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 & Spensers 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 & Spencer, 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 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 M+S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spensers 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 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 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.

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, Sainsburys, or Tesco Direct:

• 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.

Leon Jackson - Right Now CD, at Marks and Spencers
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Ingredients Bath Essence Mini Collection, at Marks and Spencers
Pomegranate Bath Essence 60ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Chloride Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Limonene, Parfum, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Propylene Glycol Punica, Granatum (Pomegranate Extract), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 15985, CI 17200, CI 42090 Lemon Bath Cream 60ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Limonene, Citral, Linalool, Polyquaternium-39, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat, Citronellol, Propylene Glycol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citrus Medica Limonum Oil (Lemon Oil), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Citric Acid, Magnesium Nitrate Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylparaben, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Propylparaben, CI 19140, CI 15985 Shea Bath Cream 60ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Parfum, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Sheabutteramphoacetate, Polyquaternium-39, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Citric Acid, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylparaben, Magnesium Chloride, Caramel, Methylisothiazolinone, Propylparaben, CI 19140, CI 15985 Cocoa Bean Bath Essence 60ml Ingredients: : Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Benzophenone-3, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Limonene, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Caramel, Propylene Glycol, Coumarin, Alcohol Denat, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 15985 Lime Bath Cream 60ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Sodium Chloride, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Parfum, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Triethylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Oil (Bergamot Oil), Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil (Lime Oil), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Litsea Cubeba Berry Oil, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 19140, CI 42090

Clever Baby Touch & Learn Shapes Book, at MarksandSpencer
Touch and Learn Shapes encourages 1 to 2 year olds to build on their learning skills. It's lots of fun with chunky tabs to choose from and different textures to touch and explore

Floral Favourites, at Marks&Spencer
A charming gift bag full of soft pink gerberas, cream roses, pretty chrysanthemums and phlox Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Long Sleeve Stripe Fleece, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfy, this fashionable stripe fleece is outstanding value. A practical easycare style

Grace Side Plate, at Mark's & Spencer
Diam: 20.5cm Round Single stripe trim Leaf design Fine China, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

BT Studio 3100 Cordless Phone, at Marks and Spencer
50 name and number phonebook Assign melodies to specific phonebook entries Caller display stores your last 40 numbers and will display their name and number each time they call Call waiting Redial and recall your last ten calls Secrecy facility - allows you to talk to someone else in the room without the caller hearing Earpiece, base station and handset ringer volume control Choice of 5 handset and 5 base ringer melodies Display language options Keypad lock Talktime up to 10 hours, 30 minutes/standby time up to 160 hours Range of up to 300 metres outdoors/50 metres indoors Low battery and out of range warnings Switchboard compatible Tone and pulse dialling and dialling pause GAP compatible (register up to 4 handsets to one base) - internal calls, call transfer, 3-way calling Includes: 2 rechargeable batteries, mains power adaptor, one telephone line cord 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 Avalanche+ Roses - Dozen, at Marks & Spencer
These extra-long stemmed, large-headed roses come in a selection of glorious shades. All of the rose bouquets are hand-tied and beautifully wrapped in frosted Autograph™ cellophane and black ribbon Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Classic Baby Charlotte New Potato Salad, at Marks & Spencer
Serves 8 Ready to eat Suitable for vegetarians 700g As featured on page 26 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Handmade Flowers Slim Diary, at Marks and Spencer
Floral design Approx. size: 165 x 80mm

Collezione Round Face Watch, at Marks and Spencer
Round face Analogue time display Numeric style Buckle fastening Mock crocodile skin strap

Purple Flowerpot Seed Birthday Card, at M+S
Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Adored All Over Lace Non-Padded Bra, at M&S
Delicate and pretty, this soft lace bra is exceptionally comfortable and gently supportive. Underwiring and gentle shaping give secure support and an enhanced natural look. Feminine everyday lingerie

Autograph Leather Lace-Up Shoes by Jeffery-West, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Punched hole 4 eyelets Lace-up Block heel Tramline design Designed exclusively for Autograph by Jeffery-West

Older Girls' Metallic Footbed Sandals, at Marks and Spencer
Buckle fastening Metallic design Multi shapes detail Flat grip sole Contrast comfort lining

Divan Sets - M400Z+L 4 DRW SUE, at Marks and Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Argyle Mock Layer Tank Top, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and stylish, this jumper features an argyle design. A versatile, easywear style

Per Una Pure Cotton Appliqué Heart Minishirt, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and feminine, this stylish minishirt features an appliqu heart design. It's made from soft breathable cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Long Sleeve Metallic Finish Hooded Parka, at M&S
The parka is an essential item that will never go out of style. This cosy easycare style is finished with a glamorous handy side pockets and hood

Die Cute Sneakers Nephew Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Nephew, Happy birthday! Inside Message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future. 175 x 127 mm

Spot Net Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These spot print tights have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

Older Boys' Cotton Rich Transformers Vest & Trunks Set, at Marks & Spencer
A must for fans of Transformers, this cotton rich vest and trunks set features Bumblebee

Recycled Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™ Fashion Skirt, at M & S
Smart and stylish, this fashionable skirt is made from polyester from 100% recycled sources. It is treated with our unique Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ finishes, making it resistant to water and stains

Serene Bouquet, at Mark & Spensers
An exquisite display of white blooms including Hydrangea, Alstroemeria, Lilies and Roses, beautifully backed by mixed foilage Available for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

Winnie The Pooh Meets Tigger Book, at Marks & Spencer
Chunky pages Disney, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Long Beach Rope Necklace, at Mark & Spensers
Clasp fastening Assorted charms Rope chain Long length Necklace length 97.5cm

Limited Collection Wedge Gladiator Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Open toe Gladiator interweave design Tie fastening Wedge sole Mid heel Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Sprung-Edge Divan with 2 Small + 2 Large Drawers & Autograph F500 Latex Pillowtop Mattress - Medium, at Marks and Spencer
Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 29cm Divan height: H41cm Large drawers: H14 x W78 x D52cm, small drawers: H14 x W40 x D52cm Highly responsive pocketed springs Mattress features deep pillowtop layer of Talalay latex and luxurious white fibre Mattress also features two further layers of cotton and resilient white fibre for additional support Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges Mattress spring count: 1225 Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Summer Manor Teapot, at Marks and Spenser
Floral pattern Contrast spout and handle H17.5cm x Diam13.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Diagonal Stripe Dress, at Marks & Spenser
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

M+S 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 Property 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 Property 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, M+S Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.