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 Spencer, 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 Motor 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.

M&S Money Direct 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 Property 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 Property 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, M&S Money Direct Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks&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 Motor Insurance, M&S Property 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 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.

Autograph Flat Front Straight Leg Trousers with Wool, at Marks & Spencer
Luxurious and contemporary, these smartly tailored straight leg trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph range

Short Angel Sleeve Slinky Top, at Marks and Spencers
This fab jersey top features angel sleeves. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season

Sony Cyber-shot™ DSC-T90S Camera, at Marks and Spencers
Pixels: 12.1 Megapixels Zoom: 4x optical zoom, 8x digital zoom Screen: Large, wide 3.0-inch (230K dot) Clear Photo LCD plus touchscreen with wide viewing angle ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 Dimensions: W93.6 x H57.2 x D15mm Pitcure 720p HD movie recording captures crisp, detail-packed HD video clips plus stereo sound at 30 frames per second Enhanced Smile Shutter Enhanced Smile Shutter automatically fires shutter when subject smiles: now easier to use with adjustable smile threshold Enhanced Face Detection Enhanced Face Detection with selectable adult/child priority high-speed subject tracking for clearer portraits. Includes Face Motion Detection Intelligent Scene Recognition Intelligent Scene Recognition simplifies shooting by choosing best settings for difficult conditions such as twilight portraits and backlit scenes Optical SteadyShot High sensitivity ISO 3200 and Clear RAW Noise Reduction for high-quality images with reduced blur during handheld shooting in low light BIONZ processor BIONZ processor for enhanced image quality, reduced image noise and fast shooting response Slideshow HD Slideshow with music offers fun image display with effects and music on LCD or connected HD TV 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

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Rugby Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Casual and relaxed, this long sleeve rugby shirt is made from pure cotton. So it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Square Buckle Leather Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather square buckle belt

Signature Ginger Lily Refresher Oil, at M & S
Ginger lily fragrance 15ml Can also be used as a burner oil, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wall Art Wire Tree, at Mark's & Spencer
Handcrafted Made of mild steel wire Approx size: 76 x 1 x 53cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Single Sprung-edge Divan with 1 Small + 1 Large Drawer & M100 Mattress, at Marks&Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 21cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Small drawer: H14 x W40 x D52cm Mattress has dust-free polyester fibre filling Open coil mattresses provide a hard-wearing and supportive background Mattress spring count: 288 Sprung-edge divan can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Corbières 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Mixed Red 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

Hellboy Blu-ray DVD, at M & S
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Japanese Floral Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks and Spencers
Floral design 50 x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wool Blend Flat Front Trousers, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

3 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Cutie Tops, at Mark's & Spencer
Stock up on essentials for less! This great value pack of 3 pure cotton long sleeve cutie tops is comfortable, practical, fashionable and easycare

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Spot Print Top, at Marks&Spencer
Pretty pintuck and spot print makes this soft cotton top extra special

Adored Jacquard Lace Trim High Leg Knickers, at M & S
Elegant and stylish, these briefs are made from the softest fabric and trims, so they feel blissfully comfortable to wear

Black Silver Glass Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), at Marks & Spencer
2 tone design Rectangle shape Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sonoma Kitchen Table & 4 Chairs Set, at Marks & Spencer
Table: H75 x L90 x W90cm Chairs: H86 x W48 x D51cm Table seats 4 people Set of 4 plain leather faced chairs Made from solid oak and oak veneer Finished with a protective low-sheen lacquer for added durability Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself 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

2 Pure Cotton Thomas & Friends T-Shirts, at Marks&Spencer
Fans of Thomas & Friends will love these cotton t-shirt featuring Thomas. A practical, easycare style

XBOX 360® Lara Croft Tomb Raider Anniversary Game, at Marks & Spencers
Encounter fierce animal and supernatural enemies, wolves, bears, crocodiles, horrific monsters and the T Rex Use all of Lara's guile, athleticism and gadgets in her quest to conquer the unknown and uncover ancient artefacts Single player You must be 16 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, Platforms: Xbox 360, ESRB Rating: Teen

Sony Ericsson T303 - Orange Pay as you talk Mobile Phone, at MarksandSpencer
A maximum of 2 phones per customer may be purchased Talk time: Up to 9 hours Stand-by time: Up to 16 days Dimensions: 8.3 x 4.7 x 1.5cm Weight: 93g Screen: 128 x 160 pixel resolution, 65,536 LCD colours Camera: 1.3 megapixel Messaging: SMS and MMS - Combine image, video, text and voice clips and send an MMS to a compatible phone or PC Orange Pay as you Go: Your mobile service provider will be Orange. An Orange SIM card is included with this handset Memory: 8MB Radio: Save your favourite channels as presets Music player: Plays multiple audio formats including MP3, AAC, AAC+, e-AAC+ and WMA

Mini Roll Platter, at Marks&Spencer
16 rolls Serves 4-6 4 different sandwich fillings Ready to eat Contains sesame seeds As featured on page 8 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 2 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Rasteau 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Younger Boys' Permair™ Rip Tape School Shoes, at Marks n Spencer
Square toe Tramline details Riptape fastening strap Flat sole Scuff resistant Easy clean Permair™ micro porous coating makes the shoes scuff- and water-resistant and easy to clean, while allowing feet to breathe

Autograph Weekend Boyfriend Cardigan with Wool, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Mosaic Baker Rack, at MarksandSpencer
Wrought iron twisted stand 3 x wrought iron shelves 1 x mosaic shelf H165 x W76 x D39cm Assembly required This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Ruffle Bib Longline Tunic, at Marks & Spencer
A stylish longline tunic in soft textured fabric featuring ruffle bib panel with button detail

Wood Collection - 3 Storage Boxes, at Mark & Spencers
Set of 3 different sizes Double side handles Wooden H35.5 x W35.5 x D32.5cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Wide Leg Centre Crease Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
A smart pair of wide leg trousers in stretch cotton featuring a centre crease

Barton Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spenser
H90 x W183 x D90cm Seat H51cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Includes 2 matching fibre scatter cushions Feet are castors with antique-brass effect finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sterling Silver Inset Shell Necklace, at M+S
Clasp fastening Shell inset design Length: 41cm

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