Episodios
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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 can be
We also talk about liquidity, long-term care benefits, and how to decide which one fits your goals.
If you’re building your retirement income plan, this side-by-side breakdown will help you see what’s really on the table.
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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 time the system failed
And why insurance companies that issue annuities play by an entirely different set of rules
If you’re comparing CDs, money markets, or checking accounts to annuities, this will help you see what’s happening behind the curtain—and why I don’t use banks to store my own money.
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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 retirement income that ties it all together. If you're planning for the long haul and worried about outliving your money, this one’s for you.
Want to learn how to get more spendable income in retirement? Visit AtlasAnnuity.com to watch my full strategy series or schedule a quick call.
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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 can’t have it all in one product, and how to avoid buying an annuity that doesn’t match your needs.
If you’ve ever been confused by bonuses, income riders, death benefits, or annuity ads that sound too good to be true—this episode will help you see what’s really under the hood.
Want more? Watch the free video series: 20% More Spendable Income in Retirement
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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 income annuity early can lead to bigger, more reliable income
How this strategy removes market risk from your retirement plan
If you’re thinking about locking in income for later in life—or just want to stop stressing about market swings—this episode is for you.
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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” don’t mean what you think
What you should look for when choosing an advisor
How to stay safe when working with an annuity agent
Whether you're already working with someone or just want to double-check that you're on the right track, this is a must-listen.
Want to go deeper?
Check out the full blog post linked in the episode notes or visit AtlasAnnuity.com to schedule a time to talk. -
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 raise your Medicare costs
How fixed indexed annuities and MYGAs may offer IRMAA-friendly growth
What the exclusion ratio is and how it helps reduce taxable income from annuities
When Roth conversions inside annuities might make sense
If you're close to retirement—or already navigating Medicare—this episode can help you make smarter decisions about income and taxes in retirement.
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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 income rider and roll-up rate work
What the “performance withdrawal base” really means
Why relying on unproven indexes could lead to disappointment
The side-by-side numbers that helped my client make a confident decision
If you’ve been offered this product or a similar one, this breakdown will help you understand the risks and trade-offs so you can make the best choice for your retirement plan.
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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 returns can be misleading
A real example of a couple at risk of running out of money
How adding guaranteed income changed their entire plan
What to do if the market crashes—or soars
It’s easy to understand, and the video brings the full strategy to life with real numbers and outcomes.
Click here to read the post and watch the episode
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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 about annuities inside 401k plans
The pros and cons of using your 401k’s built-in annuity options
How to roll over your 401k without triggering taxes
Why a second opinion can mean thousands more in retirement income
If your 401k is a big part of your retirement plan, this episode is a must-listen.
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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 moneyHow direct rollovers protect you from unexpected taxesWhen you’ll get your policy and how to set up your online accessWhat your “free look” period means and why it mattersWhether you’ve already bought an annuity or are still thinking about it, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared.
Want help with your own retirement plan? Visit AtlasAnnuity.com to schedule a call.
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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 institutionsThe multiple layers of protection that keep your annuity secureWhat happens if an insurance company runs into financial troubleAnnuities can be a great retirement tool, but only if you have confidence in the company holding your money. Tune in now to get the facts and make informed decisions about your financial future.
Watch the full episode now!
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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 challenges without a plan in place. Marty shares key insights from an industry report, explaining:
✅ Why Medicare won’t cover long-term care beyond 100 days
✅ The true cost of care, from in-home services to skilled nursing facilities
✅ The difference between traditional and asset-based long-term care insurance
✅ How to protect your savings and avoid relying on government-run facilitiesDon’t wait until it’s too late—tune in to learn how to safeguard your future and get the right coverage before you need it.
Watch now and explore your options at AtlasAnnuity.com.
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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 stocks—and why that mattersThe truth about surrender charges and how they compare to market lossesWhat advisors really earn on annuity sales (and why it’s not what you think)How indexed annuities can provide stability without market riskBefore you make a decision about your retirement, get the facts. Click play to hear the real story behind indexed annuities.
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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-qualifiedHow withdrawals are taxed (and how to avoid surprises)The hidden tax benefits of non-qualified annuitiesA simple strategy to defer taxes indefinitelyIf you have money in a 401(k), IRA, or annuity, you need to know how these tax rules work. Listen now to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
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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 and why a high dividend yield isn’t always a good sign. More importantly, we compare dividend stocks to income annuities, which offer guaranteed, predictable income for life—no matter what happens in the market.
If you’re counting on dividends for retirement, this episode will help you understand the risks and why annuities may be a more secure alternative.
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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 at your savings
✔️ Why variable annuity income is not guaranteed—and could be cut in half
✔️ A real-world case study comparing payouts from variable vs. fixed indexed annuities
✔️ Why major insurance companies are pulling out of the variable annuity marketBy the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly which annuity option protects your retirement income—and which one could leave you short when you need it most.
Listen now to make the best decision for your retirement!
Resources Mentioned:
Download my free report: The Truth About Variable Annuities
Book a free consultation: Schedule a short call to discuss your annuity options → AtlasAnnuity.comAvailable on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts!
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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 latest updates for 2025, including expanded options from annuity providers.Key rules, potential penalties, and tips to maximize your conversion strategy.Whether you’re planning for retirement or looking to optimize your financial future, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make informed decisions.
Tune in now and discover if a Roth conversion annuity is right for you!
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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 can provide guaranteed income and portfolio flexibility.If you’re planning for retirement or looking for strategies to maximize your income, this episode is packed with insights to help you make confident decisions.
Don’t forget to subscribe and share!
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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 paying taxes on more gains than expected, potentially even bumping you into a higher tax bracket. But don’t worry—he also shares simple strategies to avoid getting caught by this obscure rule, like using qualified money or spreading your annuities across different companies.
If you’re serious about protecting your retirement income and minimizing tax headaches, this episode is for you.
Key Topics Covered:
The 4 criteria for the Aggregation Tax Rule to applyA real-world example of how this rule can affect your taxesPractical strategies to avoid this tax trap - Mostrar más
