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

Besides Marks & Spencers Car Insurance, Marks & Spencer Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencer Money Property 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 Mark & Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

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

Marks and Spenser may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Property Insurance or Car 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 Marks & Spencer Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Finance products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or Marks & Spencer Money loans, credit cards or Property Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, Marks & Spencer Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of Marks & Spencer Money insurance products (Property Insurance, Car 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 and Spencer insurance products in document format too.

Limited Collection Flash Sunglasses, at Marks n Spencer
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Samsung 58'' PS58B680 TV HD Ready LCD Crystal TV™, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 58 inch Plasma screen, 1920 x 1080 resolution Dynamic contrast ratio: Mega contrast Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W141.8 x H92.4 x D33.5cm (with stand), W141.8 x H88.6 x D7.4cm (without stand) Weight: 45.3kg (with stand), 38.5kg (without stand) SRS TruSurround HD: SRS Trusurround HD & Dolby Digital Plus Connectors: 3 x HDMI , 2 x scart, 1 x RF Input, 1 x component, 1 x PC input, 1 x digital audio (Optical), Headphone jack SAMSUNG Crystal FHD Engine: The Crystal FHD Engine produces images with incredible depth and density. Advanced contrast and detail enhancers combine to produce deeper richer lifelike colours Wide Colour Enhancer 3: Primary colours are strengthened to increase depth and intensity to show pictures in all their natural beauty Clear Panel Prevents glare to keep images clean and clear Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Printed Motif Joggers, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and comfortable, these casual joggers are made from soft cotton rich fabric and feature a motif. A practical easycare choice

Moulton Console Table, at Marks & Spencer
H86 x W95 x D32cm 2 shelves Glass top Glass table tops are made from safety-tested toughened glass Made from solid ash and ash veneer All wooden shelving is finished with a starburst veneer effect 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

The Floral Collection Lavender 3 in 1 Body, Room and Linen Spray, at Marks n Spencer
100ml Lavender fragrance 3 in 1 spray

Abstract Flower Wallpaper, at Marks and Spencer
Textured wallpaper Offset pattern repeat 64cm - The pattern runs diagonally across the wall, so only alternating rolls will be the same at the ceiling. Every second roll will have to be dropped by half the repeat length for the pattern to match accurately. (Also known as half-drop match) Roll dimensions: W52cm x L10m Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens Made in the UK and sourced from sustainable, renewable forests How many rolls do you need?Click here for our wallpaper calculator Complete your room with made to order curtains. Click here to view our range For a detailed view of the colour and pattern, please click on the image and use the zoom function. Please note that your monitor settings may affect how colours are displayed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
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

Tiga Nested Coffee Tables & Side Table Set, at Mark & Spencers
3 piece set Coffee table: H45 x L140 x D46cm (largest) Side table: H46 x W46 x D46cm Made from sheesam wood Finished with a protective matt lacquer for added durability 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

Lace Trim Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Great for flattering your form, these comfy shorts are made with a stretchy cotton rich fabric. They're convenient too thanks to an easy care design

Pure Cotton Round Neck Plain T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
This short sleeved t-shirt will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. Great for layering or wearing on its own

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Ruffle Neck Top, at Marks & Spensers
A casual 3/4 sleeve top featuring a floral print and ruffle front

Hooded Check Design Coat with Wool, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and practical, this hooded coat is fully lined and features check design. A comfortable, easycare style

Cookware - HA MILK PAN, at Marks & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bloomin Marvellous with 50% More Roses, at Marks and Spencer
50% more roses when ordering this bouquet for delivery between 21st August to 5th September 2009 This pastel-striped gift bag is packed with a superb selection of roses, chrysanthemums, Asiatic lilies, carnations and hypericum berries Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Nokia 6300 - Vodafone Pay as you talk Mobile Phone, at Marks & Spencers
Maximum of 2 phones per customer may be purchased Talk Time: Up to 3.5 hours Stand-by Time: Up to 14 days Screen: 320 x 240 pixel TFT QVGA screen, up to 16.7 Million True colors, 2 inch Ringtones: Video ringing tones , MP3 ringing tones, True tones, and MIDI tones for up to 64 polyphonic tones Dimensions: H10.6 x W4.3 x D1.3cm. Weight: 91g Camera: 2 megapixel, 8x digital zoom and full screen viewfinder Radio: FM stereo radio with Visual Radio Music player: Music player supporting MP3, MP4, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, H.263, H.264 Internet: XHTML browser, access your email on the go and send attachments Vodafone Pay as you talk: Your mobile service provider will be Vodafone. A Vodafone SIM card is included with this handset. Click here to view Vodafone's Pay as you talk tariffs. Games and applications: Java™ MIDP 2.0 games and applications Memory: Up to 7.8 MB internal user memory. MicroSD card slot (up to 2GB) for storing pictures and music Messaging: SMS and MMS Battery: BL-4CBattery(860 mAh) Voice Features: Voice recorder, voice volume control, voice commands, voice messaging, integrated handsfree speaker Connectivity: Mini USB, Bluetooth, AV 2.5mm Video: Video recorder and player Includes in the box: Nokia 6300 handset and Nokia stereo headset HS-47 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

Bold Floral Wallpaper, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Easter Letters Wrap Pack, at Marks and Spencer
2 sheets, 2 tags Approx size: each sheet: 495 x 695mm

Per Una Pure Cotton Appliqué Heart Minishirt, at Marks & Spensers
Modern and feminine, this stylish minishirt features an appliqu heart design. It's made from soft breathable cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Blue Harbour Linen Short Sleeve Chambray Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Stylishly smart casual, this short sleeve shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Bonded Jacquard Underwired DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this jacquard bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

Autograph Pure Cotton Embroidered Tee, at Mark & Spensers
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

Bamboo Bath Bridge, at M+S
Wooden design Approx size: H6.2 x W15 x L85cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Stitch Detail Square Roller Buckle Belt, at M+S
This leather roller buckle belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

Ruby Pasta Bowl - Red, at Marks & Spencers
Plain centre Stripe edge Shallow dish Diam 24cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Stripe Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and stylish, these straight leg stripe trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spensers
Offering that perfect fit at a great value price, these great straight legs are an essential part of any casual wardrobe. Perfect with a T-shirt and trainers, you can dress them up with a long sleeve shirt for a smarter, but laid-back, appearance

Younger Boys' Mr Men Clogs, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Flat sole Adjustable strap Mr Men print Mr Men and Little Miss™ & 2007 THOIP (a Chorion company). All rights reserved

Younger Girls' Twin Riptape Basic Trainers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Mesh panel design Stitch detail Twin straps with riptape fastening Grip sole

Blue Harbour Luxury Supima® Cotton Chinos with Stormwear™, at M & S
Fashionable and comfortable, these straight leg chinos are made from luxurious Supima cotton which is softer, stronger and more absorbent than ordinary cotton. They're also treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

Gladiator Sandals, at Marks & Spenser
Buckle fastening Contrast stitching Flat sole

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money you can keep the cost of your Car 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 Car Insurance cover from Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spencers, 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 Car Insurance from M&S Money Direct, you get more, and you pay less.