Estate Planning Speakers

An estate planning speaker is a professional who specializes in communicating the principles, strategies, and legal frameworks of estate planning to an audience. Unlike a practicing attorney who works one-on-one with clients, a speaker's role is to educate groups - often through summits, webinars, podcasts, or live events.

Estate planning itself involves preparing for the transfer of assets after death, minimizing taxes, and ensuring that a person's wishes are honored. A speaker in this space might cover topics like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and probate processes. But they don't just explain what these tools are - they explain why they matter.

These speakers often come from legal, financial, or academic backgrounds. Some are estate attorneys, others are financial planners or tax experts. What sets them apart is their ability to translate complex legal language into relatable, actionable insights.

For example, a speaker might explain how a revocable trust can help a family avoid probate court, or how digital assets like cryptocurrency should be included in a modern estate plan. They might also address cultural or regional nuances - like how estate planning differs in civil law countries versus common law systems.

In short, an estate planning speaker is a bridge between technical knowledge and public understanding. They help audiences make informed decisions about one of the most personal and impactful areas of life: what happens after they're gone.

When financial literacy is already a challenge, estate planning can feel like a foreign language. That's where a skilled estate planning speaker becomes essential - not just helpful.

First, they demystify a topic that most people avoid. Death, taxes, and legal documents aren't exactly dinner table conversation. But a speaker can make these topics approachable, even empowering. By walking through real-world scenarios, they help people see estate planning not as a burden, but as a gift to their loved ones.

Second, they help prevent costly mistakes. A poorly written will or a missing beneficiary designation can lead to years of legal battles. A speaker who explains these pitfalls - and how to avoid them - can save families time, money, and emotional stress.

Third, they bring these conversations to spaces where they're often missing. For example, in communities of color or immigrant families, estate planning may not be a common practice due to mistrust of legal systems or lack of access to information. A culturally competent speaker can bridge that gap.

Finally, they drive action. A good speaker doesn't just inform - they inspire. After hearing a compelling talk, attendees are more likely to take the next step: meet with an attorney, update their documents, or talk to their family. That's real impact.

So whether it's a virtual summit for financial coaches or a podcast for solo entrepreneurs, having a strong estate planning speaker on the lineup can change lives - and legacies.

Estate planning speakers educate, engage, and empower audiences to understand and act on one of the most overlooked areas of personal finance. Here's a closer look at what they actually do:

1. Educate on Legal and Financial Concepts.
- They break down complex topics like wills, trusts, probate, and tax implications.
- For example, they might explain how a living trust can avoid probate delays or how estate taxes work in different states.

2. Translate Jargon into Real-Life Scenarios.
- Instead of saying 'irrevocable trust', they'll say 'a tool that locks in your wishes and protects your assets from lawsuits'.
- They use stories, analogies, and case studies to make the information stick.

3. Tailor Content to Diverse Audiences.
- Whether speaking to millennials with digital assets or retirees with multiple properties, they adjust their message accordingly.
- In global settings, they may address cross-border inheritance laws or cultural views on estate distribution.

4. Inspire Action.
- They don't just inform - they motivate.
- A strong speaker will end their talk with a call to action: 'Talk to your family', 'Review your documents', or 'Meet with a planner this month'.

5. Collaborate with Hosts and Platforms.
- They work with event organizers, podcast hosts, and summit producers to align on goals and audience needs.
- Many use platforms like Talks.co to manage bookings, share bios, and streamline communication.

In essence, estate planning speakers are educators with a mission: to make sure people don't leave their legacy to chance.

Becoming an estate planning speaker isn't just about knowing trusts and wills. It's about connecting with audiences, building authority, and getting booked. Here's a step-by-step roadmap to help you get started:

1. Master Your Subject Matter
- Before you speak, you need credibility. That means deep knowledge of estate planning: trusts, probate, tax implications, elder law, and more.
- Consider certifications like CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or JD (Juris Doctor) if you're legally trained. These boost your authority.

