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 & Spencers 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 & Spencers, 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 Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money 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 Money insurance products (Buildings Insurance, Motor 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money 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 website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor 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 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.

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Plain Top, at Marks and Spenser
For casual elegance, you can't beat this 3/4 sleeve, scoop neck top. A great value cotton essential

2 Malbec Dark Brown Bonded Leather & Chrome Dining Chairs, at Mark's & Spencer
H86 x W48 x D51cm Seat: H49cm Sold as pair Bonded leather seat Chrome effect legs Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Long Sleeve Button Detail Cardigan, at Marks n Spencer
Modern and stylish, this longline cardigan is wonderfully warm and comfortable

Sequin Cushion, at Marks and Spencer
Rectangle design Sequin detail L30 x W40cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Lyon Mugs, at Marks and Spencers
4 piece set Rib detail H11cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Autograph Long Sleeve Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Earn your fashion stripes this season with this bold shirt, which is right on trend for both pattern and colour

Classic Collection Short Sleeve Check Blouse, at Marks & Spensers
Feminine and pretty, this check print blouse will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic collection

Petite A-Line Skirt with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and modern, this flared a-line skirt features stitch detail. A great work-to-evening style. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Collezione Pure New Wool Single Breasted Soft Check Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
A pristine example of fine Italian style, this distinguished single vent jacket is fashioned from Pure New Wool and features a stunning contrast lining for a refined finishing touch

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Pearly Cardigan, at Mark & Spensers
A feminine 3/4 sleeve cardigan featuring an open weave knit and button fastening

Floral Pendant Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Clasp fastening 3 strand necklace Mixed bead design Floral pendant Necklace length: 41cm, extendable by 8cm

Artificial Orchid in Mirror Bowl, at Marks & Spenser
Artificial orchid Mirror bowl vase No watering required therefore easy care Fresh looking throughout the year Height: 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Button Detail Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

PlayStation®2 The Sims™ 2 Castaway Game, at Marks and Spencers
Explore caves, beaches, jungles and even a volcano Design and create items from the island's natural materials Discover the island's many secrets You must be 12 years of age or over to purchase this product 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. 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, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Autograph Light Control Multiway Lace Basque, at Marks and Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! This light control body gently shapes your figure all over for a smoother, sleeker silhouette. The versatile multiway style can be worn strapless, halterneck, cross back or one-shoulder. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Multiway Satin Embroidered Trim Padded Bra, at Marks & Spensers
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a flattering fit, secure support and comfort

Autograph Eye Pencil, at Marks & Spencers
Ophthalmologically tested Hypoallergenic

Dotty Aunty Bubbly Birthday Card, at M&S
Cover text: Have a Bubbly Birthday Aunty x Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 215 x 150mm

England Activity Book, at Mark's & Spencer
Grab your footy-mad pals and use your awesome cards to play the spectacular games in this book. With crosswords, quizzes, spot the difference and many more top footy activities, this is your chance to join Lampard, Beckham, Crouch and the rest of the England squad, as you challenge your team-mates to be the best

Jumbled Numerals Wall Clock, at Marks and Spencer
Round face Jumbled numerals Metal case H30 x W30 x D5cm Weight: 0.75kgs 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Special Princess Age 3 Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: To a very special little princess Inside message: Happy birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 127 mm

Pecorino 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Pecorino Country of origin: Italy 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

ARCHOS TV+ 250GB, at Marks and Spenser
Record TV: Easily schedule recording with the electronic program guide from satellite receiver, cable box or DVB-T adapter Hard Drive: 250GB hard drive to store up to 310 films or 465 hours of recorded TV content, 2.5 million photos or 145,000 songs, create a media library, watch video and view photos Recording: High quality MPEG-4 recording Internet: Direct and instant access to the internet (requires web browser plugin), WiFi and internet connections, remote control with mouse pointer and keyboard for easy navigation Content Portal: Easy access to download and rent DVD resolution films and video content via the Content Portal icon Stream Content: Watch videos, views photos or listen to music stored on your computer, no file copying needed Share: Easy and fast transfer from digital camera and other storage devices Connectors: Composite video, S-Video, RGB, Component in and HDMI out 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

Pure Wool Columbia Rug, at Marks and Spencer
Rectangle shape Stripe design Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L170x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ultrafit Plain Sports Top, at Marks & Spencer
This innovative Ultra Fit Sport top keeps you dry and fresh. The technology is built in so it will always work as effectively no matter how many times you wash them. Soft fabric with 8-way stretch gives maximum comfort and support. Ideal for sports wear and the gym, comfy enough for relaxed everyday wear

Pure Wool Fedora Hat, at Marks and Spenser
Make a stylish impression with this fedora. It adds a smart touch to formalwear and looks contemporary with casuals

Wide Knightsbridge Formal Belt, at Marks&Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable wide leather belt

Per Una Sailor Collar Cardigan with Angora, at Marks and Spencer
A stylish knitted cardigan in a lambs wool rich knit featuring sailor collar and ribbed trim

1 Pair of Cotton Rich Footsies, at Marks & Spencer
These soft cotton rich footsies are designed to hide inside your shoes for extra comfort

Single Breasted Suit Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and classic, this single breast jacket is outstanding value. A practical, hardwearing and easycare style

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money. Not least of these is Mark & Spencers 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 M+S, 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 Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.