The Atlas Annuity Podcast

Artificial intelligence can write essays, analyze data, and answer almost any question you throw at it. So it's no surprise that people have started asking AI about their retirement money. But here's the truth — AI annuity advice can actually be very helpful. Or it can be a very expensive mistake. And knowing the difference could save your retirement. In this episode, Marty Becker shares a real client story that sparked this conversation — a client who came to him ready to buy a specific annuity because AI recommended it. The problem? That product wasn't even available in their state. Marty then does something different — he actually asks AI three questions directly: When does it make sense to use AI for annuity advice? When does it NOT make sense? How will AI change the annuity industry in the future? The answers might surprise you. What you'll learn in this episode: Why AI is a great tool for learning about annuities — but a dangerous one for making decisions The difference between annuity education and annuity advice Why there's no such thing as "the best annuity" — and why AI doesn't know that What AI gets right, what it gets wrong, and what that means for your retirement If you're using AI to research your retirement options — this episode is a must listen before you make any moves.

In this episode, Marty Becker tackles one of the most common misconceptions retirees have about annuities — the belief that annuity companies are simply returning their own money back to them. He explains why this flawed thinking may actually be causing retirees to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars less than they safely could in retirement. Marty breaks down the risks associated with the traditional Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP), including sequence of returns risk, longevity risk, withdrawal rate risk, and behavioral risk — such as panic selling during volatile markets. He uses a compelling real-world example of two retirees, Ben and Susan, who retired just three months apart in 1968, yet ended up with nearly a million dollar difference in their retirement outcomes due to sequence of returns risk alone. He also addresses how today's markets are even more volatile than in previous decades due to high-frequency trading and algorithmic manipulation, making this risk more relevant than ever for those approaching retirement. Marty then explains how income annuities can serve as a powerful tool to mitigate these risks and allow retirees to spend more confidently throughout their retirement years.

In this episode, Marty Becker explores the often-overlooked psychological side of retirement that has nothing to do with 401(k)s, Social Security timing, or interest rates. He discusses the multi-year psychological transition that occurs when someone leaves a lifelong career and explains why financial preparation alone isn't enough if retirees aren't mentally prepared for this major life change. Marty walks listeners through the research on retirement as a process rather than a single event, breaking down the phases many retirees experience during this transition. He then explains how financial structure—particularly income annuities—can help stabilize the psychological shift and provide the emotional security needed during this critical period. This episode is essential listening for anyone approaching retirement who wants to understand not just the financial mechanics, but the mental and emotional journey that lies ahead.

Retirement isn't about chasing returns—it's about engineering income. In this episode, Marty Becker shares a real client case study that demonstrates one of the clearest retirement income frameworks he's ever seen. Dave, one of Marty's clients, responded to the previous week's episode on CDs versus MYGAs with a simple but powerful statement: he uses 2, 3, 4, and 5-year MYGAs and FIAs to build an income ladder that funds his annual expenses—and he believes it's far better than CDs or bond ladders. Marty breaks down Dave's strategy step by step: Year 1: Money sits in a high-yield money market for immediate access Years 2-4: Funds are in high-yield MYGAs with guaranteed rates and known maturity dates Year 5+: Money is in fixed indexed annuities with principal protection and growth potential What Dave created is a 5-year runway that emotionally insulates him from market volatility and bad decisions. The markets can fluctuate all they want, but his next five years of income are secure. This isn't just a ladder—it's a system. A strategy that prioritizes peace of mind, predictability, and protection over chasing long-term averages.

In episode 102 of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker breaks down the key differences between Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) and bank CDs. While both are considered safe money options, there are critical distinctions that can significantly impact your retirement strategy. This episode covers a comprehensive side-by-side comparison including tax treatment, liquidity options, beneficiary protections, and the often-misunderstood topic of FDIC insurance versus state guaranty associations. Marty explains why tax deferral can be a game-changer for retirees who are tax-sensitive, how penalty-free withdrawal provisions differ between the two products, and why MYGAs offer unique advantages when it comes to converting to lifetime income. One of the most important topics covered is the safety and protection of your principal. While bank CDs are FDIC insured, MYGAs are protected through state guaranty associations. Marty provides historical context from the 2008 financial crisis to help you understand the real-world track record of both protection systems. Whether you're comparing rates, looking for tax advantages, or planning for long-term retirement income, this episode provides the clarity you need to make an informed decision between MYGAs and CDs.

