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 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 Marks & Spencers, through its M&S Finance website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Home 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 Finance 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 Finance website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Home 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 Finance in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Finance website.

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 Finance 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Finance Home 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 Finance Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

3 Assorted Check Print Boxers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and hardwearing, these boxers offer comfort and reliability at a great value price

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

Green Seersucker Stripe Bedset, at Marks and Spenser
Assorted stripe design 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Duckling Birth Announcement - Pack of Ten, at Mark & Spencers
Cover Text: New baby Inside Message: Would like to announce the birth of . . . . . .,A new arrival . . . . . . , On . . . ., Time . . . ., Weighing Pack Contains: 10 cards, 1 design Approx Size: 120 mm x 120 mm

Sebo K3 Vulcano Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner, at Marks n Spencer
Requires 3-litre filter bag Hospital grade pre-motor filter 2.1 metre extra-long hose Triple microfilter S-CLASS system - The Sebo S-CLASS system will remove 100% of particles of 1 micron and above Excellent for carpet, hard flooring and pet hair Includes crevice nozzle and upholstery nozzle Anti-allergy design with British Allergy Foundation approval Quiet operation Dusting brush with clamp Floor turbo brush for powerful easy cleaning Airbelt soft bumper system Light and compact - 5.5kg weight 2100W motor 5 year parts and 2 year labour domestic use warranty 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

JBL Creature II 3-Piece Desktop Speaker System, at Mark & Spensers
Input Impedance: >5K Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB Frequency Response: 50 - 20kHz Input Sensitivity: 400 mv rms for rated power output Voltage Input: 120 VAC Satellite Drivers: One Odyssey Plus transducer Satellite Power Rating: 8 watts per satellite at 10% (THD+N) Satellite Dimensions: 7.5 x 7.5 x 7.5cm Subwoofer Drivers: One 4.00 inch Magnum transducer Subwoofer Power Rating: 24 watts at 10% (THD+N) Subwoofer Crossover Frequency: 180Hz Subwoofer Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 x 22.5cm The JBL CREATURE speaker system includes a touch volume control The CREATURE II audio system utilizes a straight forward interconnect technology The powerful subwoofer provides clean low bass The mini-stereo jack connection allows enjoyment of high quality audio from a variety of devices Ideal for connecting to computers, boomboxes, digital music players, and portable audio devices 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

Lino Print Monkey Age 2 Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: It's your Birthday Inside message: Happy Birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Sequin Cushion, at Marks n Spencer
Rectangular shape Sequin detail L30 x W40cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Assorted Bead Long Necklace, at M+S
Necklace length 102cm, extendable by 8cm Clasp fastening Adjustable length Assorted bead design

Italian Collezione Micro Square Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Pearl Delight Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Beaded design Charm detail Stretch bracelet

Bubble Base High Ball Glass, at Marks and Spencer
Bubble base design Hand made glass with heavy base Height: 15.5cm Capacity: 340ml (34cl), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Extending Floor Lamp & Shade, at Marks and Spencers
Antique brass finish steel Fabric shade 40 x 162cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Boys' Transformers Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Slip on Transformers motif Mule design 2007 Hasbro

3 Pairs of Older Girls' Plain Shorts, at Marks&Spencer
Comfortable, practical and fashionable, this 3 pack of plain shorts makes a great way to stock up on style

Sing Along Spider Sound Book, at Mark's & Spencer
Children will love pressing the button and singing along to 'Incy Wincy Spider with this illustrated sound book

Suzie Damask Jacquard Valance, at Marks & Spenser
Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft) Damask jacquard design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Dining Table & 6 Alton Leather Chairs Set, at Marks and Spenser
Table: H76 x L180 x W100cm, extends to L230cm Table seats 6 people, comes with extension leaf to seat 8 people Extension leaf is stored beneath the table top Chair: H99 x W46 x D56cm, Seat: H48cm Plain leather chair This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Made from solid oak and oak veneer Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength 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

Multi Strand Oval Shell Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Multi strand design Oval shell pendant

Per Una Linen Blend Connie Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
A fashionable linen blend jacket featuring an asymmetric hem and notch lapel

Flowers by Post - 14 Exotic Orchids, at Marks and Spenser
These 14 vibrant dendrobium orchids offer a touch of eastern charm. Flowers by Post is a great value way to spoil someone you know - or yourself

Autograph Pure Silk Long Sleeve Beaded Kaftan, at Marks n Spencer
Luxurious and exclusive, this sophisticated kaftan is beautifully designed in a flattering, fashionable silhouette for the ultimate in style. It's made from soft, comfortable fabric and finished with careful attention to detail

Limited Collection Rio Charm Necklace, at Marks & Spenser
Clasp fastening Multiple charms Multi strand Necklace length 47.5cm, extendable by 7.5cm

Machine Washable Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at M+S
aspirational copy

Rosina Armchair, at Marks & Spencers
H82 x W92 x D97cm Seat H45cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a medium finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Formula Instant Fix Midnight Beauty Cream, at Marks and Spencers
Visibly brighter complexion Skin is supple, refreshed and more radiant Skin is recuperated, energised and invigorated Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic In 4 weeks, 87% of women who tested the cream reported their skin felt refreshed, revitalised and invigorated A combination of lavender active, to release endorphins, detoxifying guarana, nourishing rosehip and liquorice, helps to even skin tone 30ml

Mirrored Collection 6-Drawer Chest, at Marks & Spencers
H81 x W121 x D51cm 6 drawers Mirrored finish with clear knobs 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ingredients Passion Fruit Body Butter, at Marks & Spensers
Passion fruit scented 200ml Ingredients: Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-8 Beeswax, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Theobroma Cacao, Bis PEG-12 Dimethicone Beeswax, Benzyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Hexyl Cinnamal, Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis, Butylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylparaben, Passiflora Edulis (Passion Fruit) Propylene Glycol, Geraniol, Propylparaben, Alcohol Denat., Isobutylparaben Citral, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbic Acid, Barosma Betulina, CI 42090, CI 17200

Autograph Essentials Embroidered Non Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and feminine this balcony bra features a pretty embroidered design. Stretch fabric and underwiring give a great fit and flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Collezione Pure Merino Wool Rugby Top, at M&S
Fashionable and contemporary, this rugby collar top is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian style

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

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks and 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.