In episode 85 of the Atlas Annuity Podcast, Marty Becker breaks down one of the most anticipated financial moves of the year—the Federal Reserve’s likely rate cut in September. We’ll cover what’s driving the Fed’s decision, how it really works behind the scenes, and most importantly, what it means for you.

You’ll learn:

• The history and role of the Federal Reserve and why its decisions matter

• How rate cuts affect inflation, jobs, and real estate markets

• The ripple effects on savers, retirees, and safe-money products like CDs, bonds, and annuities

• Why annuity rates may shift over time when the Fed lowers interest rates

• What retirees need to consider now to protect their income and stability

If you’ve ever wondered how Fed policy impacts your wallet and your retirement, this episode connects the dots in plain language.

For more retirement education, visit AtlasAnnuity.com and explore the video series 20% More Spendable Income in Retirement. To see if annuities fit your plan, book a short Zoom call directly through the website.

Subscribe to the Atlas Annuity Podcast for more insights on safe money strategies.

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