Episodes

  • Roth Conversion Annuity Update for 2025
    Jan 24 2025

    Have you been considering a Roth conversion but aren’t sure how to handle the taxes or where to hold the funds? In this episode, we explore the growing trend of Roth conversion annuities and how they can help you reduce your tax burden, lower Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and pass tax-free money to your beneficiaries.

    You’ll learn:

    • How Roth conversion annuities work step-by-step.
    • The latest updates for 2025, including expanded options from annuity providers.
    • Key rules, potential penalties, and tips to maximize your conversion strategy.

    Whether you’re planning for retirement or looking to optimize your financial future, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make informed decisions.

    Tune in now and discover if a Roth conversion annuity is right for you!

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    11 mins
  • The New Safe Withdrawal Rate for 2025
    Jan 19 2025

    Is the 4 percent rule outdated? In this episode, we break down Morningstar’s latest research on safe withdrawal rates for retirement in 2025. Learn why the new rate is 3.7%, what it means for your retirement strategy, and how to balance spending and saving effectively.

    We’ll also explore:

    • The pros and cons of delaying Social Security.
    • How retirees’ spending patterns evolve over time.
    • Why annuities can provide guaranteed income and portfolio flexibility.

    If you’re planning for retirement or looking for strategies to maximize your income, this episode is packed with insights to help you make confident decisions.

    Don’t forget to subscribe and share!

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    14 mins
  • How To Avoid The Aggregation Tax Rule
    Jan 9 2025

    Did you know there’s a little-known tax rule that could impact your withdrawals if you own multiple annuities with the same company? In this episode, Marty breaks down the Aggregation Tax Rule—sometimes called the Serial Annuity Rule—and explains how it works, who it applies to, and how to avoid unexpected tax surprises.

    Using a real-life example, Marty highlights how this rule could result in paying taxes on more gains than expected, potentially even bumping you into a higher tax bracket. But don’t worry—he also shares simple strategies to avoid getting caught by this obscure rule, like using qualified money or spreading your annuities across different companies.

    If you’re serious about protecting your retirement income and minimizing tax headaches, this episode is for you.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • The 4 criteria for the Aggregation Tax Rule to apply
    • A real-world example of how this rule can affect your taxes
    • Practical strategies to avoid this tax trap
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    7 mins
  • Market Value Adjustments & Annuities
    Dec 27 2024

    Market value adjustments (MVAs) are a common feature in certain annuities, but do you know what they really mean for your retirement? In this episode, Marty Becker breaks down the ins and outs of MVAs—how they work, when they apply, and why they might actually help you secure higher interest rates.

    Learn how changes in interest rates can lead to either positive or negative adjustments and what safeguards are in place to protect your investment. Marty also shares practical examples to help you understand how this feature could impact your annuity’s value.

    If you’ve ever been curious about the details behind annuity contracts or want to ensure your retirement strategy is rock-solid, this episode is for you.

    Tune in to discover how to make informed decisions about your annuity options and take control of your financial future.

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    9 mins
  • Does an Income Annuity Just Give Your Money Back?
    Dec 21 2024

    In this episode, we tackle a common concern about income annuities: “Isn’t the annuity company just giving me my money back?” Marty Becker, founder of Atlas Financial Strategies, breaks down this objection and explains why income annuities are a powerful tool for retirement planning.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why annuities provide guaranteed income that lasts a lifetime.
    • How they protect you from risks like market downturns, low interest rates, and outliving your savings.
    • Why annuities allow you to spend more confidently in retirement compared to traditional withdrawal strategies.

    If you’ve ever wondered how income annuities work or whether they’re right for you, this episode is packed with practical insights and simple explanations.

    Listen now and discover how annuities can transform your retirement strategy!

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    15 mins
  • The Hedgehog Retirement Strategy
    Dec 13 2024

    Are you tired of overcomplicated retirement plans that seem to go nowhere? In this episode, we explore the timeless fable of the Fox and the Hedgehog and how it applies to building a smarter, more focused retirement strategy.

    Discover why traditional retirement planning often resembles the fox—clever, yet scattered—and why adopting the Hedgehog Strategy can help you:

    • Stay focused on your financial goals.
    • Assign a clear purpose to every dollar you save.
    • Build a plan that’s simple, reliable, and effective.

    From income annuities to long-term growth strategies, Marty breaks down how to implement this approach for lasting financial confidence. Whether you’re planning for retirement or looking to fine-tune your current strategy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

    Tune in now to start simplifying your retirement with the Hedgehog Strategy!

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    8 mins
  • Using Annuities for ROTH Conversions
    Dec 6 2024

    In this episode of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, we explore a real-life case study of a recently retired couple with $2.5 million in savings. Discover how we used a combination of annuities and Roth conversions to:

    • Cover income gaps with guaranteed payments.
    • Reduce future tax burdens and protect Medicare premiums.
    • Free up extra cash for vacations, big purchases, or emergencies.

    Whether you’re navigating retirement with $500,000 or $5 million, the math behind this strategy works. Listen in to see how this approach could improve your financial security and flexibility, even in the toughest market conditions.

    Tune in now and learn how annuities and Roth conversions can work for you!

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    19 mins
  • CDs Maturing Soon? How to Avoid Reinvestment Risk and Find Higher Rates
    Nov 29 2024

    With $2.5 trillion in CDs set to mature over the next year, many savers are facing tough decisions. Should you renew at lower rates? Or are there better options for your money?

    In this episode, Marty Becker dives into:

    • Why reinvestment risk is a major challenge for CD holders
    • How MYGAs (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities) stack up against CDs
    • Simple strategies to lock in higher rates and avoid common pitfalls

    If your CD is maturing soon, don’t miss this essential guide to protecting your savings and earning more with less risk.

    Tune in now and take control of your financial future!

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    12 mins