The UK's 200 largest companies have a pensions shortfall of £100bn and the downturn is likely to make deficits worse. The coalition's move to abolish the default retirement age of 65 is a step in the right direction, but simply allowing people to work longer will not solve the pensions crisis, either for individuals or for companies. Neither will the piecemeal measures announced so far, including the downgrading of inflation-proofing of benefits in line with consumer price inflation, which tends to run at a lower rate than the previous benchmark, retail price inflation.

All over the world, from Afghanistan to Antarctica, people take jobs in dangerous and inhospitable environments. Why do they do it – and do they enjoy it? For many of us, the riskiest part of our day is crossing a busy road to the office or asking for a pay rise, but for thousands of people working in dangerous or remote places, risk can involve anything from hypothermia to terrorism and even death.

Many 'absolute return' funds are giving investors a false sense of security and are no safer than equities, experts warn. Adverts talk about how "absolute return" funds deliver positive returns in all market conditions, and highlight their potential for reducing risk – reassuring words for nervous investors. But a leading financial adviser is warning that some are seriously underperforming, that fees are too high and the sector should be renamed to avoid confusion.

Feeling a little short of cash? From selling stuff to calling in your creditors there are ways to bolster your coffers