In this episode of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker introduces a brand-new product in the annuity world: the EquiTrust Smart Boost Index Annuity. Developed in partnership with Genesys—the pioneer of fixed index annuities—this innovative contract brings unique features designed to give retirees more flexibility, growth potential, and security.

Marty breaks down the key details, including:

• Why EquiTrust’s financial strength ratings and solvency ratios matter.

• How the Smart Boost works differently from traditional bonuses.

• Key benefits like 7% penalty-free withdrawals, RMD-friendly design, and nursing home/terminal illness waivers.

• The 40% guaranteed boost to the death benefit and how it impacts your heirs.

• Real-world case studies showing how the product can work for retirement income, Roth conversions, and estate planning.

Whether you’re exploring annuities for the first time or comparing options for your retirement portfolio, this episode offers clear insights into how the Smart Boost Index could fit into your strategy.

Learn more and book a call with Marty at AtlasAnnuity.com

If you're facing a choice between taking a lifetime pension or a lump sum buyout, this episode is for you.

Marty Becker shares a real-life conversation with a potential client offered $2,000/month for life—or a $350,000 lump sum. Which is better? The answer might surprise you.

With firsthand experience losing his own pension, Marty breaks down:

• Why defined benefit pensions are becoming less reliable

• Real examples of massive pension plan failures

• What the PBGC actually guarantees (and what it doesn’t)

• How an income annuity can mimic (or even improve on) pension payouts

• Why a logical apples-to-apples comparison is the only way to decide

Whether you're with a corporation or union, considering your options now or in the future, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make a smart, confident decision for your retirement.

Want a custom side-by-side comparison?
Book a short Zoom call at AtlasAnnuity.com

Did you know that your will doesn’t control who gets your retirement accounts? That job belongs to your beneficiary forms—and if those aren’t right, everything else falls apart.

In this episode, Marty Becker explains why annuities have a built-in advantage when it comes to estate planning and passing your assets to loved ones. You’ll hear about three real-life court cases where families lost hundreds of thousands due to outdated forms—and how you can avoid the same fate.

You’ll learn:

• Why annuities require beneficiary designations (and how that protects you)
  
  
• What accounts to review—and how to get physical proof of your forms
  
  
• How to organize and update your financial records
  
  
• What to avoid when inheriting an IRA or retirement account
  
  

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who owns annuities, retirement accounts, or just wants to keep their estate plan airtight.

In this episode of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker explains why 2025 might be the best time in history to consider a Roth conversion strategy.

You’ll learn:

• Why low tax rates make converting now more appealing

• How the SECURE Act created a tax trap for your heirs

• What a 20-year Roth conversion could mean for your legacy

• The real cost of doing nothing vs converting gradually

• How annuities can support your Roth strategy safely

If you’ve saved diligently in a traditional IRA, this episode is a must-listen — especially if you plan to leave money behind for your family.

Ready to explore your options? Visit atlasannuity.com to schedule a free call.

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.