Not so long ago, only banks and traditional insurance companies offered financial or insurance products, yet today it may often seem as if even the local corner shop is offering financial products. That's not quite true, of course, but many more companies do offer financial products than used to be the case, and it can sometimes be difficult to decide who is offering the best deal.

And, while Mark & Spencers once offered mostly fashion products, with the only hint of a credit card being when you paid for your shopping at the checkout, today you'll find as good a deal on M&S credit cards as you will with the latest range of M&S fashion.

In fact, these days Mark's & Spencer, through its M&S Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from Marks and Spenser, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money website.

Besides Mark's & Spencer Motor Insurance, M&S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Buildings & Contents Insurance deserves particular mention, with it being particularly good value for money, and providing extra insurance cover that many UK insurance companies either don't provide at all, or would charge extra for.

With M&S Money Premier Contents policy, for example, student's belongings are not only covered at home, but also at college or university. Additionally, dependent relatives are also covered if their belongings happen to be in a nursing home. Even better still, your M & S purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents Insurance policies, you can choose to include Contents Away From Home. This option would then provide valuable cover all of your personal belongings on a worldwide basis.

M&S 1.5m Nickel-Plated Scart Cable, at Marks and Spencers
1.5 metre cable Nickel-plated Suitable for audio and visual devices Allows you to connect your TV to devices such as DVD, VCR, satellite and games consoles M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Pure Cotton Stripe Kaftan, at Marks & Spencer
Gorgeously feminine, this fashionable kaftan features a striking stripe print. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Collections - WOOD DOG, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Baby Girl Shelf New Baby Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Baby girl Inside message: With love Approx size: 150 x 150mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Fairview Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Semillon Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites

Pure Duck Down Pillow, at Marks & Spenser
Pure duck down 230 thread count and 100% cotton downproof cover Light and natural filling W48cm x L76cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stitched Cotton Sunburst 70th Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: 70 Congratulations Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 mm x 125 mm

Limited Collection Cheryl Sunglasses, at Marks & Spenser
Bold, dark and oversized, these stunning shades make a fabulous way of wearing this seasons hot trend for classic glamour

Panelled Lace-Up Trainers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Lace-up Chunky grip sole Panelled design

2 Pure Cotton V-Neck Sports T-Shirts, at M & S
These t-shirts are ideal for sports and PE. They're made from pure cotton and feature puff sleeves and V-necks

Per Una Pure Linen Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Casual wide leg trousers in pure cool linen featuring a double button fastening

Linen Blend Origami Design Skirt, at Mark's & Spencer
The pretty stitch detail and flattering fit on this cool skirt with linen adds an extra feminine touch to a summer classic

Heart Mesh Lace Trim Hipster Knickers, at Marks & Spensers
Pretty and feminine, these hipster briefs are extremely comfortable to wear and give good coverage at the front and back

Plum Ombre Jacquard Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
Leaf jacquard pattern Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in)and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases Super king size includes super king size duvet cover (6ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Spot Swirl Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks n Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this padded balcony bra is structured for secure support and an enhanced natural shape. Ideal for everyday wear

2 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Assorted Design Tops, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and practical, this pack of 2 tops is great value. The soft cotton fabric will keep her happy and comfy

Happy Birthday Special Sister Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Dear Sister... With warmest wishes for all of life's nicest things... Because it's your birthday and because you're someone who's very special Inside message: Have a wonderful birthday Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Siemens Fridge Freezer KG34NA90GB, at Marks and Spencer
H1850 x W600 x D650mm 186L fridge capacity and 109L freezer capacity Safety-glass shelves with metal trim A+ energy rating. CFC & HFC free Stainless steel Frost Free system with full air circulation in fridge Ice dispenser and full width bottle rack Removable magnetic door seals bacteriaKontrol;&trade - Internal walls contain antibacterial system Electronic temperature control with high-temperature freezer alarm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chuggington Story & Sticker Activity Book, at M & S
Wilson's too scared to get his damaged wheel fixed. But soon the red chugger can't ignore the problem any longer. Maybe the repair shed won't be so scary after all.. Once you've read the story, complete the activity pages at the end of the book. Within stickers of all your favourite friends

Autograph Weekend Pure Linen Pleated Neck Top with Belt, at Mark & Spensers
Comes with belt shown in image Part of Autograph Weekend's Summer Escape trend, featuring crisp separates in cool, sophisticated white and shades inspired by nature. A laid back, luxurious look

3 Older Girls' Autograph Cotton Rich Assorted Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and trendy, this 3 pack of cotton rich shorts feature assorted floral and spot designs

M&S 1.5m Gold-Plated HDMI Cable, at Marks and Spenser
1.5 meter cable Conects HDMI to HDMI Gold-plated M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information

Autograph Pure Silk Chichen Itza Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Thank You Teacher Wrap Pack, at Marks and Spencers
2 sheets, 2 tags Each sheet: 495 x 695 mm Tags: 85 x 55 mm

John Barrowman - Music Music Music CD, at Marks and Spenser
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

7 Piece Pure Cotton Embroidered Eskimo Set, at Marks & Spencers
Ideal for new arrivals, this cute and practical set contains: all in one, jacket, crawler, 2 bodysuits, t-shirt and bib. A great value pack in soft comfy cotton

Casa Leona Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Chile Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Oval Collection - Floor Lamp, at Marks & Spencer
Cylinder shade Round base Pull string switch M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Non-Wired Jacquard Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Non-wired to provide you with a more natural silhouette. This great bra offers superior support thanks to adjustable straps and added stretch, while the easycare design guarantees convenient comfort

Contrast Stitch Suede Trainers, at Marks and Spencers
Round toe Contrast stitch detail Lace-up Eyelets Contrast flat sole

Contrary to popular opinion, not every insurance company is out to get you, and it's not every insurance company that will disect the fine-print until they find some way of denying your insurance claim. However, you do need to shop around for the financial products and insurance policies that are the best suited for your individual needs.

That's why insurance policies, and other financial products, from MarksandSpencer are so useful. M&S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spencer a profit, but there is no denying that they are also very good value for money, offering many features as standard which you'd often need to pay extra for at other insurance companies.

Take, for example, Buildings & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents Insurance policies have limits on particular types of items such as freezer contents, garden furniture and outdoor toys, outbuildings or cars, etc. These restrictions are called inner limits. However, the only inner limits on the M&S Money Buildings & Contents Insurance policy are £500 for cash; £2m for property-owners and personal liability; £10m for domestic employees liability and £40,000 for tenants liability. Even better is the fact that you're likely to pay no more for M&S Money Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.