The Atlas Annuity Podcast

Market value adjustments (MVAs) are a common feature in certain annuities, but do you know what they really mean for your retirement? In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down the ins and outs of MVAs—how they work, when they apply, and why they might actually help you secure higher interest rates. Learn how changes in interest rates can lead to either positive or negative adjustments and what saf...

In this episode, we tackle a common concern about income annuities: “Isn’t the annuity company just giving me my money back?” Marty Becker, founder of Atlas Financial Strategies, breaks down this objection and explains why income annuities are a powerful tool for retirement planning. You’ll learn: Why annuities provide guaranteed income that lasts a lifetime. How they protect you from risks like m...

Are you tired of overcomplicated retirement plans that seem to go nowhere? In this episode, we explore the timeless fable of the Fox and the Hedgehog and how it applies to building a smarter, more focused retirement strategy. Discover why traditional retirement planning often resembles the fox—clever, yet scattered—and why adopting the Hedgehog Strategy can help you: Stay focused on your financial...

In this episode of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, we explore a real-life case study of a recently retired couple with $2.5 million in savings. Discover how we used a combination of annuities and Roth conversions to: Cover income gaps with guaranteed payments. Reduce future tax burdens and protect Medicare premiums. Free up extra cash for vacations, big purchases, or emergencies. Whether you’re navigat...

With $2.5 trillion in CDs set to mature over the next year, many savers are facing tough decisions. Should you renew at lower rates? Or are there better options for your money? In this episode, Marty Becker dives into: Why reinvestment risk is a major challenge for CD holders How MYGAs (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities) stack up against CDs Simple strategies to lock in higher rates and avoid common...

Inflation has been hitting hard, and it’s left many retirees wondering: Should you choose an annuity with inflation protection, or go for the higher starting income of a traditional annuity? In this episode, Marty Becker dives into the numbers to help you make sense of this important decision. You’ll learn: How traditional and inflation-adjusted annuities compare in income. The break-even point wh...

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most important decisions for annuity holders: choosing the right withdrawal strategy. Marty Becker breaks down the pros and cons of two popular options in multi-year guaranteed annuities (MIGAs)—taking a 10% annual withdrawal or allowing your interest to accumulate for a larger payout later. You'll learn: The basics of monthly, 10%, and interest accumu...

In this episode, Marty Becker, founder of Atlas Financial Strategies, dives into the details of the Ibexis Fixed Indexed Annuity. Whether you've been offered this product or are researching options for safe growth, this review covers everything from its unique features to how it stacks up against other annuities on the market. Join Marty as he explores the Ibexis annuity’s standout characteristics...

This week, we’re diving into the Top 5 Benefits of Index Annuities and the main reasons they’re becoming more popular. Based on feedback from real annuity owners, here are some key benefits they’re raving about: Longer Lives, Less Worry : Lifetime income keeps essentials covered—no matter how long you live. Market Protection : Steady income without stressing about the stock market. Fraud Protectio...

In this episode, you’ll get a straightforward breakdown of whether annuities are investments or insurance, with practical examples to clarify how they work. Marty dives into the different types of annuities, showing which protect your principal and which can grow your wealth. You’ll also see how annuities compare to traditional investments in terms of returns and risks, helping you decide if they’...

In this episode, Marty Becker, owner of Atlas Financial Strategies, reveals how retirees can confidently spend more of their hard-earned money by utilizing guaranteed income annuities . Marty breaks down new research from economists David Blanchett and Michael Finke, showing how annuities give retirees a psychological “license to spend” and enjoy up to 20% more income each year compared to traditi...

In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down the different annuity income payout options to help you make informed decisions about your retirement. He explains key terms like Lifetime Income Rider (LIR), Guaranteed Minimum Benefit (GMWB), and Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs). You'll also learn about various payout choices, including life only, life with return of premium (ROP), installment...

In this episode, we take a close look at the Athene Performance Elite and Elite Plus annuities. If you've been offered one of these, or if you're curious about how they work, this episode is for you. We’ll break down the different term lengths (7, 10, and 15 years), explain bonuses, fees, and withdrawal options, and help you understand what these annuities are really designed for. Whether you're l...

In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down the 4 percent rule—a common rule of thumb for retirement withdrawals—and explains why it might not be the best option for today’s retirees. Marty explores how this rule was created, why some experts are suggesting higher withdrawal rates, and the risks involved. More importantly, he introduces a powerful alternative: income annuities. Learn how annuities c...

Are you feeling lost with all the conflicting market advice out there? One day, everything’s fine, and the next, they’re predicting a crash. It’s frustrating, right? But what if you didn’t have to worry about what the market is doing? What if you could just relax, knowing your retirement income is secure no matter what? That’s what I’m talking about in our latest podcast episode and blog post. Mar...

In this episode, Marty Becker dives into the power of income annuities and how they can significantly enhance your retirement portfolio. Learn why leading economists agree on the importance of annuities, how they provide more income per dollar invested, and the unique ways they protect against risks like market volatility and outliving your savings. If you’re planning for retirement, this episode...

In this episode, we talk about why some people don’t use guaranteed income annuities for their retirement, even though these tools can give you safety, security, and peace of mind. We explore the top six reasons why people might hesitate, like feeling overwhelmed by choices or being afraid of locking up their money. We also explain how to overcome these concerns and show how annuities can actually...

In this episode, Marty Becker talks about long term care riders in annuities. He explains what a long term care rider is and how it works. A long term care rider can help if you ever need extra care, like in a nursing home, by doubling your income payment from your annuity. But Marty also shares some important things to think about. Most people might not actually get to use this benefit because it...

In this episode, we dive into a video made by Dave Ramsey where he talks about retirement withdrawal rates. We point out the problems with his advice, especially the difference between average returns and actual returns. We also explain why understanding the order of your returns (called the sequence of returns) is super important when you retire. Plus, we discuss safer ways to plan your retiremen...

In this episode of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker talks about why it's important to know when to leave the stock market before it's too late. Marty shares stories from his own life and explains how staying too long at a party is like staying too long in the stock market. He talks about big investors like Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett who are selling their stocks because they think the mar...

In this episode, we talk about a couple who were worried about running out of money in retirement. We show how using annuities helped them get everything they needed. We looked at their original plan, which wasn't working, and found a better way. We explain different scenarios and how the Atlas annuity strategy saved the day. If you're curious about how to make your money last, this episode is for...

In this episode of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, host Marty Becker dives deep into the intricacies of the Allianz 222 annuity. Marty explains why there are no bad annuities, only bad recommendations, and highlights the unique features and benefits of the Allianz 222. From the 40% bonus and income rider to the 150% indexing credit and income multiplier benefit, this episode provides a comprehensive ov...

In this episode, Marty Becker dives into the crucial topic of balancing risk and safety with fixed index annuity returns. Discover how fixed index annuities offer a stable and secure investment option, providing protection during market downturns while still offering growth potential. Marty breaks down realistic expectations for returns, the importance of safe investment buckets, and why having a...

Ever wondered how annuity companies can promise you a lifetime of income? In this episode of the ATLAS Annuity Podcast, we break down the key factors that make these guarantees possible. From mortality credits to risk pooling, and the impact of interest rates, we’ll show you it’s not magic—it’s just math. Tune in to learn how life insurance companies manage longevity risk and ensure financial secu...