The Atlas Annuity Podcast

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.

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 85 of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker breaks down one of the most anticipated financial moves of the year—the Federal Reserve’s likely rate cut in September. We’ll cover what’s driving the Fed’s decision, how it really works behind the scenes, and most importantly, what it means for you. You’ll learn: The history and role of the Federal Reserve and why its decisions matter How rate cuts affect inflation, jobs, and real estate markets The ripple effects on savers, retirees, and safe-money products like CDs, bonds, and annuities Why annuity rates may shift over time when the Fed lowers interest rates What retirees need to consider now to protect their income and stability If you’ve ever wondered how Fed policy impacts your wallet and your retirement, this episode connects the dots in plain language. For more retirement education, visit AtlasAnnuity.com and explore the video series 20% More Spendable Income in Retirement. To see if annuities fit your plan, book a short Zoom call directly through the website. Subscribe to the Atlas Annuity Podcast for more insights on safe money strategies.

If you're facing a choice between taking a lifetime pension or a lump sum buyout, this episode is for you. Marty Becker shares a real-life conversation with a potential client offered $2,000/month for life—or a $350,000 lump sum. Which is better? The answer might surprise you. With firsthand experience losing his own pension, Marty breaks down: Why defined benefit pensions are becoming less reliable Real examples of massive pension plan failures What the PBGC actually guarantees (and what it doesn’t) How an income annuity can mimic (or even improve on) pension payouts Why a logical apples-to-apples comparison is the only way to decide Whether you're with a corporation or union, considering your options now or in the future, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make a smart, confident decision for your retirement. Want a custom side-by-side comparison? Book a short Zoom call at AtlasAnnuity.com