2. Define Your Niche and Audience
- Estate planning is broad. Will you speak to retirees? High-net-worth individuals? Financial advisors? Pick a lane.
- Tailor your message. For example, if you're targeting millennials, focus on digital assets and guardianship.

3. Build Your Speaker Assets
- Create a speaker page with your bio, topics, testimonials, and a short demo video. Tools like Talks.co make this easy.
- Include downloadable one-sheets and a clear call-to-action for event organizers.

4. Start Speaking Locally
- Offer free talks at community centers, libraries, or local financial planning meetups.
- Record every session. These clips become your marketing gold.

5. Leverage Online Platforms
- List yourself on Talks.co to connect with virtual summit hosts and podcast producers.
- Use LinkedIn to share insights and tag event organizers. Visibility leads to invitations.

6. Pitch Strategically
- Reach out to event planners with a tailored pitch: what you speak about, why it matters, and how it benefits their audience.
- Include links to your Talks.co profile or speaker page to make it easy for them to say yes.

7. Refine and Scale
- Collect feedback after every talk. Improve your delivery, slides, and storytelling.
- As your reputation grows, raise your rates and aim for national or international stages.

Consistency is key. The more you speak, the more you get booked. And if you're using platforms like Talks.co, you're already ahead of the curve.

To be an estate planning speaker, you need more than just legal knowledge. You need a blend of expertise, communication skills, and a platform that amplifies your voice. Let's break it down:

1. Subject Matter Expertise
You must understand the technical aspects of estate planning: wills, trusts, probate, tax law, and asset protection. Whether you're a practicing attorney, financial advisor, or educator, your credibility hinges on your depth of knowledge. Certifications like CFP, CPA, or JD can boost your authority.

2. Communication Skills
Being a great speaker is about clarity, not jargon. You should be able to explain complex legal concepts in a way that resonates with your audience. This means storytelling, using real-life examples, and adapting your tone for different groups-from retirees to young professionals.

3. A Defined Audience and Message
Who are you speaking to? Estate planning for business owners is very different from estate planning for blended families. Define your niche and craft a signature talk that solves a specific problem.

4. Marketing Materials
You'll need a speaker page or media kit. This includes your bio, headshot, talk topics, testimonials, and a short video reel. Platforms like Talks.co help you build and share this easily, connecting you with event hosts who are looking for experts like you.

5. A Booking Strategy
You can't just wait for invites. Use LinkedIn, email outreach, and speaker platforms to pitch yourself. Talks.co is especially useful for virtual summits and podcast appearances, which are great for building your brand.

In short, being an estate planning speaker means combining your legal or financial expertise with the tools and mindset of a communicator. When you can educate and engage, doors open.

Yes, estate planning speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's look at the landscape.
The Variables That Influence Payment:
- Experience Level: New speakers may speak for free or a small honorarium, while seasoned professionals can command $2,000 to $10,000 per talk.
- Audience Type: Speaking at a local community center? Probably unpaid. Keynoting a national financial planning conference? That's a paid gig.
- Format: Virtual summits and webinars often pay less (or not at all) but offer exposure. In-person events typically have larger budgets.
- Region: Speakers in North America and Western Europe tend to earn more than those in emerging markets, though virtual events are leveling the field.
Pros of Paid Speaking:
- Direct income.
- Higher perceived value.
- Opportunity to reinvest in your brand.
Cons:
- Not all events pay.
- Payment terms can be slow (net 30 or net 60).
- You may need to negotiate travel and lodging separately.
Stats Snapshot:

Experience Level	Avg. Fee (USD)
Beginner	$0 - $500
Mid-Level	$1,000 - $3,000
Expert/Keynote	$5,000 - $10,000+

Many estate planning speakers also use unpaid gigs to drive leads to their services or products. So while not every talk pays cash, the ROI can still be significant.

