Five things your clients will call you about this week

This week: More publicity for income protection, the problem with investing in gilts and why mothers really do matter when it comes to pensions.

Income protection

Efforts to educate the public of the importance of income protection have largely fallen on deaf ears. But perhaps this hard-hitting case study from Sunday's Observer will help.

US-style pensions

The world's biggest insurer Metlife is relatively little-known in the UK, so perhaps this Mail on Sunday piece, describing its efforts to bring American-style pensions to the UK, will prick some ears up.

Gilts

It may be a positive sign that the UK is seen as a safe haven, but the low returns being offered on 10-year UK government debt is not ideal for investors, especially with inflation still riding high. The Independent on Sunday explained how, although not as safe, corporate bonds can deliver better yields, while fixed-income funds can help reduce the risk through diversification. For those willing to take greater risks, high-yield bonds were another alternative.

Mothers and daughters

An interesting angle on attitudes on pensions saving in the Mail on Sunday, which explained how a third of young women say the experiences of their mothers had influenced them. The Scottish Widows research also suggested just 4% of women under 30 are relying on their partner for their pension income, compared with 14% among women aged over 50.

Inflation-proof savings

Ever since NS&I withdrew its latest round of index-linked savings certificates, other providers have been looking to step into the void to reach out to consumers. The latest, as the Independent on Sunday reported, is Santander with its inflation linked savings bond, promising to pay the rise in the retail price index at the end of a six-year period.