If you've inherited an annuity, the insurance company is probably pressuring you to fill out forms fast. But here's what they won't tell you: once you sign certain paperwork, the decision is irreversible—and it could cost you thousands in unnecessary taxes. In this episode, Marty Becker walks you through what really matters before you make a choice you can't undo. What You'll Learn: • Why inherited annuities are so confusing (and different from inherited IRAs) • The LIFO tax trap—and why the first dollars out are the most heavily taxed • Your 3 distribution options: lump sum, 5-year rule, and lifetime payouts • The tax consequences of each option and who they're best for • Common mistakes people make with inherited annuities • Why you have 12 months to decide—not 30 days Whether you inherited from a spouse, parent, or sibling, this episode gives you the clarity to make a smart, tax-efficient decision. About Marty Becker: Owner and founder of Atlas Financial Strategies in St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in safe money retirement strategies. Get Help: Book a free consultation at atlasannuity.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult with qualified tax and financial professionals regarding your specific situation.

If you've ever wondered why retirement feels more complicated than it should, you're not imagining things. For decades, people were told to save enough, invest wisely, and then withdraw 4% every year. But new research from Morningstar tells a very different story—one that explains why so many retirees feel uneasy, and why guaranteed income tools like annuities are becoming more relevant than ever. In this milestone 100th episode, Marty Becker breaks down Morningstar's latest 2025 research showing that the safe withdrawal rate has dropped to just 3.9%—with a 10% chance of failure even then. That's only $39,000 per year for every $1 million in your portfolio. Marty explains why most retirement failures don't happen because markets are bad forever, but because something goes wrong early. Discover what this means for your retirement strategy, why sequence of returns risk is the silent killer of retirement plans, and how guaranteed income can provide the stability that market-based withdrawals simply can't guarantee.

What if you could convert your traditional IRA to a Roth without feeling the tax pain? In episode 99 of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker reveals a little-known strategy that uses deferred income annuities to make Roth conversions virtually painless—and could save you over $110,000 in lifetime taxes. Most retirees wait until they're forced to take distributions from their IRAs, which means paying taxes when the government decides—often at higher rates. But there's a smarter way. Marty walks through a real-world example of a 60-year-old couple who funds a deferred income annuity with $500,000 from their traditional IRA, creating $80,000 per year in guaranteed lifetime income starting at age 70. Here's where it gets interesting: during the 10-year deferral period, they systematically convert $50,000 per year to a Roth IRA using internal partial withdrawals from the annuity. The result? They pay just $110,000 in taxes over 10 years at a controlled 22% bracket. If they had waited and let the IRS force distributions, they would've paid over $220,000 in taxes—literally double. Marty breaks down the math, explains how internal partial withdrawals work, and shows why the years between retirement and age 70 are the golden window for this strategy. If you have a traditional IRA or 401(k) and want to take control of your tax future, this episode is a must-listen.

5 Reasons Smart People Resist Annuities (At First) | Episode 98 Here's a strange truth: annuities solve one of the biggest problems in retirement—not running out of money. And yet, they're one of the most emotionally rejected financial tools that exist. That's the paradox. People say they want certainty. They say they want peace of mind. They say they want income they can't outlive. But when you offer them guaranteed income, something in their brain short circuits. In this episode, we're not talking about rates, fees, or products. We're talking about why your brain resists annuities, even when they make sense. In This Episode, You'll Discover: ✅ The "What If I Die Early?" Trap – Why loss aversion makes you obsess over the wrong risk (and why dying early isn't actually a financial problem) ✅ The Control Illusion – How you've already given up control in retirement, and why delegating risk isn't the same as losing control ✅ The Overconfidence Bias – Why believing "I can do better in the market" is more emotional than logical—and what retirement math really looks like ✅ The Complexity Shutdown – Why annuities feel complicated (and why you don't need to understand how they work to benefit from them) ✅ The Legacy Question – Should you prioritize leaving money behind or avoiding becoming a burden while you're alive? The Big Reframe: Annuities don't replace investing—they quiet the fear that interferes with investing. When your basics are covered with guaranteed income, you can actually invest more confidently, spend without guilt, and sleep better at night. I'll share a real client story about Mark and Susan—a couple who went from resisting annuities to discovering how guaranteed income gave them MORE freedom, not less. Key Takeaway: Guaranteed income doesn't reduce flexibility—it creates it. Annuities don't replace the growth part of your portfolio. They support it. About the Atlas Annuity Podcast: Hosted by Marty Becker, owner of Atlas Financial Strategies in St. Louis, Missouri, this podcast specializes in safe money retirement strategies. Each episode breaks down complex retirement concepts into simple, actionable insights so you can make confident decisions about your financial future. Resources Mentioned: Free Video Series: "20% More Spendable Income in Retirement" at AtlasAnnuity.com Book a free consultation call at AtlasAnnuity.com Connect With Marty: Website: AtlasAnnuity.com Subscribe for weekly episodes on retirement planning, annuities, and safe money strategies Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from this information. Thanks for listening!

