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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.

  • Now You See It...

    March 1, 2010

    Estate tax repeal may be temporary after all, but planners must help their clients deal with it no matter what happens.

  • Let the Tax Games Begin

    February 1, 2010

    With the estate tax ending this year, only to come back next year, planners have their work cut out for them. First of a two-part series.

  • Flip Your FLP?

    December 1, 2009

    Family limited partnerships may be losing some of their luster, but this is no time to consider dismantling them.

  • Are Clients Aware?

    November 1, 2009

    Capitalize on estate planning awareness week by bringing your clients into the office for a review of their planning strategies.

  • Succession To-Do List

    October 1, 2009

    Succession planning is vital to any good financial plan. Here's what your clients—and you—need to know.

  • Trust Poker

    September 1, 2009

    Think of estate planning as a poker match: sometimes you just need a simple hand, and sometimes only a full house will do.

  • Keep Giving

    August 1, 2009

    These creative techniques will help clients keep their philanthropic plans on track, despite a straitened portfolio.

  • A Special Plan

    June 29, 2009

    A special-needs child must be eligible for government programs. Use a special-needs trust to meet expenses the programs won't cover.

  • Stretch that Gift

    May 29, 2009

    Split-dollar insurance planning can maximize the power of an estate plan while it frees up cash for gifts in the here and now.

  • True Value

    May 1, 2009

    A technique called alternate valuation can help executors make the most of a down market.

  • Good Will in Tough Times

    March 24, 2009

    Now's the time to help clients keep their overall estate, financial and related plans in the groove.

  • Retirement Asset Tips and Traps

    February 23, 2009

    Proper planning for retirement assets is essential to high-net-worth clients. Here are a few crucial details.

  • Saving by Giving

    January 27, 2009

    Charitable lead trusts can substantially reduce tax on gifts or bequests to clients' children.

  • Revisiting Clients' Plans

    January 1, 2009

    Market turmoil is roiling bequest values, so clients may need to change their plans.

  • Get It While You Can

    December 1, 2008

    The days of GRATs might be numbered, so clients may want to consider their benefits now.

  • Breakup Checklist

    November 1, 2008

    When clients divorce, be sure to address issues that their attorneys may overlook.

  • Leaving More to Beaver

    October 1, 2008

    A QPRT can greatly reduce estate taxes, but whether it's a good idea depends on the numbers.

  • Twistin' Taxes Away

    September 1, 2008

    By mastering the Graegin technique, planners may be able to halve tax bills on illiquid estates.

  • Avoiding a Painful Trap

    August 1, 2008

    Forming family limited partnerships can trigger income tax unless you take precautions.

  • Protect the Weak

    June 1, 2008

    As Americans age, more of your clients will be living with chronic illness—and you'll need techniques to help.

  • Another Door Closes

    May 1, 2008

    Your trust and estate clients can no longer deduct investment management fees.