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 & 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 Mark & Spensers, 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 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 Finance 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 Finance 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 Mark's & Spencer, 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.

Marks & Spensers may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and Spencer do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M&S Finance website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Financial Services products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Finance loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Finance can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Finance insurance products (Buildings & Contents Insurance, Motor Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks & Spensers insurance products in document format too.

Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Stripe Jumper, at Mark & Spensers
Elegant and feminine, this scoop neck jumper features a modern stripe design. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Trousers with Silk, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from fine quality wool with silk for a touch of luxury. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice

No VPL Floral Print Low Rise Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
For the ultimate no-show look, these stretchy seamfree shorts are made from super smooth lace with bonded edges. They don't dig in and there are no irritating labels, so they feel incredibly comfortable to wear

The Bourne Identity Blu-ray DVD, at M&S
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Lace Sling Push Up Multiway Bra, at Mark & Spensers
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

DD-G Contrast Embroidered Non-Padded Bra, at Marks&Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this bra is specially designed for fuller busts. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a flattering enhanced shape

Mixed Bead Multi Strand Stretch Bracelet, at Marks n Spencer
Stretch bracelet Tie fastening Multi strand Mixed bead design

Pure Cotton Carnation Bedset, at M & S
Co-ordinate with Yellow coolmax plain dye sheets and pillowcases strokes T352300F,T352300S,T352300P Floral print Single set includes duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Adored Floral Embroidered Non Padded Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and stylish, this non-padded bra is made from the softest fabric, embroidery and lace, so it's blissfully comfortable to wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look. Feminine everyday lingerie

Cotton Rich Bootlleg Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
Flattering and fabulous, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Autograph Compact Foundation, at M&S
Compact foundation Matte finish SPF 15 Hypoallergenic Compact mirror on lid 8g

Padded Stitch Free Bra, at Marks n Spencer
This smooth streamlined bra is stitch free and bonded for a no-show look under clothes. Light padding and underwiring give an enhanced natural shape

Big & Tall Ultimate Pure Wool 3 Button Single Breasted Jacket, at M+S
Specially proportioned for big and tall men, this single breasted suit is designed to give a flattering, comfortable fit

Sony Bravia 46'' KDL-46W4500 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: HD 1080p compatible to display High Definition signals in breathtaking quality, i.e. Playstation 3, Blu-ray, etc. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) delivers crystal-clear, digital audio and video signals using a single cable. 1080p is the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use Display: 46 inch LCD TV, 6.2 Mega Pixels Contrast Ratios: Dynamic contrast 50,000:1 Integrated Digital and Cable Tuner Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: W112 x H78.2 x D30.7cm (with stand) , W112 x H74.2 x D11.5cm (without stand) Weight: 31kg (with stand), 26.5kg (without stand) S-Force Pro Front Surround: Gives you virtual surround sound from just two front speakers Connections: 4 x HDMI (3 in back, 1 on side), PC connectivity, 1 x Component and 2 x SCART sockets BRAVIA Engine 2: Experience incredibly clear and defined images with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 picture enhancement technology and Advanced Contrast Enhancer Live Colour Creation with x.v.Colour: Uses a larger colour palette to produce vibrant colour like nature intended it to be seen 24p True Cinema: Shows films at 24 frames per second, just like a real cinema Motionflow: Boosts the refresh rate from standard 50Hz to 100Hz for super-smooth, precise viewing, which is ideal for sports Xross Media Bar: A new Sony interface that's easier to operate Picture Frame Mode: When you are not watching TV, display one of the 6 pre-installed masterpieces or show one of your own photos uploaded via the USB input Voice Zoom: Allows you to alter the volume of voices without changing the background volume BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Single Breasted Stripe Jacket, at M&S
Our Autograph jackets are made from finer fabrics with superior attention to detail, giving you the ultimate in sophisticated style

Cream Aluminium Collection Milk Pan, at Marks and Spencer
Aluminium construction ensures pans are easy to use and durable Non-stick coating Riveted handles for safety and strength Suitable for use on all cookers and hobs except induction 0.9 litre capacity D14cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sterling Silver Double Oval Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
Hook fastening Double oval design Diamant detail For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Curve Collection Floor Lamp, at M&S
Bubble design shade Long curved arm Round Base, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3/4 Sleeve Spot Design Mesh Tunic, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and versatile, this 3/4 sleeve tunic has a fabulous spot design and features a fashionable mesh sleeve. An irresistible style that's just right for this season

Mechanical Dancing Friends Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover Text: a friend is someone to dance like crazy with... Inside Message: With love Approx size: 135 x 135mm

Ceriso Frill Trim Floral Print Padded Bra with Silk, at Mark & Spencers
Fashionable and flirty, this modern bra features floral print and is finished with a frill trim. Soft padding and underwiring give great support and a fabulous flattering shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Embroidered Wide Leg Front Knot Opaque Beach Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and flattering, this chic embroidered opaque beach trouser features front knot fastening. A stylish modern look

Sunny Town Farmyard Friends, at Marks and Spencer
Horse, cow, hen, pig and sheep Promotes imaginative play Suitable for ages 12 + months This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

12-Piece Portland Stripe Dinner Set, at Marks and Spenser
12-piece set Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 bowls Dinner plate: Diam27.5cm Side plate: Diam20.5cm Bowl: H6cm Diam14cm Fine china Stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Push & Go Giraffe, at Mark & Spensers
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Giraffe design Encourages activity and hand-eye coordination Press down, then let go and watch him speed away Rattling bead-filled wheels This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hanging Star Congratulations Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Congratulations Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Collezione Italian Pure Silk Elm Tie, at Marks n Spencer
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Hand Crafted Stitched Guitar Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126mm

M&S Multimedia System, at M & S
Sound system: 2.1 PC sound system Volume control: Includes desktop volume control unit Connectivity: Speaker out for additional speakers, line in for audio devices Power: 100-240V, 50~60Hz Output power: RMS40W Signal to noise ratio: 87dB Frequency response: 40Hz-20KHz Bass unit: 5" driver Satellite unit: 2" x 3.5" driver + 1! tweeter 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

Autograph Copper Base 14cm Milk Pan, at M&S
Stainless steel for maximum durability and shine High performance copper base for even heat distribution Triple layer non-stick coating Riveted handles with silicone inserts for comfort and safety Hand wash only Diam: 14cm Suitable for all cooker types except induction, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Besides Marks and Spenser Motor Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 Marks and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Finance 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.