--- title: Advice and insights | Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd description: Having worked in financial services since 1999, Mark have seen many changes in the industry. He started in the industry as a home service insurance advisor which included collecting weekly premiums from people from their home before direct debits came into place. Mark then went onto specialise in mortgages before the financial freeze of 2009. At this point he qualified to provide independent advice and now enjoys working in the pension and investment arena whilst still utilising his mortgage knowledge. In his personal time, Mark has a great family who makes him proud. He loves to travel with Lisbon being the highlight of his most recent adventures. Mark enjoys an active lifestyle and regularly goes running. Football is a passion supporting Coventry City but following all football. Finally he is a student of the Polish language speaking more and more Polish as time goes by. --- Open main menu Close main menu # Advice and insights [View All Articles](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog) Select Category Commercial Critical Illness DFM Divorce Equity Release Inheritance tax Insurance Investment Planning Pension Private Medical Insurance Posts by: ## Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd [Follow me on my website](https://www.positiveadvisers.co.uk/) [Follow me on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/positiveadvisers) [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-scott-7961722b/) Having worked in financial services since 1999, Mark have seen many changes in the industry. He started in the industry as a home service insurance advisor which included collecting weekly premiums from people from their home before direct debits came into place. Mark then went onto specialise in mortgages before the financial freeze of 2009. At this point he qualified to provide independent advice and now enjoys working in the pension and investment arena whilst still utilising his mortgage knowledge. In his personal time, Mark has a great family who makes him proud. He loves to travel with Lisbon being the highlight of his most recent adventures. Mark enjoys an active lifestyle and regularly goes running. Football is a passion supporting Coventry City but following all football. Finally he is a student of the Polish language speaking more and more Polish as time goes by. ![pensions and inheritence tax](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hubfs/pensions%20and%20inheritence%20tax.jpg) ### [Pensions and inheritance tax? Changes are coming!](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/pensions-and-inheritence-tax-changes-are-coming) Rachel Reeves announced proposals in the budget to bring "unspent" pensions into a person's estate for inheritance tax. To understand this, let's first explain the current rules, how this desired change is being managed, and our thoughts on what you might expect to see change as a result. ![Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20scott.jpg?width=45&name=mark%20scott.jpg) [Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [Read article](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/pensions-and-inheritence-tax-changes-are-coming) ![Why do I need a financial adviser](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hubfs/shutterstock_2434404153.jpg) ### [Why do I need a Financial Adviser?](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/why-seek-financial-advice-from-an-adviser) With the new government and changes coming from Rachel Reeves' autumn budget, now felt like a good time to highlight some of the benefits of seeking financial advice. Changing tax laws and legislation can significantly impact your plans for financial stability and that of your family. At [Positive Advisers](https://www.positiveadvisers.co.uk/), we understand the challenges of navigating your financial journey, especially amidst changing tax laws and legislation. ![Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20scott.jpg?width=45&name=mark%20scott.jpg) [Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [Read article](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/why-seek-financial-advice-from-an-adviser) ![Retirement planning](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hubfs/shutterstock_1106000858.jpg) ### [Retirement Planning: The Importance of an Independent Pension Review](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/retirement-planning-the-importance-of-an-independent-pension-review) As you navigate the path towards a comfortable and fulfilling retirement, Retirement planning, understanding and managing your pension can be one of the most critical financial challenges you face. ![Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20scott.jpg?width=45&name=mark%20scott.jpg) [Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [Read article](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/retirement-planning-the-importance-of-an-independent-pension-review) ![financial advice for divorce](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hubfs/financial%20advice%20for%20divorce.jpg) ### [Financial Advice for Divorce, 5 Reasons for Financial Advice](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/financial-advice-for-divorce-5-reasons-for-financial-advice) Seeking financial advice for divorce is as crucial as working with a solicitor to achieve the best financial outcome. Divorce is often a tumultuous and emotionally draining time, but it's also a financially complex process that can have significant long-term implications. Here are five compelling reasons to seek financial advice during a divorce. ![Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20scott.jpg?width=45&name=mark%20scott.jpg) [Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [Read article](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/financial-advice-for-divorce-5-reasons-for-financial-advice) ![Drawdown Pension](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hubfs/shutterstock_165452156.jpg) ### [What is a Drawdown