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 M+S 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 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 Home 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 Money. Not least of these is Mark's & Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With M+S 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 M+S 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 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 Motor Insurance from M+S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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

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

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

Chuggington 60 Sticker Activity Book, at Mark & Spencers
Let's ride the rails! Its time for story fun in Chuggington! Join me and my trainee friend Brewster and use your chugger stickers to complete our trainstastic story scenes.

Plain Lace Trim Shorts, at Marks and Spenser
Smart, snug and easy to care for, these cosy shorts combine a flattering fit with a plain design and stretchy fabric to create the perfect knickers for day to day wear

2 Older Girls' Plain Crop Tops, at Mark's & Spencer
Cute and comfortable, these comfy crop tops make a great way of getting girls used to the idea of wearing bras

2 Pairs of Older Girls' Cotton Rich Plain Long Socks, at Marks and Spenser
Ideal for school, these soft cotton rich socks make a comfortable, practical choice

Footglove™ Leather Widefit Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
Square toe Contrast stitch detail Slip-on Heel height 78mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Gold Label Reserve Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork 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

Limited Collection Front Frill Longline Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this front frill cardigan is made with comfortable breathable cotton. Get the latest look!

Pure Linen Embroidered Ginko Cushion, at Marks and Spencers
Square shape Embroidered design Hand sequins linen cushion with feather inner Lined L50 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Mock Zebra Purse, at Marks & Spencer
This stylish purse is made from real leather with reinforced stitching and a secure zip fastening. A high quality and chic essential

Bear Collection - Flat Sheet, at Marks & Spenser
L150 x W120cm Embroidered bear detail Pure Cotton, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cherry Stoner, at Mark's & Spencer
Length 16cm Hand held design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Tomato & Mozzarella Salad, at Marks & Spensers
Serves 8 Ready to eat Suitable for vegetarians 700g As featured on page 26 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

Pure Duck Down Pillow, at Marks and Spencer
Pure duck down 230 thread count and 100% cotton downproof cover Light and natural filling W48cm x L76cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sony PSP™ LEGO® Batman®: The Videogame, at Marks and Spencer
Fight for justice as Batman and Robin or create chaos as The Joker, Catwoman and other villains, as you save or wreak havoc in Gotham City Rocket through sewers and bound across rooftops as you take the fight to the criminals across classic locations in Gotham City Fight on land, sea and in the air using a number of powerful Batman, Robin and villain-controlled vehicles, including the rocket-powered Batmobile, sleek Batboat and stealthy Batwing Enhance the abilities of the Dynamic Duo by unlocking Batman's Demolition, Sonic and Glide suits and Robin's Gravity, Magnetic and Dive suits to help fight Gotham's villains Play through the game in Story Mode from both the hero and villain sides Replay any level in Freeplay Mode with any characters you've unlocked. Access previously hidden areas to find additional rewards and bonus content Collect LEGO studs and special LEGO bricks throughout the game to unlock tons of extra content including special power-ups and bonus levels You must be 7 years of age or over to purchase this product 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, Platforms: Sony PSP, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Leather Coated Four Way Reversible Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather coated four way reversible belt

Leather Plait Belt, at Mark & Spensers
This leather plait belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

Pinot Grigio Trentino 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spencers
Grape variety: 100% Pinot Grigio Country of origin: Italy Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Total Support Non-Wired Embroidered Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Specially shaped for practical uplift, this attractively embroidered bra offers support and comfort for the larger bust. Suitable after breast surgery, wider straps and full size cups ensure a secure fit

Mini Front Pocket Cross Body Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Both understated and useful, this cross body bag has lots of pockets to securely hold your must-have essentials

Pure Cotton Square Neck Ruffle Front Top, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this short sleeve top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a ruffle front

Maternity Straight Leg Jersey Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and modern, these straight leg trousers are designed to flatter you and your bump. Added stretch and a clever cut give a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. Enjoy your pregnancy in style!

Patent Oval Buckle Belt, at Marks and Spenser
Define your waistline with this fashionable patent oval buckle belt

Per Una Linen Pintuck 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, at Marks and Spencers
A fabulous 3/4 sleeve blouse in pure cool linen featuring pintuck front detail

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Floral Print Top, at Marks&Spencer
Smart and stylish, this scoop neck top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a floral print neckline

Plain Swimming Trunks, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect for holidays or school swimming lessons, these practical trunks are outstanding value

Silver Knot Stud Earrings, at Marks n Spencer
Knot design Butterfly stud fastening For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

M&S Internet Security Software, at Marks and Spencer
A comprehensive security and back-up suite Protects identity Latest generation anti-virus Award winning anti-spyware Online fraud protection Anti-spam Parental control Automatic daily updates Back-up online This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

5 Cotton Rich Cushioned Trainer Liner Socks with Cool&Fresh, at Marks and Spencer
These trainer liners feature a cushioning sole for shock absorption and comfort. Knitted arch support keeps them in place during exercise

Footglove™ Leather Wide Fit Trouser Shoes, at M&S
Square toe Stitch detail Stretch panel Slip on Lined Mid heel Heel height 54mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Petite Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, this long sleeve shirt is made from stretch cotton for a flattering and fashionable fit. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

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 Marks and Spencer are so useful. M+S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make M&S 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 M+S Money Home 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 M+S Money Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.