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 M+S 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 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 & Contents 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 Spencer Motor Insurance, M&S Financial Services Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Financial Services Buildings & Contents 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 & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents 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 M&S Financial Services UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spencers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Financial Services website:

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

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

Crook Handle Umbrella, at Marks & Spencer
Lightweight and easy to carry, this umbrella provides you with effective protection from those sudden downpours

Keane - Perfect Symmetry CD, at Marks and Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Linen Blend Sleeveless Oblong Cardigan, at Marks and Spenser
Contemporary and casual, this waterfall cardigan is made with cool comfortable linen and features open front for a fashionable look

2 Shark & Stripe Swim Shorts, at Marks n Spencer
Perfect for holidays or school swimming lessons, these practical swim shorts in stretch fabric feature shark and stripe designs

Lichfield 3-Drawer Chest, at Marks and Spenser
H60 x W50 x D50cm (H23.4 x W19.5 x D19.5in) 3 drawers Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Handles made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with solid oak edging 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. 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 this chest as part of a set. Click here to view the Lichfield Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Drawstring Velour Joggers, at Marks and Spencers
Relaxed and comfy, these casual joggers are made from soft fabric and feature drawstring fastening. A practical easycare choice

First Reader Gingerbread Man Book, at Marks&Spencer
This popular story is part of the First Readers range. The Gingerbread man has runaway and can't be caught - or can he?

Limited Collection Front Frill Longline Cardigan, at Marks and Spencers
Pretty and feminine, this front frill cardigan is made with comfortable breathable cotton. Get the latest look!

Brothers & Sisters Duo - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
3 Fox Gordon Brothers & Sisters Viognier 2008: A superb example of Viognier that offers the perfect marriage of scented, lush fruit with elegant minerality and restraint... 3 Fox Gordon Brothers & Sisters Shiraz 2005: This is a full-flavoured, hedonistic style of wine made in Australia's Barossa Valley, home of super-ripe Shiraz... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Thomas & Friends© Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Riptape fastening Contrast trim Thomas motif 2007 Gullane (Thomas) Limited

Centre Crease Bootleg Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
Smart and modern, these easycare bootleg trousers have an elasticated waist for a comfortable fit. A fashionable and practical choice for school

Loop & Feather Comb Headpiece, at Marks and Spencers
Keep tumbling tresses off your face with this stylish loop and feather slide in comb

Autograph Pure Cotton Fine Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spencer
Casual and contemporary, this pure cotton polo shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

M&S 3m High Speed ADSL & Broadband Modem Cable, at Marks & Spencer
3 metre length RJ11 plugs For ADSL and broadband modems 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 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

2'' Longer Pure Cotton Ultimate Non-Iron Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Keeping the taller man specifically in mind, this smart shirt features an extra 2" of fabric in the sleeve and body to provide a perfect formal fit

Autograph Leather Toe Cap Derby Shoes, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Lace up Stitch detail 3 eyelets Block heel Available in half sizes

Maternity Limited Collection Straight Leg Jersy Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and modern, these straight leg trousers are designed to flatter you and your bump. The stretch waist gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. Enjoy your pregnancy in style!

2 Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Vests, at Marks n Spencer
An outstanding value 2 pack of vests in natural breathable cotton

Ingredients Pomegranate Foaming Bath Essence, at Marks and Spencers
Pomegranate fragrance Approx 500ml

Delicious Everyday Drinking - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
2 Sicilia Bianco 2008: Clean, fresh limey aromas with lively fruit on the palate. A really refreshing, fruit dry wine... 2 Face Face Colombard Sauvignon 2008: This is a tangy, rounded and lively style of wine, a delectably modern take on the traditional styles of white from south-west France... 2 Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc 2008: A lively, zesty dry white with an inviting, fresh, slightly grassy aroma and mouthwatering flavours of gooseberry, pear and melon... 2 Rosso di Puglia 2008: Ripe but soft Italian red wine, deeply coloured with rich blackberry and cherry notes and hint of toasted nuts... 2 La Croix d'Austran Bordeaux 2008: This is claret at a fantastic price but with that classic scented, earthy and tobacco-leaf character that is so typical of Bordeaux reds... 2 Casablanca Pinot Noir 2008: An exceptionally fruity, soft and moreish red wine that is aromatic with juicy flavours of cherry and mulberry... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

The Floral Collection Magnolia Gift Set, at Marks and Spencers
Magnolia frangrance Presented in gift purse Moisturising Hand and Body Lotion 50ml Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Cream 50ml Moisture Rich Shower Cream 50ml

3 White Rattan Storage Baskets, at Marks & Spencers
Set of 3 Rattan design 1 large, 2 small baskets, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Formula Age Restructure™ Age Spot Away Cream & Calcium Complex, at M & S
Luxuriously rich cream for the 60+ complexion Proven results after 4 weeks Helps reduce appearance of age spots and discolouration Calcium complex to firm and improve the structure of the sagging skin Collageneer a lupin extract to strengthen and improve skin elasticity Blend of extracts to target age spots Wheat biovector to redensify and smooth Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic 15ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Pure Cotton Reversible Hooded Jacket, at Marks n Spencer
He'll have two looks in one with this practical reversible hooded jacket. It's made from soft comfortable cotton

Stripe Hipster Skirt Tankini Bottoms, at Marks n Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this flattering hipster skirt is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Pure Cotton Block Stripe Hooded Top, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and casual, this comfortable hoodie is made from pure cotton and features a block stripe design. A great value easycare style

Footglove™ Wide Fit Stitch Shoes, at Marks n Spencer
Round toe Stitch detail Buckle fastening Heel height 48mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Lace Trim Full Slip, at Marks & Spenser
A cling resistant slip which feels super slinky and drapes beautifully to enhance the look of your dresses. It's designed to keep you feeling cool, dry and comfortable. It can be worn as a V-neck or round neck

Clarendon Footstool, at Mark's & Spencer
H37 x W119 x D79cm (all dimensions are approximate) Cushions filled with Quallofil ExtraLife filling, an advanced 3-dimensional polyester fibre that maintains the cushions' look and shape. Click here to Find out more 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 Feet are castors All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - 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 08457 624 624 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure Silk Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

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