Estate planning speakers have multiple income streams, and the smartest ones diversify. Here's how they turn knowledge into revenue:

1. Speaking Fees
This is the most obvious one. Event organizers pay speakers to educate or inspire their audiences. Fees vary widely, as discussed in the 'Do estate planning speakers get paid' section.

2. Lead Generation for Services
Many estate planning speakers are also attorneys or financial advisors. Speaking gigs help them attract clients. For example, a talk at a retirement expo could lead to dozens of consultations.

3. Online Courses and Webinars
Some speakers package their expertise into digital products. Think: 'Estate Planning 101 for Families' or 'How to Avoid Probate'. These can be sold via their website or platforms like Udemy.

4. Books and Publications
Publishing a book boosts credibility and creates passive income. Titles like 'The Smart Family's Guide to Estate Planning' can be sold at events or online.

5. Affiliate Partnerships
Speakers often recommend tools or services-like estate planning software or legal templates. With affiliate links, they earn a commission on each sale.

6. Consulting and Coaching
Some estate planning speakers offer one-on-one coaching for other professionals or families. Others consult with law firms or financial institutions on client education strategies.

7. Virtual Summits and Podcasts
Platforms like Talks.co help speakers get booked on virtual stages. While not always paid, these gigs can drive traffic to their services or products.

In short, estate planning speakers make money by combining direct fees with indirect monetization strategies. The most successful ones treat speaking as both a revenue stream and a marketing engine.

Earnings for estate planning speakers can vary dramatically depending on experience, niche, and business model. Let's break it down with some real-world context.
Entry-Level Speakers
- These are professionals just starting out, often speaking at local events or webinars.
- Typical earnings: $0 to $500 per talk.
- Many use these gigs to build authority and generate leads for their services.
Mid-Tier Speakers
- These individuals have a few years of experience and a solid speaker page.
- They might speak at regional conferences, industry panels, or virtual summits.
- Typical earnings: $1,000 to $3,000 per engagement.
Top-Tier Speakers
- These are recognized experts, often with books, media appearances, or a strong online presence.
- They keynote national events or corporate seminars.
- Typical earnings: $5,000 to $10,000+ per talk.
Other Revenue Streams
- Online courses: $500 to $10,000/month depending on traffic and pricing.
- Consulting: $150 to $500/hour.
- Affiliate income: Varies, but some speakers earn thousands monthly.
Annual Income Potential

Speaker Type	Annual Income Range (USD)
Beginner	$5,000 - $20,000
Mid-Level	$30,000 - $100,000
Expert	$100,000 - $500,000+

Ultimately, estate planning speakers who treat it like a business-diversifying income and scaling their reach-can earn six figures or more annually.

Hiring an estate planning speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several key factors. Here's a breakdown:
1. Experience and Reputation
- New Speakers: $0 to $500. Often local professionals looking to gain exposure.
- Mid-Level Speakers: $1,000 to $3,000. These individuals have a speaker page, testimonials, and a few years of experience.
- Top-Tier Speakers: $5,000 to $10,000+. These are published authors or media personalities.
2. Event Type
- Community Workshops: Typically low-cost or free.
- Corporate Seminars: Higher budgets, often $3,000 to $7,000.
- National Conferences: Can exceed $10,000 for a keynote.
3. Format
- Virtual Events: Usually less expensive. Expect 30% to 50% lower fees than in-person.
- In-Person Events: May require covering travel, lodging, and per diem.
4. Customization Level
- A standard talk may cost less than a fully customized presentation with Q&A, handouts, and follow-up resources.
Sample Cost Table:

Speaker Type	Virtual Fee	In-Person Fee
Beginner	Free - $300	$300 - $500
Mid-Level	$1,000	$2,500
Expert/Keynote	$3,000+	$5,000 - $10,000+

If you're booking through a platform like Talks.co, you can often filter by budget and see speaker rates upfront. That transparency helps you match your event needs with the right expert.

