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 M&S Financial Services 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.

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

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

Shopping for financial products at M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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 M&S Financial Services in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Financial Services website.

Pure Cotton Spot Beach Towel, at Marks and Spenser
Spot design L90 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lift The Flap Teddy Hunt Book, at M & S
The picnic is ready but where is Spencer Bear? Young children will enjoy lifting the big flaps & the rhymes on each page

Everyday Underwired Half Floral Lace Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this floral lace bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

2 Cotton Rich °Climate Control Vests, at Marks & Spenser
Climate control keeps you cool when you're hot and warms you up when you're cold so you're always at your optimum temperature. Exclusive to M&S, Climate control clothing is comfortable and breathable - ideal for sportswear. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

Pheasant Gully Bin 201 Shiraz Cabernet 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Cotton Rich Low Rise Spot Print Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these stylish spot print shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

2 Duck Feather & Down Pillows, at Marks & Spenser
Pack of 2 Medium support Pure cotton cover 230 thread count and 100% cotton downproof cover W48cm x L76cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Highlight Stripe Polo shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

125 Years Blue Harbour Heritage Pure Cotton Chinos, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection, celebrating 125 years of M&S. Featuring smart styles inspired by our archives

2 Cotton Rich Non-Wired Nursing Bras, at Marks and Spencer
This non wired nursing bra is easy to use thanks to drop down cups for ease of access. It's specially designed for DD-G cups too

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

Flat Front Crease Resistant Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers.

Autograph Faceted Candle Plate, at Marks and Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Secret Support™ Floral Print Ballet Slippers, at Marks and Spenser
The ultimate in comfort, these floral print ballet slippers are made with hidden support that moulds to the natural contours of your feet. They are machine washable for added convenience

Dot Dash Embroidered Bed Set, at Mark's & Spencer
2 part set Dot dash design Cloud pattern Embroidered detail Think climate! This can be washed effectively at 30C, find out more Co-ordinate with 50/50 Stone plain dye sheets and pillowcases strokes T352101F,T352101S,T352101P,T352101V, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Oval Nugget Drop Earrings, at Marks n Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style earrings For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Soft Vanilla Pot Pourri Box, at Marks & Spencers
Soft vanilla fragrance Presented in a box, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Side Zip Slim Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Greater choice of leg lengths now available Slim and stylish, these trousers are cut to fit and flatter for a sleek modern look. Added stretch gives the perfect fit and a side zip fastening provides a fashionable update

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Assorted Bikini Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and fashionable, this pack of 5 cotton knickers makes a great way to stock up on essential style

Stainless Steel Turkey Baster, at Marks and Spencer
Collar and bulb design Includes brush, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Black Aluminium 18cm Saucepan, at Marks & Spencer
Triple layer non-stick finish Suitable for all cooker types Excellent for low fat cooking Oven safe up to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4 Anti warp base ensures saucepans remain flat for lasting performance and consistency Diameter: 18cm Glass lid 1.9 litre capacity, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Older Boys' Pure Cotton Assorted Design Shorties, at Marks & Spenser
Soft and comfy, this 3-pack of pure cotton shorties features a stripe and check design

2" Longer Autograph Pure Cotton Plain Poplin Shirt, at M & S
Keeping the taller man specifically in mind, this smart shirt features an extra 2" of fabric in the sleeve and body to provide a perfect formal fit

Girls' Limited 2 Piece Pure Cotton Butterfly Top, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Girls Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Cotton Rich Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Simple and stylish, straight leg jeans are a modern classic. This pair sits on the waist and are cut to give a sleek flattering shape that's always in style. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Underwired Lace Strap Minimiser Bra, at Mark & Spencers
Reduce the visual size of your bust while maximising your support with the underwiring and added stretch of this attractive minimiser bra. A great option for everyday wear

24 Smoked Salmon Blinis, at Marks and Spencer
Contains 24 pieces Serves 5 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 400g As featured on page 11 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Limited Collection Lampshade Mini Skirt, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Limited Collection's LA Love trend. Feminine, soft and laid back, this is a fashionable LA look with a boho vibe. Beautiful fabrics and playful prints are key

Heart Detail Sunglasses, at Marks and Spenser
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Pure Cotton Faux Fur Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and fashionable, this faux fur jacket makes a comfortable and practical choice

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

Also, on both M&S Financial Services 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.