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 M+S, through its Marks & Spencer 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 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 Marks & Spencer Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark's & Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the Marks & Spencer Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car 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 Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

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

Also, on both Marks & Spencer Money Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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.

Vantage Point DVD, at Marks and Spencers
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Linen Blend Bootleg Trousers, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

2 GG-J Plain Underwired Bras, at Marks&Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this pack of 2 plain bras is great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

El Esteco Tannat 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Tannat Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Casino Royale Blu-ray DVD, at M&S
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

Ethnic Hoop Earrings, at Marks&Spencer
Hook fastening Hoop style Assorted beads For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Waterproof Mattress Protector, at Marks & Spenser
Quilted for comfort Completely waterproof Comes in 4 sizes - single, double, kingsize, super king size, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Albany Cup & Saucer, at Marks & Spencers
2 part set Matching cup and saucer Plain design Saucer diameter: 16.5cm Cup height: 5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autoritas Shiraz 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry, rich and fruity Grape variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country of origin: Chile Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Dinosaur Print Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spenser
Mule style Dinosaur print Flat sole Comes in sizes 4-13

Sunshine Basket, at Marks&Spencer
Bring the bright, sunny hues of a summer garden inside with this collection of sunflowers complemented by gorgeous bi-colour roses and lush foliage Available for delivery from 1st July to 30th September 2009

Autograph Stud Gladiator Sandals, at Marks and Spencer
Open toe Stud strap detail Buckle fastening Mid heel Heel height: 8cm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes Made with Insolia technology, an exclusive innovation that makes high heels more comfortable to wear and better for your body's alignment and balance. They work by taking the weight off your toes, so there's less pressure and more stability. Your legs, back and feet stay more comfy all day

2 Fairtrade Organic Cotton Elephant All-in-One Suits with Socks, at Marks & Spencer
These cute all-in-ones are made from soft, comfy Fairtrade cotton. We buy the cotton at a fair price from small-scale farmers around the world. The extra income raised enables them to invest in their own communities, like providing wells for clean water and improving healthcare facilities

Pure Silk Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary diamond pattern tie in pure silk

2 Autograph Addison Black Dining Chairs, at Marks and Spencer
H86 x W47 x D51cm Black Italian leather seats Sold as a pair Made from American Black Walnut solids and veneers, with Beech veneer on unseen faces Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chairs are made from solid wood 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. 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 SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy these chairs as part of a set. Click here to view the Addison Black Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S Arm Wall Mount with Tilt for 23-32'' TV, at Marks & Spencer
Fits LCD, TFT and plasma screens from 23-32 inches Dual pivot cantilever VESA compliant for 23-32in screens Fully assembled Drilling template supplied Dimensions: H28.5 x W58 x D8.5cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Bingley Bear Horseshoe Wedding Card, at M&S
Cover message: Wedding! Inside message: A wish for the happy, New Husband and Wife, For a wonderful start, To a wonderful life! Approx. size: 230 x 114mm

Halterneck Sailor Stripe Swimsuit, at Marks and Spenser
Sleek and modern, this fashionable swimsuit features a sailor stripe panel. Designed to fit and flatter

Pure Cotton 5 Pocket Denim Jeans, at M+S
These straight leg jeans in pure cotton are great value. A practical, easycare style

Block Builders Game, at M & S
Number of players: 2 Suitable for age 8+ Pack contains: Double-sided playing board, spinner, 72 playing pieces, score pad, pencil and instructions Approx. size of playing board: 120 x 160mm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 19'' HD Ready LCD TV with Built-in DVD Player - Pink, at Marks&Spencer
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 inch flat screen, resolution: 1440 x 900 pixels Contrast Ratio: 500:1, Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 4000:1 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: H41 x W46 x D20.5cm Sound: Nicam stereo Connectors: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x Scart socket DVD Player: Built-in DVD player 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 T042100 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks n Spencer
Relaxed and casual, these straight leg jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

M&S 4 in 1 Remote Control, at Marks & Spencer
Controls up to 4 devices Programmable to control most major brands Batteries included 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

Grow Your Own Fruit by Carol Klein & The Royal Horticultural Society, at Mark's & Spencer
In this book TV presenter and highly-regarded gardener Carol Klein creates a lavishly illustrated, practical and inspiring beginner's handbook to everything anyone ever needs to know to grow fruits all year round

Signature Natural Cotton Room Spray, at Marks & Spencers
15ml Deodorising spray Clear glass with attractive labelled design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M&S 5 Mega Pixel Digital Camera, at Mark's & Spencer
Pixels: 5.0 megapixels Zoom: 12x digital zoom Screen: 2 inches Flash: Built-in flash Memory: 32mb built-in memory SD card compatible Includes cable for charging and computer connection 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

Autograph Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Pleated Shirt, at M & S
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated long sleeve shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a striking pleated front

Jewelled Collection - Bedside Lamp, at Marks & Spencers
Faux silk shade Facetted glass design Chunky base D18 x H35cm Bulb: 40W or 8W CFL, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Firm Control Lace High Waist Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! These firm control knickers gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette

Scruffy Dog and Football Age 4 Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: 4 Football-tastic Years Old! Inside Message: Have a great day Approx size: 150 x 150mm

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money you can keep the cost of your Car 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 Car Insurance cover from Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car 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 Car Insurance from M&S Financial Services, you get more, and you pay less.