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 M&S, through its M&S Financial Services 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services 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 Spenser, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks and Spencers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services, 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 & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Easycare Short Sleeve Gingham Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this easycare shirt makes a practical choice for everyday wear

6 Square Hair Clips, at Mark's & Spencer
Dress up those tresses in fabulous style with these colourful hair clips

Playmobil Signal Trailer Toy, at Marks and Spencers
Suitable for ages 4+ Includes 3 different light versions 2 AAA batteries required This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive 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

Furry Eyebrows Birthday Card, at Marks&Spencer
Inside message: Happy Birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Autograph Weekend Pure Linen Pleated Neck Top with Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Comes with belt shown in image Part of Autograph Weekend's Summer Escape trend, featuring crisp separates in cool, sophisticated white and shades inspired by nature. A laid back, luxurious look

Pair of Pompenette Trees, at Marks and Spencer
Add some bright colour to your garden space with this beautiful pompenette standard Available for delivery until 30th September 2009

Cut Out Handbag Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Birthday wishes Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 125 x 230mm

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Textured Knitted Top, at Mark & Spencers
A casual 3/4 sleeve top in soft textured fabric, featuring a scallop trim and round neck

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Truck Stop T-Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
Fun and fashionable this pure cotton long sleeve "truck stop" t-shirt is outstanding value!

Multi Ring Shoulder Bag, at M&S
This ring detail bag can be worn on the shoulder or across the body for a contemporary and casual look

3 Pack Pure Cotton V-Neck T-Shirts, at Marks & Spencers
A great value pack of t-shirts in comfortable cotton. Ideal as casualwear and for PE

Portfolio Cotton Rich Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks&Spencer
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

Samsung 19'' LE19B450 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks and Spencers
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" Widescreen LCD TV, 1366 x 768 resolution Contrast Ratios: 5000:1 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: W477.1 x H65.5 x D326.9mm (without stand) W477.1 x D180.2 x H374mm (with stand) Weight: 4.8kg (with stand), 4.2kg (without stand) SRS TruSurround HD: For enhanced surround sound effect Connectors: 1 x HDMI, 1 x composite (AV), 1 x PC input (D-sub), 1 x RF input, 1x headphone, 1x scart DNIe+ Technology: The Digital Natural Image Engine produces images with incredible depth and density. Advanced contrast and detail enhancers combine to produce deeper richer lifelike colours Wide Colour Enhancer 2: Primary colours are strengthened to increase depth and intensity to show pictures in all their natural beauty Clear Panel Prevents glare to keep images clean and clear 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: 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 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Use wall mount

Ceriso Essentials Spot Embroidered Non Padded Bra, at M & S
Feminine and fashionable, this bra is beautifully detailed with a embroidered spot design and multiple bows. The non padded balcony style gives maximum uplift and a fabulous shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Baby Girls' Warm Lined Pram Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Riptape fastening Emboidered motif Ankle high

Calypso Multi Strand Disc Necklace, at Marks and Spenser
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Multi strand design Mixed disc beads Necklace length: 23cm, extendable by 7cm

Photo Beer Brother-in-Law Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Birthday cheers! Brother-in-Law (Label on bottle: Cheers to you a full bodied mature bloke) Inside Message: With lots of love Happy birthday Approx size: 175 x 126mm This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future

Red Classic Rose Cake, at Marks & Spencers
36 portions Fruit Cake: Made with vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Cake weight is 2.7kg. Can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Sponge Cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Cake weights 1.7kg. Can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Cake size: 20.5cm square Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 68 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

5 Cotton Rich Low Rise Shorts, at Marks n Spencer
These low rise cotton rich shorts are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

2 Button Wide Leg Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. A stylish, fashionable look. Specially designed to fit and flatter your shape

Cotton Rich Cropped Demin Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Casual and comfortable, these below the knee shorts make a fashionable and practical choice

Autograph Leather Dispatch Shoulder Bag, at M & S
Fashionable and practical, this leather dispatch bag features a single adjustable strap and fold over style front

Lacqured Wood Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), at Marks & Spencers
Narrow border Removeable mount card Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7'') Dimensions: W24.5 x H29.5 x D2.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hooded Contrast Stripe Padded Gilet, at Marks & Spenser
Comfortable and practical, this warmly padded gilet jacket features a contemporary hood. Great for keeping out the chills

Luxury Cotton Rich Bengal Stripe Shirt with Silk, at Marks & Spencers
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious pure cotton and silk shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

2'' Longer Quick Iron Pure Cotton Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Ideal for taller men, this stylish shirt is 5cm (2") longer in the sleeve and body for a better fit

Tortoise Shawl, at Marks and Spencer
Perfect for snuggling up to at bedtime or wrapping up in during the day, this soft shawl will give your baby a little extra warmth

Autograph V-Neck Mock Shirt Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this v-neck jumper is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail makes it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Leather Mini Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and practical, this mini bag features a secure zip fastening

Younger Boys' Lizard Sunglasses, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and fab, these lizard sunglasses give 100% UV protection for safer style in the sun

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