different goals like income, growth, and protection. Marty also explains the trade-offs that come with each feature, why you...

In this episode, I walk through a real conversation I had with someone nearing retirement who wanted guaranteed income starting in five years. Her advisor told her to stay in the market—but when we ran the numbers, the math just didn’t add up. We talk about: How much return it would really take to match a guaranteed payout What happens if you wait to buy the annuity later Why starting a deferred i...

Not all financial advisors are created equal—and in this episode, I explain why. From big-name firms to flashy sales pitches, I walk you through real-life cases where investors were misled, stolen from, or flat-out lied to. More importantly, I’ll show you how to protect yourself. We’ll talk about: The red flags that often get missed—until it’s too late Why titles like “fiduciary” and “trusted firm...

Some types of income can quietly push your Medicare premiums higher—sometimes by hundreds of dollars a year. In this episode, Marty explains how IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) works, what income sources count toward it, and how certain investment choices could help you stay under the limit. You’ll learn: Which common investments increase your IRMAA Why even reinvested income can...

Not all annuity income is created equal. In this episode, I take a close look at the Delaware Life Dual Track Income Annuity—a product that caught the attention of one of my clients because of its “potential” for higher income. But here’s the thing: that extra income is based on brand-new indexes and a lot of hypothetical back-testing. In this episode, I walk through: How the Dual Track annuity’s...

You may think your retirement plan is solid—but have you ever tested it? In my latest post, I talk about stress testing your retirement income strategy. Just like your doctor checks your heart under pressure, we need to see how your finances hold up when things don’t go as planned. Inside the post, I break down some of the most important retirement lessons most people never hear about: Why average...

Thinking about using your 401k to buy an annuity? In this episode, I break down the two main ways to do it—and the big mistakes you’ll want to avoid. I also share a real-life example of how one couple increased their guaranteed income by $70,000 just by using a smarter rollover strategy. Here’s what we cover: Why annuities are becoming more popular for retirement income What the SECURE Act changed...

You’ve made the decision to buy an annuity—but what actually happens next? In this episode, I walk you through the full process, step by step. From submitting the application to funding the annuity and activating your benefits, I explain what to expect and when. We’ll cover: Why your advisor never touches your money How direct rollovers protect you from unexpected taxes When you’ll get your policy...

When you put money into an annuity, how do you know it’s safe? In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how annuity companies protect your money—and what safeguards are in place if something goes wrong. You’ll learn: Why life insurance companies are some of the strongest financial institutions The multiple layers of protection that keep your annuity secure What happens if an insurance company...

Are you prepared for the rising cost of long-term care? In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down the latest updates in long-term care insurance for 2025, including why past policies failed, how new policies are more stable, and what you need to know about Medicare and Medicaid coverage. With 76 million baby boomers aging and long-term care costs rising , many retirees will face serious financial...

Are indexed annuities really as bad as some financial experts claim? In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down the biggest myths about indexed annuities and sets the record straight. From fees and surrender charges to commissions and market returns, we’re cutting through the misinformation and showing you how these products actually work. Tune in to learn: Why annuities aren’t a replacement for st...

Not all annuities are taxed the same way, and understanding the difference between qualified and non-qualified annuities can have a big impact on your retirement. In this episode, I break it all down in simple terms, including: What makes an annuity qualified or non-qualified How withdrawals are taxed (and how to avoid surprises) The hidden tax benefits of non-qualified annuities A simple strategy...

Are dividend-paying stocks really a reliable source of retirement income, or are they riskier than they seem? In this episode, we break down income annuities vs. dividend-paying stocks , looking at real-world examples of companies that slashed dividends, leaving investors without income when they needed it most. From Kodak and RadioShack to JCPenney and General Motors , we examine what went wrong...

Are you relying on a variable annuity for retirement income? You might want to think twice. In this episode, I break down the hidden risks of variable annuities —from high fees to market volatility —and compare them to fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) , which offer guaranteed income and protection from market losses . What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The true cost of variable annuity fees and how they eat away...

Have you been considering a Roth conversion but aren’t sure how to handle the taxes or where to hold the funds? In this episode, we explore the growing trend of Roth conversion annuities and how they can help you reduce your tax burden, lower Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and pass tax-free money to your beneficiaries. You’ll learn: How Roth conversion annuities work step-by-step. The late...

Is the 4 percent rule outdated? In this episode, we break down Morningstar’s latest research on safe withdrawal rates for retirement in 2025. Learn why the new rate is 3.7%, what it means for your retirement strategy, and how to balance spending and saving effectively. We’ll also explore: The pros and cons of delaying Social Security. How retirees’ spending patterns evolve over time. Why annuities...

Did you know there’s a little-known tax rule that could impact your withdrawals if you own multiple annuities with the same company? In this episode, Marty breaks down the Aggregation Tax Rule—sometimes called the Serial Annuity Rule—and explains how it works, who it applies to, and how to avoid unexpected tax surprises. Using a real-life example, Marty highlights how this rule could result in pay...