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 and 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 and Spenser, through its M&S Money Direct 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 M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark's & Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money Direct 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 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 Money Direct in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money Direct website.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money Direct 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 M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spencer, 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 Finance, you get more, and you pay less.

Pure Cotton Spot Cropped Pyjamas, at Marks n Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these cropped pyjamas are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Floral Lace Underwired Minimiser Bra, at Marks and Spencer
This gorgeous bra provides essential support for the fuller bust with a full cup and underwiring, while the minimiser design helps create a smoother, shapelier silhouette

Mirror Blocks Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Marks & Spencer
Rectangular frame Mirror blocks design Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Multi Spot Vest & Shorts Set, at Marks and Spencers
Fabulous and modern, this vest and shorts set is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. They're made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. Casual, contemporary fashion

Sterling Silver Twist Pendant, at Marks and Spencer
Twist design Fine chain Length: 41cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Men's Health - Magazine Gift Subscription, at Mark & Spensers
Every month Men's Health is on hand with all the tips and expert advice you'll ever need to get you into peak condition. Men's Health delivers unrivalled coverage on the subjects that matter most to men, from fitness, weight-loss, health and nutrition to the latest on sex, relationships, gear, travel, style and grooming

Pair of Rosemary Trees, at Marks and Spencers
This pair of herb trees will look stunning on a patio or doorstep and provide delicious flavours in cooking Available for delivery until 30th September 2009

Handcrafted Pink Blossoms Large Mother's Day Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: To a Special Mum Inside message: Just to say how special you are to me Approx size: Unfolded: 220 x 220mm

Stainless Steel Can Opener, at Marks & Spensers
Steel and black design L18cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Detroit Slat Back Chair, at Marks and Spencer
H100 x W44 x D54cm Leather seat Solid oak legs Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen 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

Autograph Leather Shopping Bag, at Marks&Spencer
Fashionable and environmentally conscious, this Autograph shopping bag makes a great alternative to plastic carriers

2 Angel Lace Wing First Bras, at Marks and Spencer
These great value bras are ideal for everyday wear. They're made with stretchy fabric for a supportive and comfortable fit. The unique soft underwiring is perfect for girls who have been wearing our non wired bras for 2 years

First Readers Goldilocks & the Three Bears, at Marks and Spencer
Based on the traditional folk tale 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears', this vibrantly illustrated story is sure to become a favourite in every home. Follow the naughty Goldilocks into the house of the three bears, and see what happens when they come home and find her!

Per Una Faux Fur Hooded Long Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
A cosy faux fur hooded jacket featuring button and zip fastening

Spot Print Bow Dress, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and practical, this cute dress features spot print. It's made from soft fabric to keep her comfortable and happy

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Assorted Cupcake Briefs, at M & S
Cute and trendy, this 5 pack of cotton briefs feature assorted cupcake designs

Hooded Tie Waist Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spenser
Pretty and feminine, this hooded dressing gown is made from cosy fleece. Relax in style and comfort

Louis Chaurey Champagne - Case of 6, at M&S
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

15 Denier Ladder Resist Sheer Stockings, at Marks and Spencer
These stockings are specially designed with stretch in every stitch to stop ladders from forming. They're made using a super effective new fabric technology exclusive to M&S

Single Glasses - VALUE FLUTE, at Marks & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Silver Plated Diamanté Floral Stud Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
Butterfly stud fastening Diamant detail Floral design

Autograph Diamanté Key & Lock Keyring, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Key and lock pendants Diamant detail

Pure Cotton Henley Neck Stripe Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this cotton pyjama top can be worn with a number of our pyjama bottoms and shorts to create your own style

Wood Photo Frame with Mount 20 x 25cm (8 x 10"), at Marks & Spencers
Plain photoframe Removeable mount card Aperture: 8 x 10'' H38 x W33cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Isis Body Spray, at Mark & Spensers
Scented body spray 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
A feminine 3/4 length sleeve top in textured fabric featuring an embroidered design and tie fastening

Design-a-Dinosaur T-Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
For ages 3 to 6 years T-shirt Glow in the dark dinosaur print Assorted colour paints Brush Stencil, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Boys' Tramline Loafer School Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
Square toe Tramline detail Slip on Loafer style Plain

2 Pairs of Cotton Rich Block Stripe Socks, at M+S
Keep toes toasty warm with these cotton rich knee high thermal socks. They have added stretch for extra comfort, warmth and durability

Per Una Supersoft Cat Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spencers
Mule style Round toe Flat sole Cat embellishments Contrast lining

Besides Marks and Spenser Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct 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 Money Direct 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 M&S Money Direct 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.