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Articles by Martin Shenkman


Martin M. Shenkman, CPA, PFS, JD, is an estate planner in Paramus, N.J. and author of 35 books, including Funding the Cure. He is a frequent contributor to Financial Planning magazine.

  • Planning for Lawyers

    March 1, 2012

    It can be challenging - but enjoyable - advising those who are used to giving advice themselves.

  • Trust, But Verify

    February 1, 2012

    Not all trusts are created equal, especially when it comes to protection in a divorce.

  • Outcome Pending

    November 1, 2011

    Although tax laws are more uncertain than ever, waiting to make estate planning moves could be costly.

  • Star Power

    October 1, 2011

    Celebrities and athletes need tailored estate planning to minimize the risks of being in the spotlight.

  • Come Together

    September 1, 2011

    Estate planning is a critical part of the planning process and ideally should be a group effort, involving attorneys and accountants as well as planners.

  • Conversation Starter

    August 1, 2011

    Four advisors share tips on how to get clients talking about estate planning.

  • After Death Do We Plan

    July 1, 2011

    A new chapter of estate planning begins after a client passes on.

  • Filed Away

    June 1, 2011

    Agreements, deeds and leases are not core estate planning tools, but may have unexpected opportunities or traps.

  • Caring for Your Client

    May 1, 2011

    Adding a care manager to your estate planning team can benefit both you and your client.

  • The Season of Giving

    April 1, 2011

    The new gift-tax exemption of $5 million opens the door to lots of gifting strategies, ranging from simple to more complex.

  • Back From the Future

    March 1, 2011

    Take a fresh look at your clients' life insurance planning to see if changes are necessary in light of the 2010 Tax Act.

  • Two-Year Bonus

    February 1, 2011

    The new tax law has opened a substantial window of opportunity for wealth transfer. Help your clients take advantage of it.

  • Keeping the Faith

    January 1, 2011

    With a little ingenuity, advisors can draw up an estate plan that reflects a client's religious beliefs.

  • Tell Them Now

    December 1, 2010

    Estate-tax laws are in flux, and advisors are scrambling to help their clients prepare for different scenarios in 2011.

  • The Planning Powerhouse

    November 1, 2010

    A life insurance trust is one of your most powerful planning tools. Don't underestimate its value or flexibility.

  • Estate Issues

    October 1, 2010

    While the estate-tax laws remain in limbo, what's a planner to do? Here, some important questions answered.

  • Not Fade Away

    August 1, 2010

    Most clients living with chronic illnesses are loath to talk about it. But as a planner, you can make a big difference in their future.

  • Oblique Lens

    July 1, 2010

    Taking a deeper look at life events reveals less obvious planning opportunities for affluent clients.

  • "Nothing Has Changed"

    June 1, 2010

    Clients may be inclined to ignore the obvious-and they're losing out on an opportunity to upgrade their estate plans.