Six things your clients will call you about this week

Weekend papers round-up: Spanish property, the value of marriage and Swiss tax exiles were all on the news agenda, while popular acronyms included JISAs and MINTs.

Marriage

Traditionally, marriage has been important to provide financial and legal security to couples and families and a big story last week and over the weekend seemed to reaffirm this.

The Observer reported on the case of Patricia Jones, who has been ordered to hand half her home to her ex, 18 years after they split up and despite the fact they were never married.

Although there some nuances to the case, unmarried clients may have some questions about how such a ruling could affect not only their property, but also their savings and investments.

Spanish property

Many IFAs may be wary of investments involving property and land abroad, yet clients could be gaining interest in the wake of a push by the Spanish government.

The Observer reported on a visit by Beatriz Corredor, the Spanish housing minister, to publicise some of the opportunities to British pension funds and investors.

However, she has refused to pledge help for British victims of Spanish property scandals in the past 10 years, adding recent measures will ensure they are not repeated.

Making a MINT

First there were the BRICs. Now we have the MINTs. Although not a completely new term, MINTs - Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey - is one of the new buzzwords in the industry, designed to tempt investors into putting their money into these developing economies.

The Independent looked into the opportunities here highlighted some of the risks associated with emerging markets. However, clients not put off by the warnings may be asking about the various investment trusts and ETFs providing them with exposure as they look to make a MINT.

Switzerland

Another week, another warning for those hoping to jet away to Switzerland as tax exiles. The Telegraph reported on referendums being held in cantons (Swiss member states) across the country which could see the end of tax deals for rich foreigners.

Tax hikes in the UK have seen a steady stream of hedge fund managers, bankers and business owners moving across to Switzerland, where there have often been offered attractive and simple tax packages.

However, left-wing parties have been pushing for the changes, which could see the tax exiles having to pay as much as 10 times more on their worldwide income, property and other assets.

JISAs

As their introduction moves ever closer, expect to read and hear more about Junior ISAs (JISAs). Ahead of their introduction this autumn, the Mail on Sunday provided a comprehensive summary of the new savings accounts, which will replace the scrapped Child Trust Funds.

While the paper noted only a small proportion of parents will actually be able to take full advantage of JISAs, it suggests grandparents could lead the way in helping to build up the accounts, perhaps as part of a plan to mitigate inheritance tax.

Annuities

It's a story IFAs probably know all to well: long delays when trying to arrange the purchase of an annuity from another provider. The Mail on Sunday has looked into the problem, claiming it is affecting thousands of retirees using the 'open market option'.

It also explores the possibility of introducing a 'pensions passport', which would compel insurers to provide better information to all retirees, with shopping around the default option.