Pension? Pros and Cons Compared to Annuities](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-drawdown-pension-pros-and-cons-compared-to-annuities) [As you approach retirement age](https://www.positiveadvisers.co.uk/planning-for-retirement), it's important to consider how you'll manage your pension savings. One option that's become increasingly popular in recent years is a drawdown pension. In this post, we'll explore what a drawdown pension is, how it works, and compare its benefits and disadvantages to buying an annuity. ![Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20scott.jpg?width=45&name=mark%20scott.jpg) [Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [Read article](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-drawdown-pension-pros-and-cons-compared-to-annuities) ![pensions and divorce](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hubfs/Divorce%20photo.png) ### [Pensions and divorce - learn how a pension adviser can help](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/pensions-and-divorce-learn-how-a-pension-adviser-can-help) When going through a divorce in the UK, dividing pensions can be a complex and important process that requires careful consideration. As mentioned earlier, there are two types of pensions - defined benefit and defined contribution pensions - and the rules for dividing each type during divorce can differ. ![Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20scott.jpg?width=45&name=mark%20scott.jpg) [Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [Read article](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/pensions-and-divorce-learn-how-a-pension-adviser-can-help) ![](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hubfs/man%20on%20phone.jpg) ### [What is the benefit of paying for a Discretionary fund manager?](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-benefit-of-paying-for-a-discretionary-fund-manager) Let us start by looking at what a discretionary manager does, then the positives and negatives before finally, why you still need an Independent Financial Adviser!  ![Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20scott.jpg?width=45&name=mark%20scott.jpg) [Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [Read article](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-benefit-of-paying-for-a-discretionary-fund-manager) ![](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hubfs/equity%20release.jpg) ### [Case study: Equity release and divorce](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/case-study-equity-release-and-divorce) This is a real-life case in 2020 where an equity release agreement has helped a couple separate in later life and for our client to retain ownership of the matrimonial home and importantly remain living in their home with no change to their standard of living. ![Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20scott.jpg?width=45&name=mark%20scott.jpg) [Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [Read article](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/case-study-equity-release-and-divorce) ![](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hubfs/mum%20and%20son.jpg) ### [What happens to my pension if I die?](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/what-happens-to-my-pension-if-i-die) Some people believe that saving into a pension scheme is pointless because they may not even reach retirement. So whats the point? Others see the many benefits of saving into a pension but are unsure of what happens to the fund if they die. I hope this blog opens your eyes to the legacy you can leave to a loved one through investing tax efficiently into a pension. ![Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20scott.jpg?width=45&name=mark%20scott.jpg) [Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [Read article](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/what-happens-to-my-pension-if-i-die) ![](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hubfs/beach.jpg) ### [When can I retire?](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/when-can-i-retire-1) ### What’s your magic number? Your five-year plan to a comfortable retirement. ![Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20scott.jpg?width=45&name=mark%20scott.jpg) [Mark Scott, Director Positive Advisers Ltd](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [Read article](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/when-can-i-retire-1) [1](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott) [2](https://positiveadvisersblog.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/blog/author/mark-scott/page/2) #### Five Star Mortgage Services - [Residential Mortgage](http://www.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/en/residential-mortgage) - [Commercial Mortgage](http://www.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/en/commercial-mortgage) - [Our Insurance](http://www.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/en/our-insurance) - [Employee Benefits](http://www.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/en/employee-benefits) - [Will Writing Services](http://www.fivestarmortgages.co.uk/en/will-writing-services) #### Postive Advisers Financial Services - [For Business](https://www.positiveadvisers.co.uk/business) - [For Individuals](https://www.positiveadvisers.co.uk/individuals) - [Development Finance](https://www.positiveadvisers.co.uk/development-finance) - [High Net Worth Mortgages](https://www.positiveadvisers.co.uk/high-net-worth-mortgages) - [Assets of £550k to 2 Mill](https://www.positiveadvisers.co.uk/assets-of-500k-to-2-million) [![Contact Positive Advisers for Financial planning advice.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20233606/8217c43c-f2e1-4c4e-90d4-36a8b69c0b83.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20233606/8217c43c-f2e1-4c4e-90d4-36a8b69c0b83) --- [![Contact Five Star Mortgages](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20233606/2bfa28a1-5449-4b20-8b30-59236d926188.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20233606/2bfa28a1-5449-4b20-8b30-59236d926188)