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 & Spensers 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 Marks & Spencer 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 Property Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Besides MarksandSpencer Motor Insurance, Marks & Spencer Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencer Money Property 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 Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer Money Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is M & S Standard Motor Insurance. With Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks & 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 Direct, you get more, and you pay less.

3 Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Tops, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and practical, this pack of 3 tops is great value. The soft cotton fabric will keep her happy and comfy

Blue Harbour Real Cool & Fresh Pure Linen Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Relaxed and stylish, this check shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Autograph 6 Brush Collection, at Marks & Spenser
Handmade 1x foundation brush 1x blusher brush 1x eyeshadow brush 1x eye crease brush 1x eyebrow/lash comb 1x lip brush

Touch Table Lamp, at Mark & Spencers
Fabric shade Touch and glow feature 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

Round Glow Alarm Clock, at Mark's & Spencer
Analogue display Round face Snooze alarm Sweep second movement Glow in the dark hands and numerals Quartz accuracy Dimensions: H10 x W10 x D5cm Weight: 0.11kg

Portfolio Linen Blend Slash Neck Jumper, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Set Sail trend. Fresh and breezy, this sophisticated look features classic styling with vibrant accents of summertime pinks and blues. Feminine and coordinated designs for the new season

Spot Print Satin Chemise, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and elegant, this sleek satin nightdress feels comfortable and gives a flattering fit. A gorgeous, glamorous look

Glitter Small Gift Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Contains: 1 gift bag Approx size: H160 x W160 x D90mm

Autograph Stainless Steel Charger Plate, at Marks & Spencer
Round shape Stainless steel for maximum durability and shine, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sentimental Father Birthday Card, at M+S
Cover Text: Father, Memories of happy times, And moments spent together They seem like only yesterday, When really they're forever. Inside Message: With love Approx. Size: 178mm x 126 mm

Large Dan's Mouse Balloons Husband Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover Text: To my lovely Husband Inside Message: With love on your birthday! Approx size: 220 x 220mm

Autograph Satin Stitch Pillowcase, at M & S
500 thread count Border stripe Stitch detail Pure Cotton, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mini Limited Pure Cotton Tulip Skirt with Leggings, at Marks & Spencers
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering

North Coast Pure Cotton Washed Denim Shirt, at M & S
This pure cotton shirt has been dyed using a special process to give an authentic washed down look which will fade fashionably with time and wear

Autograph Silver-Plated Twig Photo Frame 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), at Marks and Spencers
Rectangle design Silver plated Aperture: 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Bunny Pyjamas, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and comfy, this pack of 2 pure cotton pyjamas features a bunny motif and floral print

Per Una Linen Pintuck 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, at Marks & Spencer
A fabulous 3/4 sleeve blouse in pure cool linen featuring pintuck front detail

Collezione Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Navy Stripe Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

2 Piece Pure Cotton Stripe Polo Neck Outfit, at Marks and Spencers
Fun and practical, this cute 2-piece outfit features a "4" motif. It's made from soft cotton to keep him comfy

Per Una Double Breasted Nancy Mac, at Marks & Spenser
A fabulous double breasted mac in stretch cotton. Weave design button details give it the Per Una touch

Painterly Church Wedding Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: From this day forward Inside message: With love on your wedding day Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Large Bead Stretch Bracelet, at Marks & Spencer
Bead design Stretch style

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted 2 Button Stripe Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Deep Sea Trio Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
3 piece set Oval butterfly fastening earrings Stud butterfly fastening earrings Hook fastening drop earrings

Volpaia Balifico 2004 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

50/50 Bed Linen - Fitted Sheet, at M&S
Single: L190 x W91cm, depth 25cm Double: L190 x W137cm, depth 25cm King Size (5ft): L200 x W152cm, depth 25cm Super King Size (6ft): L200 x W183cm, depth 25cm Plain dye bed linen Plain fabric (no design) Easy to iron Care instructions: Machine washable, Tumble dry Composition:50% cotton, 50% polyester, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ingredients Almond Hand Cream, at Mark & Spensers
Almond scented 75ml

Detroit Slat Back Chair, at Marks & Spencer
H100 x W44 x D54cm Leather seat Solid oak legs Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered Care & Cleaning: Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Adored Ribbon Trim Nightdress, at Marks & Spensers
Stylish and elegant, this flattering nightdress is part of our feminine Adored collection. It's made from a model blend for the ultimate in comfort

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Assorted Hedgehog Print Socks, at Marks and Spenser
Soft and comfortable, these cotton blend socks are naturally breathable and absorbent, keeping feet dry and comfy. A reinforced heel and toe gives extra durability

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