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 & Spencers, 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 Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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

Also, on both Marks & Spencer Money Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings 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 Marks and Spenser 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 and Spenser, 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.

Natural Beauty Moisturising Lip Butter, at M & S
Naturally flavoured Free from all PEGs, synthetic preservatives and colours 15ml

Patent Double Buckle Trouser Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Centre stitch detail Double buckle fastening Mid heel Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Chunky Bead Guilty Pleasure Necklace, at Marks n Spencer
Multi strand design Chunky bead necklace Adjustable length

Modern Blocks Bathroom Mats, at Marks and Spenser
Block design Thick texture Bathmat: L80 x W50cm Pedestal: L55 x W50cm Bathmat and pedestal mat must be purchased separately, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Circle Buckle Shoulder Bag, at Marks and Spencers
Combining smart practicality with elegant style results in a circle buckle shoulder bag that's simply flawless in design

Pure Wool Flat Front Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, these flat front trousers are made from fine quality pure wool. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice

Limited Collection Linen Rich Ruffle Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's Club Rio trend - get tropical in a heady mix of hot, sun-drenched hues and modern graphic prints with fresh white accents. A fashion-conscious holiday look

2 Piece Multi Spot Dungaree Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
Practical and pretty, this cute dungaree and bodysuit 2 piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve 'Ben 10' T-Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Fans of Ben 10 will love this short sleeve pure cotton t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare

RealCool Cotton™ Performance Contrast Pipe Detail Vest, at Marks and Spencer
Ideal for active wear, this RealCool Cotton™ Performance top is made from high-performance breathable stretch fabric and is designed in the latest style for a great fit and freedom to move

Jacquard Spot Non-Padded Underwired DD-G Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Smooth and versatile, this jacquard spot print bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

Per Una Short Sleeve Paisley Print Top & Camisole, at Marks n Spencer
A beautiful 3-piece combination featuring a paisley short sleeve camisole and necklace with a plain top

Pure Cotton Spot Print Mock Layer Top, at Marks&Spencer
Cute and comfy, this pure cotton spot print top is outstanding value!

Miele GN Hyclean Dustbags, at Marks & Spencers
Replacement dustbags for Miele vacuum cleaners

Gold Finish Wood Photo Frame 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), at M & S
Rectangle shape Pine wood border Gold finish Aperture: 10 x 15cm (4 x 6") Dimensions: H19.1 x W24.2 x D2.7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Fairy Briefs, at Marks & Spencers
Cute and trendy, this pack of 5 cotton briefs makes a great way to stock up on essential style

4 Wood Veneer Coasters, at Marks & Spencer
Pack of 4 Solid wood L10 x W10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Tab Button Vest Top, at M+S
This fab sleeveless top features a stunning tab button detail. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Pull On Bucket Summer Hat, at M&S
This woven pull on hat is ideal for all your summer activities this season. Whether you find yourself at a festival, in the garden or at the beach the wide brim will keep you feeling cool and well protected

Marlow 6-Drawer Chest, at Marks & Spencer
H118 x W46 x D43cm Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard Delivered fully assembled This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bright Stripes Dad Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover Text: Dad happy birthday Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Autograph Reversible Leather Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

Belgian Chocs 310g, at Marks & Spencer
An indulgent treat, this box of delicious Belgian chocolates is a perfect gift for friends and loved ones

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
A casual contemporary street style, this mock layered t-shirt features a graphic print. The soft cotton fabric makes it comfortable, practical and easycare

3 Piece Pure Cotton Stripe Dress Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this cute 3 piece outfit features a stripe print. It's made from soft cotton fabric to keep her comfortable and happy

Summer Spectacular, at Marks & Spencers
This contemporary galvanised bucket is brimming with exquisite roses, fragrant lavender sprigs and rich green salal Available for delivery until 30th September 2009

Brown Square Reading Glasses, at Marks and Spenser
Comes in +1.25 to +3.0 strengths Magnifying lenses aid close work and reading Brown square frame design

Per Una Embroidered Spot Mule Slippers, at Marks & Spencer
Mule style Round toe Flat sole Embroidered spots Contrast lining

Leisure Drawstring Joggers, at Marks & Spencer
With added stretch for essential ease of movement, these comfy and practical cotton rich joggers are great for workouts or stylish relaxation

Sonoma Dark Extending Dining Table & 6 Alton Leather Chairs Set, at Marks & Spenser
7 piece set Table: H76 x L180 x W100cm Extends to L230cm Seats 6 people, comes with extension leaf to seat 8 people Extension leaf can be stored beneath the table top Chair: H99 x W46 x D56cm Chairs made from solid dark stained oak with plain dark brown leather seat Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Legs made from solid hardwood 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencer Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark & Spensers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the Marks & Spencer Money website:

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

And, just as importantly, contacting Marks & Spencer Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the Marks & Spencer Money website.