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 & Spensers, through its Marks & Spencers Money 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.

Besides Marks and Spencers Car Insurance, Marks & Spencers Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencers 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 Marks & Spencers 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 and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both Marks & Spencers 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.

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spencers Money 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 Marks & Spenser, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting Marks & Spencers Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the Marks & Spencers Money website.

Chalk and Cheese Fun Character Multipack of Mini Cards, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Design 1: thank you, Design 2: surprise, Design 3: Thanks, Design 4: for you Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx. size: 95 x 80mm

Wipe-Clean Fairy Activity Book, at Marks and Spencer
Have hours of wipe-clean fun in this fairy activity book. Inside you will find mazes and puzzles, word searches and spot the difference plus much more! Decorate the pretty fairies and butterflies with your wipe-clean pens, then next time, wipe them off and start again

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Pull on Trousers, at M&S
Effortlessly stylish, these easycare pull on trousers are finished with smart decorative buttons at the waist. They're designed to give a comfortable, flattering fit and make a perfect match for fashionable tops and t-shirts

Pure Wool Ogee Damask Rug, at Marks and Spencer
Leaf design Rectangular shape Hand tufted Small: L80 x 140cm Medium: L120x W180cm Large: L160x W230cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Le Cortiglie Falanghina 2007 - Case of 12, at M+S
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Falanghina, 10% Trebbiano di Soave Country of origin: Italy Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Abbot Chair, at Marks and Spencer
H78 x W76 x D78cm Seat H43cm, arm H71cm Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Solid birch feet with a dark finish Free swatch samples: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Seams and pattern match on fabrics - Please note that the images of fabrics displayed here are overlaid onto models. These images act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished product. Seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

8 Piece Pure Cotton Underwear Pack, at M&S
An outstanding value 8 pack of boxers and vests in natural breathable cotton

Pure Cotton Tiered Hem Dress, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this cute dress features a tiered hem. It's made from soft cotton to keep her comfortable and happy

Bodegas Age Rioja 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Tempranillo Country of origin: Spain Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Sheepskin Rug, at Marks & Spensers
Asymmetrical shape Deep pile, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Black & Cream Floral Large Gift Bag, at Marks and Spencer
1 gift bag Approx size: H350 x W350 x D100mm

Retro Pedal Bin, at M+S
Contrast pedal Classic design Circular shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Silk Abstract Print Scarf, at Mark & Spensers
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk abstract print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Pure Cotton Eco Warriors Bedset, at Marks & Spenser
Eco warriors design Includes 1 duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pinstripe Suit Jacket, 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

Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Ribbed Trim Jumper, at Mark & Spencers
Modern and stylish, this jumper features a button placket. A versatile, easywear style

Butterfly Necklace & Hair Clips Set, at Marks n Spencer
Set of 3 Necklace with adjustable clasp fastening and butterfly pendant 2 butterfly detail hair clips Suitable for age 3+ Length: 41cm Extender: 8cm

15 Denier Medium Support Shine Tights, at MarksandSpencer
Flatter those legs with the medium support of these terrific tights. Their comfortable fabric is strong enough to wear over and over again. Support tights have been clinically proven to keep your legs feeling energised, younger and healthier. Circulation is improved, ankle swelling is reduced and legs feel less tired so they're ideal for travelling

Classic Collection Mini Check Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, these straight leg mini check trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

Linen Blend 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
This stripe shirt will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features smart turn up sleeve and breast pocket detail for a stylish casual look

Blue Harbour Luxury Pure Cotton Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Soft, comfortable and very stylish, this luxury shirt is made with fantastic attention to detail

3 Pure Cotton Classic Design Briefs, at Marks & Spencer
Comfortable, fashionable and practical, these essential briefs are ideal for everyday wear

Girls Only Fashion Handbook, at Marks & Spencer
The Fashion handbook contains everything you need to know about style! Full of fab tips, quizzes, games and pages to fill in

JBL SoundSticks II Audio Speaker System, at Marks & Spencers
Speaker system: 3-piece plug and play multimedia speaker system Styling: Stunning, original design with great sound Equalisation: Features computer-optimized multi-band parametric equalization Touch control: Capacitance touch control buttons provide direct access to volume control Output: 20 Watts RMS subwoofer power output Dimensions: 41 x 51 x 31cm Weight: 499g 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

Artificial Exotic Argumentum & Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Artificial exotic argumentum with short stem Presented in clear and frosted glass Square vase Stone effect Diameter: 51cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sony Stamina Plus AA Alkaline Batteries - Pack of 4, at Marks and Spenser
Voltage (V): 1.5 Cells per pack: 4 Size: AA / LR6 Ideal for high power applications which require intense and durable energy such as portable hifi, toys & audio devices *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund

Photographic Toy Cat Daughter Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Happy birthday to a special daughter Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

Dancing Shoes Card, at M & S
Cover text: Daisy shoes Ballet shoes Holiday shoes Party shoes Favourite shoes Flip flops Happy Birthday to a Special little girl Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 x 126mm

2 Pairs of Wool Blend Short Argyle Socks, at Marks & Spensers
A wool blend makes these socks soft, breathable and absorbent to keep feet warm, dry and comfy

Pure Cotton Sleeveless Vest, at Marks and Spenser
Casual and contemporary, this cotton vest top is outstanding value

Marks & Spencers Money 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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Buildings 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 Buildings 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, Marks & Spencers Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.