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 MarksandSpencer 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 n Spencer, 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 Motor Insurance, M&S Home 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 M & S are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Direct Home 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 Direct Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

Philips HP6509 Satinelle Soft Sensitive Epilator, at Mark & Spencers
Double waved massage roller minimises the pulling sensation and soothes the skin after epilation Specifically adapted cap for more sensitive skin, allowing for gentle epilation in delicate areas Ergonomic grip for comfortable handling Extra speed setting for more sensitive zones Washable epilation head Voltage: 100-240V Power consumption: 7.5W Number of discs: 21 Number of catching points: 20 Comes with adapter plug and cleaning brush

Autograph Renzo Coffee Table, at Marks&Spencer
H33 x L90 x W90cm Shelf: H18.5cm Lacquered wood Delivered flatpack due to size 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 *14 day delivery - This product is usually available within 14 days of placing the order. Subject to product and delivery slot availability. Not available during promotional events This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™ Cargo Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and innovative, these fashionable cargo shorts are treated with Stormwear™ and Stain Defence™ technology, so they repel water and stains. An adjustable waist gives a perfectly comfortable fit for longer

Glitter Clutch Bag Sister Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: For a special Sister Inside message: With love on your birthday Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Pearl Effect Floral Stud Earrings, at Marks & Spencers
Butterfly stud fastening Floral design Pearl effect Diamant detail

Classic Collection Cotton Rich Jersey Jacket, at MarksandSpencer
Smart and fashionable, this cotton rich jacket is finished with stitch detail. A practical, versatile style that can be worn with smart or casual outfits

Château Fongiras 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Grape variety: Bordeaux blend Country of origin: France Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites

Limited Collection Slingback Bow Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Open toe Slingback style Mid heel Bow detail Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Heel height: 6cm

Artificial Poppy in Square Glass Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Artificial poppy Square glass vase Height: 41cms, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Small Curl Edge Glass Bowl, at Marks n Spencer
Hand decorated Curl edge design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Cotton Rich Non-Wired Maternity Bras, at M & S
Complete with wide adjustable straps and non-wired to accommodate your changing shape, this great bra offers gentle shaping and support for those moments when you need it the most. Pack of 2 - Cream Mix (1 cream and 1 pink) or Black Mix (1 black and 1 white)

Duck Rillette, at M&S
Serves 18-20 Ready to eat 750g As featured on page 19 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Skinny Enamel Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Define your waistline with this fashionable enamel belt

Reader's Digest - The Most Amazing Places On Britain's Coast, at Marks and Spencer
A unique guide to more than 1000 captivating and curious locations

Short Sleeve Textured Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, this cardigan features a textured knit. Ideal for layering

5 Older Boys' Pure Cotton Sleeveless Vests, at Marks and Spencers
An outstanding value 5 pack of vests in natural breathable cotton

Pure Cotton Dog Motif Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Knitted in pure cotton, this cute assorted colour jumper will keep him warm and comfy. It looks cuddly too!

Supima® Pure Cotton Non-Iron Fitted Sheet, at Marks and Spencer
Internationally recognised as the world's finest cotton Supima is renowned for its superior strength, enhanced durability and sumptuous feel High performance non iron finish offering the ultimate in easy care 180 thread count Single: W91 x L190cm, box length: 25cm Double: W137 x L190cm, box length: 25cm 5ft (king): W152cm x 200cm, box length: 25cm 6ft (Super-king) W183cm x L200cm, box length: 25cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Rectangle Face Mesh Strap Watch, at Marks & Spencer
Rectangle face Analogue Mesh strap

Footglove™ Leather Wide Fit Trouser Shoes, at Marks&Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Stretch panel Slip on Lined Mid heel Heel height 54mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Autograph Powder Brush, at Marks & Spencers
Handmade Enables you to achieve a controlled light and even coverage

Formula Age Restructure™ Contouring Neck Cream & Calcium Complex, at Marks and Spenser
Calcium complex to firm and improve the structure of the sagging skin Collageneer a lupin extract to strengthen and improve skin elasticity Ovaliss ™ to contour the double chin effect and Pullulan to immediately tighten and Creatine to energise boosting fatigued skin Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic 50ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Short Sleeve Cardigan & Stripe Top Set, at Marks & Spenser
Cute and casual, these short sleeve cardigan and stripe top look fabulously fashionable worn together or separately

Autograph Exclusive Smart Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Angled Pleat Sleeveless Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and stylish, this sleeveless dress features an angled pleat design above the waist. A great choice that will take you from the office to an evening out. Machine washable for convenience

Clever Baby Touch & Learn Sounds Book, at Marks & Spensers
Touch and Learn Sounds encourages 1 to 2 year olds to build on their learning skills. Its lot of fun too with chunky tabs to choose from and different textures to touch and explore

Long Sleeve Cowl Neck Jumper, at M & S
Modern and stylish, this jumper is a versatile, easywear look.

2 Autograph Modal Blend Assorted Hipsters, at Marks & Spencers
Made from soft, luxurious modal blend, these superior hipsters are designed for exceptional comfort, a fashionable look and a flattering fit

Natural Beauty Enriching Body Butter, at Marks & Spencers
200ml Naturally fragranced

Sony Bravia 40'' KDL-40EX1 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 2 with a 40 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dolby Virtual Surround and BBE Digital: Experience the effect of digital surround sound from only two front speakers with our advanced S-Force Front Surround technology Connectors: Digital Audio Output (optical) x 1, HDMI™ Inputs x 4, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, Analogue Audio Inputs x 2, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2, BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Video/Music/Photo), AppliCast™ BRAVIA Engine 2: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xross Media Bar: New Sony interface to enhance the operability and ease of use Picture Frame Mode: Not watching TV? Turn it into a digital photo frame to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 T042104 to perfectly mount this TV 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 MarksandSpencer 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 Motor Insurance, M&S Home 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 & Spencer, 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.