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 & Spenser 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 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.

Besides Mark's & Spencer Motor Insurance, M+S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M+S Money 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 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 & Spenser purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M+S Money 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.

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

Rose Print Mug, at Marks & Spenser
Rose design Slim handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Family Fortunes Card Game, at Marks and Spencer
Number of players: 2+ teams, 4+ players Suitable for ages 8+ Contains: 90 game cards, instruction card and card holder Approx. card size: 83 x 116mm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure New Wool Single Breasted 3 Button Soft Ribbed Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
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

Serene Bouquet, at Marks and Spencers
An exquisite display of white blooms including Hydrangea, Alstroemeria, Lilies and Roses, beautifully backed by mixed foilage Available for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

Limited Collection Modal Blend Lace Trim Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Fabulous and modern, these shorts are part of our Limited Collection lingerie. They're made from modal blend and designed to fit and flatter. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Perfect Knee Length Panelled Pencil Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and stylish, this pencil skirt in easy-to-wear jersey makes dressing for work an absolute breeze this autumn

Luxury Total Support Classic Bra, at Marks n Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this lightweight bra is designed to give gentle all-round support and uplift. It's secure but lightweight and features extra wide straps

Diamanté Thong Sandals, at Marks&Spencer
Thong style Open toe Diamant detail Flat sole

Alsace Pinot Grigio 2007 - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap 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

Open Coil Sprung Nursery Mattress, at Marks and Spencer
L140 x W70 x D15cm Spring count: 90 Open coil sprung for extra support Cot bed not included Hygienic, moisture-resistant covering Suitable for the feet-to-foot sleeping position recommended by health professionals Fully conformed to current safety standards Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Diamanté Square Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7"), at Mark's & Spencer
Rectanglular Aperture 5 x 7in H13 x 18cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Storage - NL CERAMC BISCUIT, at Marks & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Bootleg Trousers with Piping Detail, at Marks and Spenser
Elegant and timeless, the clean styling of these bootlegs make them a versatile essential you'll wear again and again

Ultimate Non Iron Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks & 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

Autograph Zig Zag Tile Bedcover, at Marks and Spencers
Zig Zag design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

My First Colouring Book, at Marks and Spencer
With over 280 pages to colour, this book is never-ending fun! Little hands will love colouring the big pictures of cars, farm animals, toys and much more!

RealCool Cotton™ Performance Contrast Pipe Detail Vest, at Marks&Spencer
Ideal for active wear, this RealCool Cotton™ Performance top is made from high-performance breathable stretch fabric and is designed in the latest style for a great fit and freedom to move

Playstation®3 Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction™ Game, at Marks n Spencer
Embark on a galactic adventure Try to find an ancient device that is the key to saving the galaxy Unravel the mystery of Ratchet's origin New characters, new weapons, and all-new worlds to explore 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 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Animal Sticker Book, at Marks and Spencers
This sticker book will keep them busy as they look for an incredible 1000 stickers inside! Locate the 1000 stickers and fit into the right slots on cute animal activities

Girls Only Scrapbook Fun, at Marks and Spencers
Complete this scrapbook to make a record of your unique, amazing life! There are spaces for your drawings, photos and thoughts, plus lots of cool stickers to decorate your masterpiece

Maritza Swirl Bracelet, at Marks & Spencer
Stretch style Mixed beads

4 Leather Placemat, at Marks and Spencers
Pack of 4 Ridge detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - Cotton Rich V-Neck Tank Top, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and comfortable, this soft cotton blend tank top is a lightweight extra layer that's ideal for school

Sun Formula Pre-Tan Body Scrub, at Marks&Spencer
Skin preparation for self-tanning Gentle exfoliation Skin smoothing 125ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Large Glass Candle Holder, at Mark & Spensers
Multi layered stem Faceted Wide base Dimensions: H32cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Easycare Long Sleeve Simple Stripe Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

Hard-Top Non-Storage Divan & M100 Mattress, at Marks and Spencer
Single (3ft): W90 x L190 Double (4ft 6): W135 x L190 King Size (5ft): W150 x L200 Super king size (6ft): W180 x L200 Mattress depth: 21.5cm Divan height: 41cm 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

Perfect Sonoma Extending Dining Table & 6 Slat-Back Chairs Set, at Marks & Spensers
7 piece set Table: H76 x L180 x W100cm Extends to L230cm Seats 6-8 people, comes with extension leaf to seat 8 Set of 6 slat-back dining chairs Made from solid oak with leather seat Chair: H87 x W49 x D56cm Seat: H48cm Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side and back made from White Oak veneer Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of Knee Length Socks, at Marks & Spencers
Perfect for the school year ahead, these knee length socks are oh so smart. The elastane ribbed tops ensure they'll stay up all day

Floral Polka Dot Wedding Guest Book, at MarksandSpencer
Wedding guest book Gift box Guest book: H210 x W290mm Gift box: H225 x W305mm

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 & Spensers are so useful. M+S Money 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, 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 Money 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 Money Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.