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

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

Inflation has been hitting hard, and it’s left many retirees wondering: Should you choose an annuity with inflation protection, or go for the higher starting income of a traditional annuity?

In this episode, Marty Becker dives into the numbers to help you make sense of this important decision. You’ll learn:

• How traditional and inflation-adjusted annuities compare in income.
• The break-even point where inflation protection might pay off.
• Key factors to consider based on your retirement goals.

Marty breaks it all down in simple terms, using real-world examples to show what’s at stake. If you’ve been debating the pros and cons of inflation-adjusted annuities, this is the episode for you.

Ready to find out which option fits your retirement plan? Tune in now to get the answers you need!

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most important decisions for annuity holders: choosing the right withdrawal strategy. Marty Becker breaks down the pros and cons of two popular options in multi-year guaranteed annuities (MIGAs)—taking a 10% annual withdrawal or allowing your interest to accumulate for a larger payout later.

You'll learn:

• The basics of monthly, 10%, and interest accumulation withdrawals
• How different strategies align with your financial goals
• A real-world comparison of how interest rates impact your maximum withdrawal options
• When it might make sense to choose a lower interest rate for more flexibility

If you're wondering which approach best suits your needs, this episode will help you make an informed decision to maximize your annuity’s potential. Tune in to gain practical tips and insights that could impact your financial future.