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 Marks n Spencer, through its M&S Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Household 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, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Household 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 Money Direct 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 & Spenser purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Household Insurance and Standard Household 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.

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

Opaque Stripe Footless Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and comfortable, these stretchy footless tights are perfect for layering

Block Stripe Swimsuit, at Marks and Spencers
Modern and shapely, this flattering swimsuit is designed in the latest shape. A fabulous fashionable look

Bandeau Style Textured Swimsuit, at Marks & Spencers
Gorgeously feminine, this detachable strap swimsuit is designed to stay securely in place while you work on your tan. Designed to fit and flatter

3 Piece Stainless Steel Saucepan Set, at Marks & Spencer
3 pan set Glass lids 16cm saucepan - 1.3 litre capacity 18cm saucepan - 2 litre capacity 20cm saucepan - 2.7 litre capacity Riveted handles Encapsulated base for even heat distribution Suitable for all cooker and hob types, except induction. Not suitable for induction hobs, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Handmade Outfit 40th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: 40 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 Approx size: 175 x 126 mm

Short Sleeve Plain Jersey Body, at Marks&Spencer
This plain scoop neck body is a casual style essential. Perfect for wearing under trousers or skirts for a contemporary look

Pure Cotton Piped Double Breasted Mac, at Marks & Spencer
A simple, fitted mac is a versatile piece that will never go out of fashion. This mid length version is given a contemporary twist with a double breasted cut and contrast piping

Suzie Damask Jacquard Quilt, at Marks and Spencers
L250 x W265cm Quilted Cotton Rich Damask design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leather Hip Coin ID Wallet, at Mark & Spensers
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

Per Una Button Long Sleeve Cardigan, at Mark's & Spencer
A beautiful long sleeve blouse in pure soft cotton featuring an open neck design and button detail

Set of 3 Photo Frames 20 x 25cm (8 x 10''), at Marks and Spencer
Set of 3 Aperature: 20 x 25cm (8 x 10in), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Laser Cut Letters 40th Birthday Large Card, at Marks and Spencer
Approx. size: 220 x 220mm Cover text: Congratulations you're 40 Inside message: Blank for your own message

Roberts Ecologic 4 FM RDS/DAB Digital Radio in White, at Marks and Spencer
Up to 150 hours battery life FM/DAB wavebands FM RDS station name display 20 stations preset Easy to read 16 x 2 character LCD display Menu display / selection of all major functions Search / Manual tuning Automatic clock set Rotary tone and volume controls Up/down tuning buttons Battery: 6 x LR20/D size (not included) Dimensions: W29.5 x H16.5 x D11.5cm Weight: 2kg 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

'It's A Girl!' Gift Bag with Balloon & Bunny, at Mark's & Spencer
Celebrate the birth of a baby girl with this lovely gift bag that includes pretty pink, yellow and blue blooms. A congratulations balloon and polka dot bunny make this gift bag extra special Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Long Sleeve Ireland Woven Jacket, at Marks & Spensers
Relaxed, stylish and comfortable, this hardwearing tracksuit features an Ireland motif. A practical easycare style

Fox Gordon Brothers and Sisters Shiraz 2005 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry, full bodied Grape Variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Percy Pig Hamper, at Marks and Spenser
Percy fans will love this set of tempting sweet treats including a bag of Percy Pigs , plus a mixing bowl, to make mini Percy Pig cupcakes and a cheery Percy Pig money box to help them save their pennies

Autograph Bling Cat Keyring, at M&S
Link chain Cat shape Diamant detail

Ingredients Papaya Body Polish, at Marks & Spencer
Papaya scented Exfoliating scrub 200ml

Foot Survival Pack, at Marks and Spencer
For instantly comfier feet, whatever shoes you're wearing

Diamond Pointelle Long Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spensers
Give yourself an extra warm layer this winter with this pretty long sleeve under top. Perfect for day to day wear, the easy care fabric makes it a no fuss option

Autograph Penthouse Leaf Bedcover with Silk, at M&S
Leaf jacquard design Dimension: 200 x 255cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Body Padded Plunge Lace T-Shirt Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Smooth and versatile, this comfortable t-shirt bra is designed for a no-show look under your clothes

Footglove™ Cork Wedge Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Peep toe Stitch detail Buckle fastening Low heel Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Perfect V-Neck Stripe Pyjamas, at Mark's & Spencer
In soft pure cotton, our short pjs will keep you cool and comfy, whether you're sleeping or wearing them around the house. You'll love the colour and the price, too

Stripe Bikini Hipster Bottoms, at M & S
Gorgeously feminine, this stylish bikini bottoms feature a striking stripe print. Make a splash!

3 Assorted Boxers, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and hardwearing, these boxers offer comfort and reliability at a great value price

2 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Lace Trim Crop Tops, at Marks & Spensers
Cute and comfortable, these comfy crop tops make a great way of getting girls used to the idea of wearing bras

2 Cotton Rich Classic Plain Trunks, at Marks and Spencer
Providing a trusty stable for your underwear drawer, these plain trunks combine all the comfort and reliability of pure cotton with a great value price

Lone Range Heretaunga Chardonnay 2007 - Case of 6, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians 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

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the M&S online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money Direct website:

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

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