The Atlas Annuity Podcast

Most retirees have heard at least one of these myths about annuities. That agents are just chasing a commission. That annuities cap your growth. That your money gets locked up forever. But here's the truth — most of these myths come from a misunderstanding of how annuities actually work, and believing them can cause you to overlook a strategy that might genuinely fit your retirement. In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down the 6 biggest annuity myths, where they actually come from, and exactly why they're wrong. Here's what Marty covers: Why the "commission" objection almost always comes from the client's current advisor — not the clientThe real difference between a cap rate, a participation rate, and a spread, and why growth isn't as limited as people thinkWhy your money in a managed portfolio may already be more "locked up" than you realizeWhat you're actually paying for with an income rider fee — and how it compares to a typical management feeHow annuity companies actually use call options to protect your principal, and why they aren't pocketing your gainsThe one question every retiree should ask before believing anything they hear about annuities at a dinner seminar If you're tired of getting conflicting information about annuities and want to separate fact from fiction, this episode is for you.

Have you been offered a rate-lock annuity? Before you sign anything, you need to hear this. In this episode of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker — owner and founder of Atlas Financial Strategies in St. Louis, Missouri — breaks down exactly what a "rate lock" on a fixed indexed annuity really means, and why it's not automatically the better deal most people assume it is. Marty explains the basic FIA story: your money isn't directly invested in the market, so if the index falls, you don't lose value — but if the index rises, the insurance company credits interest based on a formula. The problem? The cap, participation rate, or spread you're quoted today may not be the same one you get at your next anniversary. That's where "rate lock" products come in — but the term gets used in at least three completely different ways, and most people don't know which one they're actually being offered. In this episode, you'll learn: Why insurance companies change crediting rates in the first place The real difference between a new business rate lock, an index lock, and a cap rate lock Why a rate lock guarantees only ONE part of the formula — not your actual return The exact questions to ask your advisor before agreeing to a "locked" rate A breakdown of how annual point-to-point crediting actually works, with real numbers If you've been handed an illustration with the words "rate lock" on it, this episode will make sure you know exactly what you're signing up for before you commit a dollar. Have questions about your own annuity or retirement strategy? Book a call with Marty today.

Most retirees assume TIPS and MYGAs are basically the same thing. Both are conservative. Both preserve your principal. Both appeal to people who want stability in retirement. But here's the truth — they solve two completely different problems. And choosing the wrong one for the wrong job can quietly cost you. In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down exactly how TIPS and MYGAs work, what makes each one unique, and — most importantly — how to know which one is right for your situation. Here's what Marty covers: What a MYGA is and why its predictability makes it one of the most reliable retirement tools available How TIPS actually work — including the part most retirees never hear about Why TIPS can lose value during deflation and what that means for your retirement money The one question every retiree needs to ask before putting money into either one Why the TIPS vs MYGAs debate isn't really about which one is better — it's about what job you need your money to do If you're looking for safe, stable retirement income and want to make sure you're using the right tool for the right job, this episode is for you.

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 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.

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 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.