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 MarksandSpencer, 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 Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Besides Mark & Spencers Motor Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services 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 M&S Financial Services 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 M&S Financial Services 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.

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 MarksandSpencer are so useful. M&S Financial Services financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & 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, Buildings Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 Financial Services Buildings 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 Financial Services Buildings Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

2 Pairs of 10 Denier Shaping Matt Tights, at M+S
Complete with added stretch for shape retention and essential comfort. These simply outstanding tights are a terrific option for ensuring your legs look and feel their everyday best

Footglove™ Leather Whipstitch Detail Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Block mid-heel Whipstitch detail Slip-on Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight

Pleated Bedset, at Marks and Spencers
Pleated design Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Wool Blend Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this hardwearing stripe design wool mix tie

Plain Ribbon Tie Joggers, at Marks & Spenser
Perfect for the gym or simply strolling around the park, these comfy joggers are a must-have addition to any active lifestyle

'Dotty Daisy' 30th Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover Text: Congratulations! 30 Inside message: Happy Birthday! 230 x 114mm

Louis Chaurey Champagne - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Small Spencer Bear, at MarksandSpencer
Scarf detail Stitch detail on paw pads Suitable for ages 12 months + This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lyon Cereal Bowl, at Marks & Spencers
Rib detail Diam 14cm H8cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Silk Diagonal Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Cotton Rich Large Spot First Bra & Knickers Set, at Marks and Spencers
This pretty spot print bra is designed for a supportive and comfortable fit. The non-wired design is the best choice for first bras

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Oxford Stripe Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
Stylishly smart casual, this Oxford stripe shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Autograph Weekend Modal Rich Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and sophisticated, this spot print dressing gown is part of our exclusive Autograph Weekend collection. It's beautifully designed and made from modal with stretch which feels incredibly soft and comfortable to wear

Autograph Stainless Steel Bar Tray, at M&S
Diameter: 39cm Circular shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Classic Trim Leather Moccasin Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Slip on Round toe Small square block heel Stitch detail

5 Low Rise Assorted Lace Thongs, at Marks and Spencer
These lace front thongs are comfortable, flattering and perfect for avoiding visible lines under tight-fitting clothing

Collezione Oxford Dress Shoe, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Lace up Stitch detail Block heel

Nintendo DS™ Speed Racer Game, at M & S
After uncovering the corrupt influence of Royalton Industries and defeating his opponents, Speed Racer has returned to the track for a shot at winning the prestigious World Racing League Cup. Who will be the first racer to make it to the finish line? Chose from 19 thrilling tracks all set a beautiful 3D racing environment Challenge up to 5 friends with wireless play to see who has what it takes to win the World Racing League Cup 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, Platforms: Nintendo DS, ESRB Rating: Everyone

Wipe-Clean Fairy Activity Book, at Marks & Spensers
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

Faux Pearl Clip-On Earrings, at M & S
Pearl effect Clip-on fastening Diameter 12mm

Pure Cotton Chino Shorts, at Marks&Spencer
A smarter take on a casual relaxed look, these pure cotton cargo shorts feature front pockets. A fashionable, easycare style

Little Acorns Melamine Set with Bowl Cup & Plate, at Marks & Spensers
1 plate 1 bowl 1 cup 1 spoon Plate: 170 mm diameter Bowl: 110 mm diameter Cup: 80 mm diameter Spoon: 135 mm length

Collezione Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Bold Herringbone Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this shirt to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Autograph Foundation Brush, at M&S
Handmade Enables you to achieve a controlled light and even coverage

British Heritage Leather Burnish Cut-Out Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Enjoy the best of Britain with our British Heritage range. Handcrafted in England, these timeless shoes are made from the finest leather and traditional Goodyear Welted Construction. They include a leather insole and cork filler which moulds to your feet for superb comfort and fit

Velvet Soft Mono Eyeshadow, at Marks & Spencers
Hypo-allergenic Available in 12 shades 3g

3 Modal Blend Long Sleeve Assorted Tops, at Marks and Spencer
Stock up on essentials for less! This great value pack of 3 tops is comfortable, practical, fashionable and easycare

Perfect Autograph Silk Rich Pleated Shorts, at MarksandSpencer
Enjoy the luxurious feel of soft, smooth silk next to your skin. The moulded, padded bra gives a perfect shape while the matching shorts are effortlessly elegant

Sony Bravia 40'' KDL-40V5500 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks & 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 3 with a 40 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 60000:1 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) Dimensions: With table stand: W112.3 x H77.1 x D33cm, without table stand: W112.3 x H72.3 x D9.6cm Weight: weight inc. stand 27kg, weight without stand 23.5kg 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 3: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 3 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

Autograph Luxury Microfibre & Cashmere Pillow, at Marks & Spenser
1 pillow Non-allergenic 300 thread count jacquard cover, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Marks and Spenser may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and Spencer do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M&S Financial Services website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M+S Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Financial Services loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Financial Services can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Financial Services insurance products (Buildings Insurance, Motor Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks & Spensers insurance products in document format too.