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 & Spencers 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 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.

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

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

M&S Money offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor Insurance policies are much the same is usually a bad idea. At worst it can be a very expensive mistake - this is when you find out that your Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with Marks and Spencer 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsbury's, or Tesco:

• Personal UK and European Breakdown Cover automatically included
• Comprehensive cover for trips abroad in the European Union - up to 90 days per trip
• Courtesy car during approved repairs automatically included
• Cover for Motor Legal Protection automatically included

So, it is clear that, besides being good value, M&S Motor Insurance also provides much more extensive cover than some of the top competitors. Additionally, you don't even need to be behind the wheel to benefit from M&S Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.

Mixed Bead Multi Strand Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencers
Stretch bracelet Tie fastening Multi strand Mixed bead design

Long Assorted Bead Necklace, at Marks n Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Assorted bead design Length: 104cm Extender: 8cm

Pure Cotton Angel Sleeve Cropped Cardigan, at Marks and Spenser
Cool and comfortable, this short sleeve cardigan is made from pure natural cotton and features a single button fastening for a fashionable look

Autograph Essentials Embroidered Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Elegant and feminine this padded balcony bra features a delicate embroidered design finished with a pretty lace trim. Gentle padding and underwiring give a flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Moulded Lace Multiway Bra, at Marks & Spencers
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

Mixed Panel Textured Skirt, at Mark & Spencers
Elegant and feminine, this flared skirt features a mixed panel design. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Limited Collection Stud Stripe Underwired Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Fun and fabulous, this stud stripe design bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Leather Dual Prong Punch Hole Belt, at Marks and Spenser
This leather belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

Easy Soup Book, at Marks and Spencer
Cosy up and enjoy heart-warming soups. Enjoy feel-good food with family and friends and take the stress out of cooking with fuss-free, home-made recipes that allow you more time outside of the kitchen. What better way to warm up your winter, or cool down your summer than with a wholesome bowl of soup made using the freshest of ingredients. Impress your friends and create lasting memories with the simple to prepare recipes inside this book

Mixed Panel Textured Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Elegant and feminine, this flared skirt features a mixed panel design. Stylish, practical and fashionable

New Autograph Dogtooth Design Cardigan, at Mark & Spensers
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

Big & Tall Crease Resistant Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Half Moon Mantle Clock, at Marks & Spencer
Half moon shape Free standing Roman numeral face Clear centre with visible clock work detail Dimensions: 27.3 x 14.1 x 6.4cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Handcrafted Classic Text Mother's Day, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Happy Mother's Day Inside message: With love Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Portfolio Lightweight Tulip Print Scarf, at Marks and Spenser
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant tulip print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Collezione Leather Brogue Shoes, at M+S
Pointed toe Punch feature Stitch detail 5 eyelets Lace-up Block heel

Hooded Long Sleeve Jacket, at M+S
Comfy and cosy, this hooded jacket feels soft and warm and is great value. A practical, easycare style

Footglove™ Leather Dolly Shoes, at M&S
Round toe Single strap with buckle fastening Mid heel Heel height: 64mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

100 Denier Thermal Opaque Tights with Wool, at Mark's & Spencer
These cotton blend thermal tights will keep you feeling warm during the cold months. Added stretch gives a great fit and shape retention

Silver Plated Assorted Petal Y Design Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Y design chain necklace Assorted petal design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Cotton Waffle Hooded Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Knitted in pure cotton, this hooded waffle cardigan will keep him warm and comfy. It looks cuddly too!

Ashbourne Storage Footstool, at Marks&Spencer
H46 x W68 x D58cm all dimensions are approximate) Top cushion filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a dark finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Tatty Teddy Denim Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
Cute and comfy, this pure cotton tatty teddy denim skirt is made from denim for a fashionable casual look

Medium Handkerchief Vase, at M & S
Handkerchief design Thick base H22 x Diam 18cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Single Breasted Front Pocket Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and modern, this single breasted jacket features flap front pockets. A smart and stylish choice

North Coast Pure Cotton Marl Stripe Polo Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Top, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, this scoop neck top is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a button detail

Autograph Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Paisley Stripe Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylish and contemporary, this stripe shirt is part of our luxurious Autograph collection. The fabric has been created exclusively for us to tie in with this season's key looks, so you wont find it anywhere else

Cream Aluminium Collection Griddle Pan, at Marks and Spencers
Aluminium construction ensures pans are easy to use and durable Non-stick coating Riveted handles for safety and strength Suitable for use on all cookers and hobs except induction L26 x W26cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Flat Front Crease Resistant Trousers, at Mark & Spensers
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spenser online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money 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 & Spencers, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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