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.

Some types of income can quietly push your Medicare premiums higher—sometimes by hundreds of dollars a year. In this episode, Marty explains how IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) works, what income sources count toward it, and how certain investment choices could help you stay under the limit.

You’ll learn:

• Which common investments increase your IRMAA

• Why even reinvested income can raise your Medicare costs

• How fixed indexed annuities and MYGAs may offer IRMAA-friendly growth

• What the exclusion ratio is and how it helps reduce taxable income from annuities

• When Roth conversions inside annuities might make sense

If you're close to retirement—or already navigating Medicare—this episode can help you make smarter decisions about income and taxes in retirement.

Not all annuity income is created equal. In this episode, I take a close look at the Delaware Life Dual Track Income Annuity—a product that caught the attention of one of my clients because of its “potential” for higher income.

But here’s the thing: that extra income is based on brand-new indexes and a lot of hypothetical back-testing.

In this episode, I walk through:

• How the Dual Track annuity’s income rider and roll-up rate work

• What the “performance withdrawal base” really means

• Why relying on unproven indexes could lead to disappointment

• The side-by-side numbers that helped my client make a confident decision

If you’ve been offered this product or a similar one, this breakdown will help you understand the risks and trade-offs so you can make the best choice for your retirement plan.

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

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.

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.