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 Marks and Spencer 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 Marks and 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 Household 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 & Spensers 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 Household 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 Spencer, 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money. Not least of these is Mark & Spencers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money you can keep the cost of your Motor Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Mark's & Spencer, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Motor Insurance from M&S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

M&S 512MB Micro SD Memory Card, at Marks & Spenser
Compatible with digital devices with a microSD card slot Read (MB /s): 10MB Write (MB /s): 3MB Available capacity: 480MB 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

Ascensio Hard Medium Rollercase, at Marks and Spencers
Built for durable practicality, this rollercase features a robust ABS outer shell and locking trolley system to ensure your belongings are safely secure and easy to transport

Little Me Crafts Pack, at M&S
Creative kids will love this fun crafts pack with 15 crafts to make, decorate and share

Autograph Pure Cotton Nautical Print Top, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in smart styles and high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Dualit Jug Kettle - Black, at Marks & Spencers
1.5 Litre - 12 cup capacity 3000 watt Cordless operation Hinged lid Washable limescale filter Rapid boil concealed element Large viewing windows on both sides Can be turned to any angle on its base Heatproof handle, ball knob and finger-guard Non-slip rubber feet Oversized non-drip spout Weight: 1.36kg Dimensions: H27cm 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

Stripe Jug, at Marks and Spencer
Stripe design Single handle Pouring spout, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton 4 Pocket Poplin Jacket, at M&S
Practical and fashionable, this mid length jacket is made from easycare cotton. Its contemporary styling will keep you looking sleek and chic season after season

Ruby Dinner Plate - Red, at Marks & Spencer
Plain centre Stripe edge Diam 27.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Stripe Hooded Top, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, this hooded top features a stripe design and heart shape motif

Global Traveller Large Rollercase, at Marks & Spenser
Free 5 year guarantee Make transporting your belongings a hassle-free experience with the super lightweight and durable design of this hardwearing rollercase

Sun Formula Revival Self Tan, at Marks n Spencer
Helps to prevent the signs of ageing Vitamin Complex - helps to reduce Fine Lines Low Odour Tyrosine - Develops melanin, part of the skins natural tanning process Develops in Hours Natural Tanning without the sun Lasts for days Time Release Tanning System - acts as tiny reservoirs that slowly release the tanning active (DHA) onto the skin to help give a more even tan 500ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Philips HP6517 Satinelle Ice Premium Epilator, at Marks&Spencer
Premium ice cooler with pivoting head: The patented ice cooler soothes the skin reducing the unpleasant feeling of epilation. Its pivoting head follows every curve of your body for optimal cooling and less pain Sonic massage with aloe vera: Tenderly stimulates the skin reducing the pulling sensation to a minimum and making the whole epilation process more comfortable Curved epilation head: Catches hairs as short as half a millimetre; you don't have to wait until the hair has fully grown before epilating again Rechargeable: The epilator is rechargeable enabling cordless usage so you can epilate everywhere Unique ceramic epilation system: 20% faster and more efficient Washable epilation head for extra hygiene and easy cleaning Accessories: extra shaving head, extra sensitive area cap, insulation sleeve, peeling glove and luxury storage pouch

Formula Calming Cleanser, at Marks and Spencer
Chamomile to calm Allantoin to soothe Especially formulated for sensitive skins Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic, fragrance free 200ml

Per Una Short Sleeve Varied Stripe Top, at Mark & Spencers
A smart short sleeve top featuring a scoop neck and ruffle detail

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Dolly Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
A stunning 3/4 sleeve cardigan in a soft knitted fabric featuring a single decorative button

Skinny Enamel Belt, at Marks and Spencers
Define your waistline with this fashionable enamel belt

Quinta De Fafide Estate Reserva 2005 - Case of 6, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Full bodied Country of origin: Portugal Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml:1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Total Support Front Fastening Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Feel fabulous and comfortable in this elegant and supportive bra. It's lightweight yet shaped to give all-round uplift and support thanks to it's front fastening and extra wide shoulder straps

Autograph Punch Stitch Apron Shoes by Jeffery-West, at Marks and Spencer
Slip-on Square toe Stitch detail Shallow block heel

Autograph Weekend Pure Cotton Waffle Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
Casual and modern, this waffle cardigan has been designed for a chic, relaxed look

Autograph Pure Cashmere Long Sleeve Jumper, at Marks and Spencers
Sophisticated and modern, this scoop neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in softness. Exclusive, luxurious and beautiful

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Cable Knit Jumper, at Marks and Spenser
Relaxed and casual, this cable knit jumper is made from pure cotton. It's designed to keep its shape and feel soft and comfortable to wear

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Funnel Neck Half Zip Fleece Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
An essential part of any wardrobe, this great value half-zip fleece is warm and cosy. A fashionable and practical choice

Autograph Jacquard Double Oven Mitts, at Marks and Spenser
Diamond design Double mitten Ribbed Storage loop, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Provence Floral Table Lamp, at Mark & Spencers
Ceramic floral stand Conical fabric shade 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

Per Una Pintuck Skirt, at Marks & Spensers
A casual knee length skirt in a soft cotton blend featuring a pintuck design

Maxim Salad Bowl, at Marks & Spencer
Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Suitable for everyday use Makes an ideal gift Diam 16cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Artificial Small Willow Twigs with Lights, at Marks & Spencer
String tied base Ready Made arrangement that needs no after care H80cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Flat Front Crease Resistant Fine Stripe Trousers, at M&S
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

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 Marks and Spencer are so useful. M&S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & 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, Household Insurance policies. Usually, UK Household 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 Household 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 Household Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.