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 & Spencer, 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 & Contents 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 Marks & Spencer Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the MarksandSpencer 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 & Contents 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&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.

Marks & Spencer Money Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, Marks & Spencer Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Autograph Pure Silk Pleated Cushion, at Marks and Spenser
Rectangular shape Pleat detail Lined, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Chandelier Embroidered Duvet Cover, at Marks and Spencer
Embroidered chandelier design Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6'), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft) Co-ordinate with Supima white plain dye sheets and pillowcases strokes T351720F,T351720S,T351720P,T351720V, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Long Length Stitch Detail Skirt, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this panelled skirt is designed to fit and flatter. A modern style essential

Autograph Pure Cotton Polo Shirt & Argyle Top Set, at Marks and Spencer
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

Ceriso Styled Embroidered Non Padded DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Feminine and fashionable this modern bra features floral embroidery. It's underwired and structured for great support and uplift, and the plunge shape gives a fabulous enhanced cleavage. Designed for women who want the latest look

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Twist Pleat Cardigan, at Marks and Spenser
A fashionable 3/4 sleeve cardigan in textured fabric featuring a twist pleat design

Laser Cut Church Christening Card, at M&S
Cover text: Christening Wishes, on your Christening Day Inside message: Blank for you own message Approx. size: 178 x 126mm

Airflex™ Longer Length Lace-Up Leather Trainers, at Marks & Spensers
These shoes are specially designed with the Airflex™ sole system using the latest technology to provide your feet with utmost comfort, support and grip

Philips HP6379 Bikini Trimmer, at Marks and Spencer
Wet and dry use: In and out of the shower Hygienic protection: Silver ion comb for hygienic protection Rechargable Charge lasts up to 60 minutes Precise and gentle trimmer Hygienic trimming comb Extra smooth and safe shaver Epilator removes hair for weeks Eyebrow and detail trimmer Eyebrow and detail comb

Short Angel Sleeve Leaf Print Top, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this short angel sleeve top is made from softly draping stretch viscose for a fluid look. The leaf print adds a fashionable finishing touch.

Hand Decorated Coloured Glass Bowl, at Marks and Spencer
Handmade Shallow dish Erratic edge Web design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Malabar Coffee Table, at Mark & Spencers
H53 x L120 x W60cm 10 drawers Crafted predominantly from solid mango wood Protective low-sheen lacquer finish for added durability Fitted with antique-brass-effect handles 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 SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this table as part of a set. Click here to view the Malabar Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Padded Balcony Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
Ensure a smart exterior with the sleek shape created by the moulded cups and plunge design of this padded bra. Underwiring and added stretch provide all day comfort and support

Sweet Bergamot Pot Pourri Box, at Marks and Spencer
Sweet bergamot fragrance Presented in a box, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Limited Collection Cotton Rich Low Rise Shorts, at MarksandSpencer
Fabulous and modern, these shorts are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. Theyre made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Ultimate Non Iron Royal Oxford Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Ultimate Sudoku Puzzles, at Marks and Spencers
Are you a Sudoku fan? Then you'll love the Ultimate Sudoku Puzzles. It's filled with over 600 different puzzles, has a spiral bound design for easy use and includes a pen too

Blue Harbour Heritage Cotton Rich Stretch Jeans, at Mark & Spensers
Relaxed and casual, these jeans are made from soft cotton rich fabric. Added stretch keeps them in great shape and gives added comfort and ease of movement

2 Younger Boys' Stripe & Check Belts, at Marks & Spencer
Fun and fashionable, these stripe and check design belts add a stylish finishing touch

Big & Tall Flat Front Ribbed Trousers, at M&S
The perfect choice for colder days, these smart trousers are made from warm, hardwearing fabric. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Extra Large Rose & Lily Bouquet with 50% Extra Roses Free, at Marks & Spenser
Receive 50% extra roses free on orders until 22nd August 2009 An elegant combination of stunning oriental lilies, white and pink roses with red top cordyline and 100% more blooms than the Rose and Lily bouquetAvailable for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

Underwired Plain Body, at MarksandSpencer
Everyone's skin tone is different, so after some research into skin tones we've come up with Body Nudes, a range of flattering shades to suit everyone. Body Nudes is soft and comfy with no visible lumps or bumps, so you can be sure your clothes will look their best

Classic Collection Paisley Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant paisley print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Per Una Rosie Spot Jersey Dress, at Marks & Spencer
A stunning spot print dress in soft stretch fabric featuring a stylish tie waist design

First Readers The Princess and the Pea, at Marks & Spencer
How do you tell a real princess from a fake princess? Find out what the queen does to reveal the truth in this classic fairy tale

Sun Formula Self Tan Body Applicator Mitt, at M+S
Self-tan products will glide over your body with the smooth side of the mitt to give an even, streak free application Whether your choice is cream, lotion, mousse or spray, the mitt will produce great results time after time The mitt provides a water-resistant barrier to protect your hands from possible staining This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Limited Collection Sequin Clutch Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and fabulous, this clutch handbag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Contrast Trim Shorts, at Marks&Spencer
Stock up on stylish essentials with this 5 pack of contrast trim cotton shorts

Groovy Birthday Dotty Daisy Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Groovy Birthday Inside message: Have a fab day! Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Autograph V-Neck Mock Shirt Jumper, at Mark & Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this v-neck jumper is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail makes it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

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

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