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 and Spenser 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 Mark & 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 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 and Spencers Motor Insurance, Marks & Spencers Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencers 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 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 Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both Marks & Spencers 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.

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 Motor 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; Motor Insurance and Home 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 Home 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.

Albany Pasta Bowl, at Marks and Spencer
Ideal for everyday use, durable Plain Diameter 22.5 Height 5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gaston de Veau Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic closure 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

Petite Cotton Rich Bold Spot Top, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this short sleeve top features a colourful spot print. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Nectarine & Orange Filled Candle, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Horseshoe Bow Necklace, at Marks n Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Horseshoe bow design Dual strand feature Necklace length 41cm, extendable by 8cm

5 Pairs of Cushioned Trainer Liners, at M & S
These trainer liners are outstanding value! Cotton rich for comfort and durability, they feature a reinforced heel and toe for extra durability and stretch fabric to improve fit

Long Sleeve Stripe Hooded Cardigown, at Marks and Spencer
Wrap up and relax in this soft dressing gown featuring stripe design for a pretty look

Beaded Wire Necklace & Earrings, at M+S
Multi-strand necklace with adjustable length Disc design Hook fastening drop earrings

Pure Cotton Transformers Pyjamas, at Marks & Spencers
A must for fans of Transformers these pyjamas feature Optimus Prime

Collezione Mini Square Tie, at M+S
Combining classic silk quality with a contemporary design, this stunning tie will make a valuable and versatile addition to your formal wardrobe. Made in Italy

Chandelier Embroidered Quilted Bedcover, at Mark's & Spencer
L250 x W265cm Embroidered design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Thomas & Friends© T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Fans of Thomas & Friends will love this cotton t-shirt featuring Thomas. A practical, easycare style

Lego City Police Car Toy, at Marks & Spensers
Suitable for ages 5+ Consists of one police car and a minifigure 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

Classic Broderie Lace Detail Full Briefs, at Marks & Spencer
These pretty broderie lace briefs are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, figure-flattering fit

Autograph Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Stylish and contemporary, this pure cotton 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 won't find it anywhere else

Per Una Assorted Button Longline Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
A fashionable long sleeve cardigan in a soft cotton blend featuring front pockets and assorted button detail

Sony Camera Carry Case, at Marks and Spencer
Use this durable leather case to keep your camera safe when you are out and about

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

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Multi Stripe Dress, at Marks & Spensers
Part of Girls Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Leopard Print Cross Body Bag, at M+S
Fashionable, comfortable and secure, this cross-body bag features an adjustable strap and multiple pockets. A practical and stylish accessory

Spot Print Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Mark & Spensers
Modern and stylish, this bikini is outstanding value. Style and quality at a great price

Leather Formal Square Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather square buckle belt

Pure Silk Ethnic Rio Print Scarf, at Marks&Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk ethnic print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Pure Cotton Carnation Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
Co-ordinate with Yellow coolmax plain dye sheets and pillowcases strokes T352300F,T352300S,T352300P Floral print Single set includes duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Chic and modern, this short sleeve t-shirt is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a graphic print

Its A Groove Thing CD, at Marks and Spencer
Album, Marks & Spencer

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Scallop Trim Vests, at Marks & Spencer
Stock up on stylish essentials with this 5 pack of cotton vests

Footglove™ Wide Fit Leather Platform Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Platform style Round toe Stitch detail Buckle and zip fastening Mid heel Heel height: 66mm Ankle high Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Ruched Floral Bedcover, at Marks and Spencers
Rouched flower design 250 x 265cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Riptape Stitch Sandals, at Mark & Spencers
Fashionable and comfortable, these lightweight leather sandals make a great choice for relaxed style in the sun, at home or on holiday

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencers Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark & Spencers 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 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 and Spencer, 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.