If someone handed you a suitcase with a million dollars and said it has to last the rest of your life, would you feel confident or nervous? Most people say nervous—and that reveals everything wrong with how we think about retirement. In this episode, host Marty Becker breaks down groundbreaking research on the "Peak 65 Zone"—a demographic tsunami where over 11,000 Americans turn 65 every single day. The problem? The traditional three-legged stool of retirement (pension, Social Security, savings) has collapsed to just one leg, and most retirement plans were never designed to solve the real challenge retirees face. You'll discover: Why retirement isn't about how much you have, but how long your income will last The critical difference between accumulation and distribution (and why your 401(k) only solves half the problem) What the Peak 65 research reveals about creating guaranteed lifetime income Why fewer than 20% of Americans still have pension access—and what that means for you Whether you're approaching retirement or already there, this episode will change how you think about turning your savings into income you cannot outlive.

In this episode, Marty Becker walks through a real retirement income case study involving a married couple who recently met with an advisor at Fidelity. The couple is fully retiring within the next year and needs $10,000 per month in guaranteed income on top of Social Security. Marty breaks down their current portfolio, explains why a 70/30 stock-to-bond mix and a 4% withdrawal rate can create long-term risk, and shows how sequence of returns can impact retirement outcomes—especially when one spouse is much younger. The episode compares a traditional single premium immediate annuity recommendation with a more advanced strategy using multiple annuities. Marty explains how both approaches provide the same lifetime income guarantees, but how a multi-annuity strategy can reduce the amount of capital required while improving income reliability, lowering withdrawal rates, and increasing discretionary assets. You’ll also learn: Why worst-case and best-case scenarios matter in retirement planning How guaranteed income changes withdrawal rates and income reliability The pros and cons of simplicity versus efficiency in annuity strategies When a multi-annuity approach works best, and who it may not be right for This episode is ideal for retirees or near-retirees who are evaluating annuity recommendations from large firms like Fidelity and want to understand if there is a smarter, more efficient way to generate lifetime income. To learn more about annuities and see if a strategy like this fits your situation, visit atlasannuity.com to watch the “20% More Spendable Income in Retirement” video series or schedule a short Zoom call to get your questions answered.

In this episode, Marty Becker explores a powerful but often overlooked benefit of annuities—asset protection. After a conversation with an estate planning attorney from Florida, Marty breaks down how annuities can shield your non-qualified (after-tax) assets from legal threats, and why protection levels vary dramatically by state. You'll discover which states offer unlimited protection (like Florida and Texas), which provide limited or conditional coverage, and how to strategically use annuities as a legal shield for your retirement savings. If you have substantial assets outside of your IRA or 401(k), this episode reveals an important protection strategy that many retirees overlook. Key Topics Covered: Why IRA money is already protected under ERISA How non-qualified assets are vulnerable to creditors Three categories of state annuity protection laws Which states offer the strongest asset protection Real-world example from an estate planning attorney Strategic considerations for high-net-worth retirees Whether you're a business owner, professional, or simply want to protect what you've worked hard to build, this episode provides crucial insights into using annuities as financial armor.

In this episode, Marty breaks down why long-term care planning is one of the most overlooked parts of retirement—and why it can have serious financial consequences if ignored. Most people don’t realize how common long-term care needs are or how expensive they can become. With nursing home costs reaching $72,000 to $100,000 per year, and Medicare offering almost no help, retirees often find themselves facing difficult choices. Marty explains the realities of Medicaid, the quality of care offered in many facilities, and why relying on it as a fallback can lead to problems. He also walks through the three main types of long-term care policies and how they work, including traditional standalone plans, life insurance with LTC riders, and asset-based long-term care options. From there, he breaks down the new Nationwide Care Matters long-term care annuity. This product can double or even triple your benefit on day one and continue growing every year with a guaranteed interest rate. Marty shares a real example of how the benefits expand over time and compares it to the risks of trying to self-fund care using market returns. You’ll also learn what it takes to qualify for benefits, how the elimination period works, and what makes this annuity different, including penalty-free withdrawals, international benefits, and the ability to use a 1035 exchange. If you want to see how long-term care fits within your retirement plan and whether the Nationwide Care Matters annuity makes sense for you, schedule a time to talk at AtlasAnnuity.com.

  Did you know that your fixed index annuity is only as good as the indexing options offered? In episode 92 of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker reviews the Lincoln Financial OptiBlend 5, a unique 5-year fixed index annuity that breaks the mold with first-year withdrawals and multiple S&P 500 options.   While most annuities make you wait until year two for penalty-free withdrawals, this one gives you access to 10% starting day one. Marty explains why, after a decade in the business, he increasingly relies on the tried-and-true S&P 500 over flashy hypothetical indexes with unrealistic backtested returns.   Learn how this A+ rated product from a company founded with Abraham Lincoln's son's blessing could serve as your short-term bridge to retirement income—with issue ages up to 85, RMD flexibility, and nursing home waivers included.  