Here's a curated list of some of the most impactful estate planning speakers of all time. These individuals have shaped the way we think about legacy, wealth transfer, and family planning.

- Natalie Choate: A nationally recognized expert on retirement benefits and estate planning. Her book 'Life and Death Planning for Retirement Benefits' is a staple in the industry.

- Jonathan Blattmachr: Known for his technical depth and innovation in estate planning strategies. He's a frequent speaker at top tax and estate law conferences.

- Gerry W. Beyer: A law professor and prolific speaker who makes complex estate law accessible. His presentations are popular at both academic and professional events.

- Steve Parrish: A thought leader in business succession and estate planning. He's spoken at events hosted by the American College of Financial Services and Forbes.

- Susan P. Rounds: A dynamic speaker who blends estate planning with family governance and philanthropy. Her talks often focus on ultra-high-net-worth families.

- Martin Shenkman: A CPA and attorney who speaks widely on estate planning for families with special needs. He's known for his practical, client-focused approach.

- Julie Garber: A former attorney and estate planning editor for The Balance. While not a traditional speaker, her educational content has reached millions.

Each of these speakers brings a unique voice to the estate planning world. Whether through law, finance, or education, they've helped shape the conversation around legacy and wealth.

Looking globally, these estate planning speakers are making waves across continents. They combine technical expertise with storytelling, making them favorites on international stages.

- Natalie Choate (USA): Still one of the most requested speakers on retirement and estate planning. Her sessions at Heckerling Institute are legendary.

- Paul Banwell (UK): A solicitor and speaker who focuses on wealth preservation and family trusts. He's known for making UK estate law digestible.

- Kavitha Selvaraj (India): A rising voice in estate planning for India's growing middle and upper classes. She speaks on digital assets and succession planning in family businesses.

- Andrew Komarnyckyj (Australia): A lawyer and speaker who focuses on estate disputes and elder law. His talks often appear at legal education forums across Australia.

- Susan P. Rounds (USA): With a global client base, she frequently speaks on cross-border estate planning and family governance.

- Daniel Butler (Australia): A tax and superannuation expert who regularly speaks on SMSFs and estate planning at national conferences.

- Ying Zhang (China/USA): A bilingual speaker who addresses estate planning for Chinese-American families. She bridges cultural and legal gaps with clarity.

- Martin Shenkman (USA): His work with international families and special needs planning has earned him global recognition.

These speakers are not just experts in their regions-they're shaping global conversations around legacy, law, and financial stewardship.

You might be surprised how many misconceptions are floating around about estate planning speakers. Let's break down a few of the most common ones and set the record straight.

- Myth 1: Estate planning speakers only talk about wills.
This one's a classic. While wills are a part of the conversation, estate planning speakers cover a much broader scope: trusts, tax strategies, digital assets, healthcare directives, and even family business succession. For example, speakers like Natalie Choate often dive deep into retirement plans and tax law, not just who gets grandma's jewelry.

- Myth 2: You need to be a lawyer to be an estate planning speaker.
Not true. While many speakers do have legal backgrounds, others come from financial planning, accounting, or even tech. Think about someone like Jeffrey Levine, who brings a CPA's perspective to estate planning talks. What matters is expertise and the ability to communicate it clearly.

- Myth 3: Estate planning is only for the wealthy, so the audience is limited.
This myth keeps a lot of great speakers from entering the space. In reality, estate planning affects everyone. Whether it's a single parent in a small town or a startup founder in Silicon Valley, people need guidance. Speakers who can tailor their message to different demographics are in high demand.

- Myth 4: Estate planning talks are boring and technical.
Only if the speaker is. The best estate planning speakers use storytelling, humor, and real-life scenarios to make complex topics relatable. Just watch any keynote by someone like Brittney Castro, who blends financial literacy with lifestyle branding.

