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&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 M+S, through its M&S Finance 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.

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 Spenser are so useful. M&S Finance financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spencers 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, Buildings Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 Finance Buildings 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 Finance Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spencers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Finance 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 & Spensers, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

3 Autograph Pure Cotton Classic Trunks, at Marks and Spencer
Comfortable, practical and fashionable, this 3 pack of trunks is made from soft breathable cotton

Bright Butterflies Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Happy birthday to a special daughter Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Villa Peironte Barolo 2004 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Nebbiolo Country of origin: Italy 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

Drawstring Waist Wales Joggers, at Mark & Spensers
Sports fans will love these cosy joggers featuring the Wales motif. A practical, easycare style

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Cute and practical, this long sleeve t-shirt is outstanding value. The pure soft cotton fabric will keep him happy and comfy

Gold Label Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians 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

Short Sleeve Spot Print Belted Cardigan, at M+S
Modern and stylish, this jumper features a waist tie. A versatile, easywear style

Autograph 12-Piece Bone China Dinner Set, at Marks and Spencer
12-piece set Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 cereal bowls Plain Dishwasher and microwave safe Dinner plate: Diam 27cm Side plate: Diam 22cm Cereal bowl: Diam 18 x H7cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

6 Summer Garden Hand Finished Multipack of Cards, at Marks & Spenser
Cover Text: Both designs blank Inside Message: Blank for your own message 6 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 200 x 80 mm

Palma Faux Leather Bedstead, at Mark's & Spencer
50% reduction applied 9 April - 1 June 2009. Upholstered bedstead in faux leather Sprung slats are used to provide extra comfort Mattress sold separately 4ft6: W147cm x L212cm 5ft: 162cm x L220cm Footend height - 47cm (from floor to top of footend) Headend height - 90cm (from floor to top of headend) This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Palm Leaf Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
A beautiful knee length skirt featuring a palm leaf print and flared hem

Big & Tall Single Pleat Crease Resistant Trousers, at MarksandSpencer
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart, fashionable trousers can be machine washed and tumble dried. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Detroit Side Table, at Marks and Spencers
H56 x W50 x D50cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Shelves made with oak veneer 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sony AIR-SA20PK Wireless Speakers & Dock for iPod®, at Marks & Spencers
Transmit CD-quality audio from your iPod or iPhone to up to 10 separate, plug-and-play receiver/speaker systems (two supplied). Connect the dock to a home theater receiver to listen to stored music through your home audio system Connect the dock to a television to view video content stored on your iPod on a big screen Speakers: Total 8W RMS (4W x 2) iPod Docking Station included 2 x wireless speakers included Compatible with any iPod and /or iPhone AM/FM tuner Alarm clock Wireless remote controls for your Dock and each AIR-SA15R speaker This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

Knitted Double Breasted Military Wrap, at Marks & Spencer
Keep warm without compromising on style! This fashionable double breasted military wrap feels soft and cosy and makes a great way to add an extra layer

Dendrobium Nobilis Orchid, at M+S
Internet Exclusive Taken from the latin word nobilis, meaning noble or grand, this impressive orchid really does live up to its name and comes planted in a beautiful, classic white pot. Available for delivery until 30th September 2009

16-Piece Cutlery Set, at M&S
16-piece set Includes 4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons and 4 teaspoons Coloured handles 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Long Sleeve V-Neck Stripe Cardigan & T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
This fashionable layered look is a 2 piece set - a t-shirt and a cardigan both in soft comfortable fabric. Stylish, practical and easycare

Paint Pot Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Wool Blend Flat Front Stripe Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and contemporary, these trousers are made from a special wool blend fabric for extra strength, comfort and durability

Leather iPod Nano Video Case, at Marks & Spencers
Keep your iPod safe, secure, and stylish with this leather case. Compatible with all nano video models, the case is made of genuine premium leather, which looks and feels great

Dualit Espressivo Coffee Machine - Cream, at Marks and Spencer
Self priming 15 BAR pressure pump Ready to go in less than 40 seconds Thermobloc (water-heating on demand) Instant hot water and constant steam 1.5L removable water tank Easy froth nozzle makes perfect foam Dualit quality stainless steel and cast aluminium body Extra cup height clearance - fits mug size Large cup warming plate Pop-up drip tray full indicator Three coffee options: single serve, dual serve and ESE pod Accessory holder keeps pods and froth nozzle to hand Dimensions: 20.5 x 28.5 x 32.5cm Weight: 5.81kg This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Perfect Scorpius Hard Small Rollercase, at Marks and Spencer
Strong yet lightweight, this stylish luggage has 4 wheels for maximum manoeuvrability, a fixed combination lock, telescopic handle and fully lined interiors. There's a free 5 year guarantee, too

Funnel Zip Neck Fleece, at Marks and Spenser
Warm and comfy, this long sleeve fleece is outstanding value! A practical, stylish and easycare top at a great price

Per Una Check Print Cropped Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable cropped jacket in soft cotton blend fabric. The check design and turn up sleeve feature makes it extra stylish

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Sleeveless Button Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Girls' Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - 2 Pure Cotton Short Puff Sleeve Blouses, at Marks & Spenser
This 2-pack of short puff sleeve blouses makes a practical and fashionable choice for school. Hardwearing and easycare

St Romain 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

La Tentation de Richelieu 2005 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Grape variety: 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

M&S 19'' HD Ready LCD TV with Built-in DVD Player - Silver, at Marks and Spenser
HD Ready: This TV is able to display sharper, clearer and more vibrant High Definition images when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 19 inch flat screen, 1440 x 900 pixels Contrast Ratio: 500:1, Dynamic Contrast: 4000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: H41 x W46 x D20.5cm Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x Scart socket DVD Player: Built-in DVD player 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042100 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

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

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

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Finance insurance products (Buildings 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.