Tired of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with managing your own investments? In this episode, I break down a chart that shows exactly how most people react to market ups and downs—and why those reactions often lead to poor decisions.

Then I lay out a side-by-side comparison: What happens if you follow the old 4% withdrawal rule versus using a guaranteed income strategy instead? We look at real numbers over a 25-year period in different market conditions—from the crash in 2000 to the bull run of the late '90s.

If you’re trying to figure out how to protect your income without locking everything up or missing out on market growth, this episode is for you.

Want to spend more and worry less in retirement? This might be your first step.

Not all annuities are created equal—and there’s no such thing as “the best annuity” for everyone. In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down a real client story to show how different recommendations can miss the mark when they aren’t tied to your specific goals and timeline. You’ll learn the one question that must be answered before making any annuity decision, how to spot vague or biased advice, and why small differences in income today can add up to six figures over retirement. If you're comparing quotes or second-guessing a recommendation, this episode is for you.

Podcast Episode 78: Dismantling Another Clark Howard Annuities Rant

Clark Howard is back with another anti-annuity rant—and once again, he gets most of it wrong. In this episode, I respond point-by-point to his claims about taxes, fees, surrender charges, commissions, and so-called “gotchas.”

If you’ve ever been told annuities are too expensive, too complicated, or just a bad idea altogether, this is your chance to hear the other side. I explain:

• Why Clark’s tax complaints miss key details

• The truth about surrender periods and early withdrawal rules

• How indexed annuities actually work (including caps, spreads, and participation rates)

• Why the fiduciary label doesn’t guarantee good advice

• And what really matters when deciding if an annuity is right for you

This isn’t about bashing Clark—it’s about setting the record straight with real facts, so you can make confident decisions for your retirement.

▶️ Watch the full video at atlasannuity.com or click “Schedule a Call” if you want to see how annuities could work in your own plan.

If you're deciding between a Deferred Income Annuity (DIA) and a Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) with an income rider, this episode will give you the facts you need to make a smart choice.

I walk through:

• The key differences in how each annuity works

• What you give up in a no-fee option—and what you gain with a fee

• How the death benefits compare

• Real-world income examples that show just how big the gap can be

We also talk about liquidity, long-term care benefits, and how to decide which one fits your goals.

If you’re building your retirement income plan, this side-by-side breakdown will help you see what’s really on the table.

You’ve probably never questioned how banks actually make money. Most people haven’t. But once you see the numbers—the profits, the leverage, and the risk—you might think twice about keeping your retirement savings in a bank account.

In this episode, I break down:

• How banks use your money to earn 200% to 700% profits

• What fractional reserve banking really means

• Why the 2008 crisis wasn’t the last time the system failed

• And why insurance companies that issue annuities play by an entirely different set of rules

If you’re comparing CDs, money markets, or checking accounts to annuities, this will help you see what’s happening behind the curtain—and why I don’t use banks to store my own money.

There are only four reasons anyone ever buys an annuity—and in this episode, I walk you through each one using a simple acronym: P.I.L.L.

Whether you’re looking to protect your principal, create guaranteed income, leave a legacy, or prepare for long-term care, this breakdown will help you understand when an annuity makes sense—and when it doesn’t.

I’ll also share a powerful analogy about retirement income that ties it all together. If you're planning for the long haul and worried about outliving your money, this one’s for you.

Want to learn how to get more spendable income in retirement? Visit AtlasAnnuity.com to watch my full strategy series or schedule a quick call.

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.