- Myth 5: There's no room for innovation in estate planning speaking.
That's outdated thinking. With digital assets, cryptocurrency, and global families, estate planning is evolving. Speakers who can address these modern challenges are carving out unique niches and attracting diverse audiences.

Picture this: a former financial advisor from Atlanta who saw too many families struggle with probate court. She started giving free workshops at local libraries. Fast forward three years, and she's now a sought-after estate planning speaker with a six-figure speaking business, regularly featured on virtual summits and podcasts. Her secret? She focused on underserved communities and used plain language to demystify legal jargon.

Then there's the case of a Canadian tax attorney who turned his niche knowledge into a global platform. He began by hosting webinars on cross-border estate issues. His sessions were packed with real-life case studies and Q&A segments that kept audiences engaged. Eventually, he partnered with financial influencers and now speaks at international conferences, reaching clients from Singapore to San Diego.

And don't forget the tech-savvy speaker from the Bay Area who built a brand around digital estate planning. She started by blogging about how to manage online accounts after death. Her content went viral, leading to TEDx invitations and a book deal. She now consults with fintech startups and speaks at both legal and tech events.

Each of these speakers took a different path, but they all had one thing in common: they found a unique angle and built trust with their audience. Whether it was through storytelling, niche expertise, or community outreach, they made estate planning accessible and relevant.

So if you're wondering whether there's room for you in this space, the answer is yes. The field is wide open for those who can educate, connect, and inspire.

Estate planning isn't stuck in the past. In fact, it's one of the most dynamic speaking niches out there right now. Here's where things are headed for estate planning speakers:

- Digital legacies are becoming mainstream. As more of our lives move online, estate planning speakers are being asked to cover topics like managing social media accounts after death, cryptocurrency inheritance, and digital vaults. Expect more talks focused on tools like Google Inactive Account Manager or LastPass.

- Global mobility is changing the conversation. With remote work and international families on the rise, estate planning now often includes cross-border tax implications and multi-jurisdictional wills. Speakers who understand international law or can collaborate with global experts will be in high demand.

- Virtual events are here to stay. While in-person conferences are back, hybrid and virtual formats are sticking around. Estate planning speakers who can adapt their delivery for Zoom, webinars, and online summits will reach wider audiences. Tools like Talks.co are making it easier to get booked on virtual stages.

- Younger audiences are tuning in. Millennials and Gen Z are starting to think about estate planning, especially in the wake of the pandemic. They're looking for speakers who can connect with them on values, not just assets. Think: legacy, impact, and digital identity.

- AI and automation are entering the conversation. From chatbots that help draft wills to AI-driven financial planning tools, estate planning is getting a tech upgrade. Speakers who can explain these innovations in simple terms will stand out.

In short, estate planning speakers who stay ahead of these trends, adapt their messaging, and embrace new platforms will lead the next wave of thought leadership in this space.

- Talks.co. This platform connects speakers with podcast hosts and virtual event organizers. It's a great way to get your name out there, especially if you're just starting to build your speaking portfolio.

- SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list your profile, topics, and availability. It's used by event planners worldwide, and it's especially useful for niche experts like estate planning speakers.

- Estate Planning Council Locator. The National Association of Estate Planners & Councils has local chapters across the U.S. Many host monthly events and are open to guest speakers. Great for networking and getting in front of professionals.

- Canva. Use it to create visually engaging slides, handouts, and social media promos for your talks. Estate planning can be dry if you're not careful, so good visuals go a long way.

- LinkedIn Events. Host your own webinars or workshops directly through LinkedIn. It's a powerful way to build authority and attract an audience of professionals.

- Zoom. Still the gold standard for virtual speaking. Use features like breakout rooms and polls to keep your estate planning sessions interactive.

- Calendly. Simplify scheduling with event organizers or coaching clients. If you're offering estate planning consultations alongside speaking, this tool is a must.

Each of these tools can help you build credibility, reach new audiences, and streamline your speaking business. Start with one or two, test what works, and scale from there.