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

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.

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.