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 Marks and Spencers, 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 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.

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 Mark's & 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 Direct 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 Money Direct loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money Direct 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 Direct 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 & Spensers insurance products in document format too.

Besides Marks and Spenser Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Buildings 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 M&S Money Direct 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 and Spenser purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings 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.

Autograph Cosmetox Anti-Ageing Foundation, at Marks and Spencers
Anti-ageing Medium coverage Hypoallergenic SPF 15 30ml

Dressing up Butterfly Age 3 Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Have a lovely day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future. Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Puff Sleeve Pleated Front Jersey Top, at Mark & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this jersey top is made from softly draping stretch viscose for a fluid look. The puff sleeve adds a fashionable finishing touch

Domaine Ventenac Chenin Colombard 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chenin Blanc & Colombard Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Purple Flowerpot Seed Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

JBL On Stage™ IIIP - Docking Station for iPod®, at Marks and Spencer
Compatibility: All docking versions of the iPod (including nano G3, iPod classic, iPod touch and iPhone Stereo Mini Jack: Allows connection to a variety of other devices such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers and laptops (audio input cable included) Full-Navigation Remote: Provides full access to your iPod so you can easily change tracks, browse libraries, adjust settings, and scroll through extras Advanced Technology: Combines many proprietary technologies to provide astonishing bass and clear, accurate high-quality sound Odyssey™ Transducers: The two aluminum domed transducers are driven by powerful Neodymium magnets Computer Optimised Equalisation: The JBL On Stage Micro system equalization was computer optimized to provide a rich, complete sound stage Power: Powered via mains adaptor or 6 AA batteries (not included) Dimensions: Diameter: 15cm, Height: 5cm iPod sold separately

Essential Colours Nail Polish, at Marks and Spencers
High gloss Fast dry Chip resistant Formaldehyde and toluene free 8ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Portfolio Pure Linen Button Front Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Swirl Neck Top, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and stylish, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features swirl neck detail. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Autograph Sapporo® Lilies, at Marks & Spencers
Online Exclusive Especially chosen for their beautiful and impressive flowers, this stunning bouquet of white Sapporo lilies is from our new luxury Autograph flowers collection. Long lasting huge flowers and a beautiful scent make these lilies an impressive display and a stunning giftAll Autograph bouquets are beautifully presented, wrapped by hand and finished with Autograph branded cellophane & a black organza ribbon Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Fabric Comfort Belt, at Marks & Spenser
Add a smart finishing touch with this fabric belt

Pure Cotton Embroidered Satin Rose Pillowcase, at Marks and Spencer
Embroidered 3 dimensional rose design L43 x W43cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Performance Pure Wool Twin Pleat Plain Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
aspirational copy

Pure Cotton Mock Layer Comic Print Top, at Marks & Spenser
Fun and fashionable, this long sleeve top in soft cotton features a comic print. A practical easycare style

Silk Blend Luxury Multi Stripe Tie, at Mark's & Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart stripe tie in a silk blend

Wool Rich Lion Rug, at Marks and Spencer
Rectangular shape Soft, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Short Sleeve Heart Print Belted Blouse, at Marks & Spenser
This fab short sleeve blouse features a stunning heart print design. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season

Chrome Wall Clock with Temperature Gauge, at M&S
Circular design Wall mountable Numeric characters Temperature gauge Diam 52cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Funnel Neck Long Sleeve Performance Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
Ideal for active wear, this Performance jacket incorporates moisture management technology. The high-performance fabric draws moisture away from the skin to the surface, keeping you drier. Designed for a great fit and essential ease of movement

Limited Collection Low Heel Slingback Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Pointed toe Slip on Plain Slingback style Mid heel Heel height: 45mm

Textured Heart Ballet Slippers, at MarksandSpencer
Round toe Slip on Textured heart design Flat sole Ballet style

Pure Cotton Ottoman Placemat, at Marks and Spencer
Ribbed design Rectangle shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Button Stripe Top, at MarksandSpencer
This short sleeved top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart stripe details for a stylish casual look

4 Stripe Stacking Mugs, at Marks and Spencers
Pack of 4 mugs Stacking stand Hand painted stripe design Height: 23cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Woodspice Grooming Bag, at Marks and Spencer
3 part set Toiletry bag Shower gel 50ml ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Polyquaternium-39, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Benzophenone-3, Citric Acid, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate, Sodium Sulfate, Eugenol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 42051, CI 14700, CI 19140 Moisturising aftershave 50ml ingredients: Aqua, Parfum, Octyldodecanol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Linalool, Butylphenyl, Methylpropional, Evernia Prunastri, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Ethylparaben

Disney Princess Wrap Pack, at M&S
2 sheets, 2 tags Each sheet: 495 x 695 mm Tags: 80 x 55 mm (folded)

3 Piece Cotton Rich Floral Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this cute 3 piece outfit features embroidered detail. It's made from soft cotton fabric to keep her comfortable and happy

WowWee™ RS Wrex The Dawg™, at Marks & Spencer
RS Wrex the Dawg's moods (Happy, Angry and Crazy) and desires (Exercise, Call of Nature and Hunger) are expressed by his hilarious "jackpot" eyes! His left eye displays his moods and his right eye displays his desires Change RS Wrex the Dawg's moods via the Mood Dial on the intuitive remote controller, by hitting him on his push button nose to reset his "jackpot" eyes, or allow him to change moods all by himself! Thanks to his junkyard construction, RS Wrex the Dawg occasionally malfunctions. When he begins his "malfunction animation", it is your cue to reset him using the programming hatch. If you do not enter a code in time, he will enter his "Breakdown Mode", and will not be able to do anything until you enter a reset code There are many possible reset codes that you can enter by accessing his reprogramming hatch: try programming him as a cat, or to disobey your commands! You can even re-program him as the original Robosapien™! Capable of performing a number of tricks including offering his paw, playing dead and dancing! You can select the tricks via the Trick Dial on the remote controller. Each of his moods features its own unique set of tricks Features a remote controller that matches his junkyard origins; it allows you to access all of his features and tricks using dials and picture icons! Zips around rapidly on his two hind wheels and two jointed front legs Features swivelling ears, a moving jaw, and a squeaky tail Set him to "Guard Mode" and have him warn you when strangers approach Select the Off the Leash icon from the remote controller's Mood Dial and he will explore your home all on his own! Features a Sleep Mode to conserve battery life Featuring an optional edge detection function, RS Wrex the Dawg will avoid edges and obstacles, and will know when he has been picked up Program a sequence of actions up to 80 steps and he will perform them back flawlessly! RS Wrex the Dawg can "see" in front him; he will react to movements and obstacles in his field of vision! Features an entertaining Demo Mode, in which he shows off his movements and personality! 9 motors 10 eye icon combinations IR sensors Speakers Age: 8+ Dimensions: L33.2 x H24.1 x W33.2 cm Weight: 1.8 KG Batteries: 4x "C" alkaline, 2 x "AA" (remote controller) Batteries not included 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

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