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's & 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 & Spencer, through its Marks & Spencers Money website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings 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 Marks & Spencers Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the Marks & Spencers Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings 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 M & S, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting Marks & Spencers Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the Marks & Spencers Money 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 Mark's & Spencer are so useful. Marks & Spencers Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spenser 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 Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 & Spencers Money Buildings 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 & Spencers Money Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Perfect Single Breasted One Button Seam Detail Jacket, at MarksandSpencer
Power dressing for the Noughties...this seam detail jacket and belted dress will have you feeling razor sharp

Per Una Linen Blend Water Repellent Mac, at Marks & Spencer
A smart single breasted mac in cool linen blend fabric, featuring a water repellent coating and concealed button fastening

Pure Linen 3/4 Sleeve Pintuck Detail Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this 3/4 sleeve shirt is made from cool crisp linen and features front pintuck detail

Floral Detail Plimsolls, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Riptape fastening Flower detail Contrast stitch Ribbed flat sole

Single Breasted 2 Button Blazer with Cashmere, at Marks n Spencer
The timeless elegance of this dashing blazer relies solely on a luxurious cashmere weave and Savile Row inspired detailing, making it an impeccable investment for the coming seasons

Domaine des Serres du Colombier 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans 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

Burra Brook Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

Autograph Essentials V-Neck Cardigan, at Marks & Spenser
Sophisticated and modern, this v-neck cardigan has been designed for a luxurious feel and a flattering, fashionable look

Single Breasted 1 Button Chevron Dart Jacket, at Mark & Spensers
Chic and stylish, this jacket is tailored to fit and flatter. A great choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience

Limited Collection Pyramid Stud Belt, at M&S
Fashionable and fabulous, this pyramid stud belt adds a trend-conscious finish to stylish outfits

Autograph 2 Piece Pure Cotton Outfit, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Pure Linen 3/4 Sleeve Pintuck Detail Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this 3/4 sleeve shirt is made from cool crisp linen and features front pintuck detail

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Beaded Neck Top, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features beaded neckline. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Per Una Speziale Palette, at Marks & Spenser
Hypoallergenic Applicators included

125 Years Luxury Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket with Cashmere, at Marks and Spenser
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Fabulous vintage style inspired by our archives

Big & Tall Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Stretch Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and casual, these cotton rich straight leg jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

Lichfield Extending Dining Table & 6 Santiago Leather Dining Chairs Set, at Marks and Spencer
Extending dining table: H75 x L145 x W95.5 extends to L195cm Table seats 6-8 Comes with extension leaf to seat 8 Extension leaf is stored beneath the table top Leather dining chairs: H98.5 x W43 x D46cm seat H49cm (from the Santiago collection) Table made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chair frames made from solid European hardwood 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

Older Boys' Cotton Rich Motor Hero Shorties, at Marks and Spencers
Made from comfortable, breathable cotton, these motor hero shorties are outstanding value

Bamboo Long Handle Dry Body Brush, at Marks & Spencer
Bamboo wood Double sided oval brush head Long handle

Per Una Eyeliner Pen, at Marks and Spencer
Liquid eyeliner pen Hypo-allergenic Felt Liner eye pen

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve 'B is for Bear' T-Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Cute and fun, the b is for bear design makes this practical t-shirt extra special. It's made from pure cotton and feels comfy to wear. The shoulder poppers make it easier to dress him

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Dandelion Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
A casual 3/4 sleeve cardigan featuring a floral and bead embellishment on the neckline and large 3 button fastening

James Last - The Legend CD, at Marks & Spensers
Album, Marks & Spencer

Adored Comfort Floral Embroidered Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft and pretty, these embroidered shorts are made from the softest fabric and trims, so they feel blissfully comfortable to wear. The low leg style gives a modern shapely fit. Feminine everyday lingerie

Skinny Bow Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Define your waistline with this fashionable skinny bow belt

3 Pairs of 15 Denier Shiny Ladder Resistant Tights, at M&S
These essential ladder resistant tights are fantastic value. They're made with added stretch for a great fit and shape retention

Long Sleeve Multiple Print Hooded Jumper, at Mark & Spensers
Fashionable and contemporary, this hooded jumper features a multiple print detail. A pretty, practical and easycare style

Single Dendrobium Orchid, at Marks and Spencer
This exotic, majestic orchid - beautifully enhanced by its understated white glass pot - will make a really unforgettable present Available for delivery from 1st July to 30th September 2009

Artificial Cherry Blossom in Ceramic Vase, at Marks and Spenser
Artificial cherry blossom Ceramic oval pot Height: 80cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

First Readers The Emperor's New Clothes, at Marks and Spenser
First readers help beginner readers to enjoy their favourite fairy tales. Sharing the main story and the delightful pictures with your child will develop familiarity with the words and phrases. Your child will soon be ready

Marks & Spencers Money Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Car Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Car Insurance and Buildings Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, Marks & Spencers Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.