Episodios

  • Stress Testing Your Retirement Plan
    Apr 4 2025

    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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    10 m
  • How to do a 401k Rollover to an Annuity
    Mar 28 2025

    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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    11 m
  • What Happens When You Buy an Annuity
    Mar 21 2025

    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 money
    • How direct rollovers protect you from unexpected taxes
    • When you’ll get your policy and how to set up your online access
    • What your “free look” period means and why it matters

    Whether 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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    11 m
  • How Safe is Your Annuity Company?
    Mar 14 2025

    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 institutions
    • The multiple layers of protection that keep your annuity secure
    • What happens if an insurance company runs into financial trouble

    Annuities 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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    9 m
  • Long-Term Care Insurance Updates for 2025
    Mar 7 2025

    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 facilities

    Don’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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    11 m
  • Busting Dumb Indexed Annuity Myths
    Feb 28 2025

    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 matters
    • The truth about surrender charges and how they compare to market losses
    • What advisors really earn on annuity sales (and why it’s not what you think)
    • How indexed annuities can provide stability without market risk

    Before you make a decision about your retirement, get the facts. Click play to hear the real story behind indexed annuities.

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    23 m
  • Qualified Versus Non-Qualified Annuities
    Feb 22 2025

    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-qualified
    • How withdrawals are taxed (and how to avoid surprises)
    • The hidden tax benefits of non-qualified annuities
    • A simple strategy to defer taxes indefinitely

    If 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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    14 m
  • Guaranteed Income Annuities vs Dividend Paying Stocks
    Feb 13 2025

    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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    21 m