Can you really earn up to 13.25% growth without risking your principal? In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down a five-year fixed index annuity that offers protection, flexibility, and short-term opportunity — without locking your money away for life. You’ll learn: How the flooring method lets you choose how much of your interest gains to risk — not your principal. Why a five-year annuity can be a smart bridge between safety and growth. How to use annuities in five-year chunks to protect your income during market downturns. The difference between chasing the “best” annuity and finding the right fit for your goals. If you’re not ready for a lifetime income plan but still want protection from market losses, this strategy may give you the balance you need. Visit AtlasAnnuity.com to watch Marty’s free video series or schedule a short call to find the right annuity decision — the first time.

In episode 90 of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker explains why “convenience” can quietly cost you thousands in retirement income. When big investment firms start offering annuities through limited partnerships, they make the process simple — but not always in your best interest. Marty breaks down how these programs work, why independence matters when choosing your annuity, and how small differences in payout can turn into massive income losses over time. You’ll learn: Why independent advisors can access higher-paying annuity options How “easy” choices often mean limited choices The long-term cost of convenience in retirement planning How to make sure your income plan truly serves you Don’t settle for less just because it’s simple. Take control of your retirement income and make informed decisions that maximize what you’ve earned. Learn more or schedule your own independent annuity review at AtlasAnnuity.com.

In episode 89 of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker takes a deep dive into one of the biggest overlooked risks in retirement—financial fragility after the loss of a spouse. Drawing from research by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, Marty explains why future retirees may face tougher challenges maintaining their lifestyle after a financial shock, like medical expenses or the loss of a Social Security check. He breaks down how the shift from traditional pensions to 401(k)s has made income less dependable, and why the “4% rule” often falls short in today’s environment. To address this growing problem, Marty introduces a simple but powerful strategy using the American Equity Income Shield Bonus Annuity—a plan designed to replace lost income when a spouse passes away, with guarantees that grow every year for up to 20 years. He walks through how it works, why it’s flexible, and how it can ensure a surviving spouse never runs out of income. If you want to protect your spouse’s income, preserve your legacy, and create certainty in an uncertain world, this episode will show you how to plan ahead with confidence. Learn more or schedule a call at AtlasAnnuity.com.

In episode 88 of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker tackles one of the biggest fears retirees face — inflation. After years of rising prices, many people wonder if their money can really last as long as they do. Marty explains why relying on a traditional 60/40 portfolio and a fixed 3% inflation adjustment isn’t a foolproof strategy — and how it can actually cause you to run out of money too soon. He breaks down a better approach: combining guaranteed income from an annuity with a growth portfolio to cover inflation. You’ll hear real numbers, real scenarios, and why this strategy can help your money last into your late 90s — even in a worst-case market environment. If you want to stop guessing about your retirement income and start building a plan that stands up to inflation, this episode will show you how. Learn more or schedule a call at AtlasAnnuity.com.

In this episode of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker tackles one of the biggest fears in retirement — running out of money. Longevity risk is the risk of outliving your savings, and most advisors fail to plan for it properly. Marty explains why relying on the old 4% rule or a simple systematic withdrawal plan could put your retirement in danger. He walks through real numbers showing how long today’s retirees are living, why planning to age 92 isn’t enough, and what it really takes to make your money last a lifetime. You’ll learn: Why life expectancy has increased so much over the last century How longevity risk makes systematic withdrawal plans risky What rate of return you would need to safely withdraw for decades How annuities can guarantee income you can’t outlive If you want confidence that your retirement income will last as long as you do, this episode will show you how to take longevity risk off the table and enjoy your retirement years without fear. Learn more and schedule a call at AtlasAnnuity.com.

In episode 86 of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker takes a deep dive into systematic withdrawal plans and why they may not be the safe retirement strategy many advisors claim. Marty explains the origins of the 4% rule, why economists now suggest lower withdrawal rates, and how sequence of returns risk can devastate a portfolio — even when using a “safe” 60/40 allocation. He breaks down the three types of retirees — overfunded, underfunded, and constrained — and shows why constrained investors are most at risk when relying on a fixed withdrawal plan. Marty also highlights how even small timing differences, just a few months apart, can create dramatically different outcomes in retirement. Finally, he explains why accumulation-focused advisors often miss the mark in the distribution phase and how income annuities can remove timing risk entirely, guaranteeing income for life and giving retirees the freedom to spend with confidence. Learn more and schedule a call at AtlasAnnuity.com.