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 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 Car 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark's & Spencer 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 Car 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 & 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 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.

Besides Mark's & Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct 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 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 & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct 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.

2 Piece Pure Cotton Ruched Pinafore Outfit, at Marks and Spencers
A pretty look in pure soft cotton, this coordinated outfit combines a pinafore dress and a short sleeve t-shirt. The ruched front detail adds a modern finishing touch

The Rescuers DVD, at Marks & Spensers
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

3 Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Plain Vests, at Marks & Spencer
A great value wardrobe essential, these durable cotton vests will keep him comfy thanks to an easy to wear cotton weave

Ingredients Pomegranate Foaming Bath Essence, at Mark & Spensers
Pomegranate fragrance Approx 500ml

Knitted Hooded Glove, at Mark's & Spencer
Keep out the cold in style and comfort with these flattering soft stretchy jersey gloves finished with hooded detail

12 Piece Coupe Dinner Set, at Mark's & Spencer
12-piece dinner set Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 cereal bowls Pure white porcelain Versatile fine dining range, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Nostalgic Children Playing Multipack of Cards, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Both designs are blank 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 Pack contains: 8 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 138 x 138mm

5 Pairs of 10 Denier Matt Look 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

Autograph Essentials Pure Silk Weave Print Top, at MarksandSpencer
Part of Autograph Essentials - a collection of luxurious and timeless wardrobe must-haves featuring premium design and sophisticated styling.

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Woven Top, at Marks and Spencer
The assorted floral print makes this top so cute. It's made from soft cotton fabric and feels comfy to wear

Oliveira Lecestre Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Maternity Open Front Jersey Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this jersey cardigan is designed to flatter you and your bump. A clever cut gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A fashionable, functional choice

Rosina Armchair, at Marks and Spencers
H82 x W92 x D97cm Seat H45cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options feature reversible cushions 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 Solid birch feet with a medium finish 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 0845 603 1 603 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 that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Short Sleeve Bold Abstract Print Dress, at Marks and Spencers
Make a fashionable statement in this godet insert dress featuring a bold abstract print. Added stretch and a great cut give a figure-flattering fit

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Mr Bump Hooded Top, at Marks & Spencer
Fans of Mr Men will love this hooded top featuring the Mr Bump. A practical, easycare style

Younger Girls' Warm Lined Knitted Boots, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe Knitted design Button detail Slip-on Flat sole Warm lined Comes in sizes 4-13

Metallic Glaze Tumbler, at Mark's & Spencer
Metallic glaze design Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Active Performance Sporty Jogging Bottoms, at Marks & Spencers
Perfect for active wear, these Performance jogging bottoms incorporate moisture management technology. The high-performance fabric draws moisture away from the skin to the surface, keeping you drier. Designed for a great fit and essential ease of movement

Ceriso Lace Trim Animal Print Brazilian Knickers, at Marks & Spencers
Flirty and fashionable, these modern brazilians feature an animal print and lace trim. The low rise style gives a flattering, shapely fit, perfect for wearing with hipsters. Designed for women who want the latest look

Short Sleeve Keyhole Top, at Marks & Spensers
A chic and stylish essential, this scoop neck top features a colourful keyhole design. It works for day and evening, dressed up or down

Malabar Glazed Unit, at Marks & Spenser
H190 x W110 x D49cm 4 drawers 3 adjustable shelves Made from solid mango wood Treated with a protective low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability Fitted with antique-brass-effect handles Glass doors are made from safety-tested toughened glass 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. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Pure Silk Large Pocket Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Silver Plated Penelope Floral Drop Earrings, at M & S
Hook fastening Drop style Faceted faux gemstones Diamant detail This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Olympus µ Tough Digital Camera, at Marks n Spencer
Effective pixels: 10 Megapixels, Optical zoom: 3.6 x (WIDE), Digital Zoom: 5 x / 18 x combined with optical zoom LCD: 6.9 cm / 2.7 '', LD backlight boost: Yes, auto focus with contrast detection, Image Stabilisation Mode, Shadow Adjustment Technology, Advanced Face Detection Technology, Smile Shot Number of scene modes: 20 Sensitivity: Auto: AUTO / High AUTO Automatically selected; Manual:ISO 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Internal Flash Modes: AUTO, Red-eye reduction, Fill-in, Off Movie Edit, Movie Processing, Image Editing, View Images, View Movie, Still Image Recording, Movie Recording System, Voice Appendage Memory: 42 MB for image data Menu languages in 39 languages, Speaker, DC input, Combined A/V & USB output, USB 2.0 High Speed, Freezeproof up to -10C, Self timer: 12 s Dimensions: W95 x H63 x D22cm Weight: 149 g (without battery and card) 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

All Seasons 13.5 Tog Duck Feather & Down Duvet, at Marks & Spensers
13.5 tog Suitable for cooler months or colder rooms or those who prefer a warm, snug duvet 230 thread count and 100% cotton downproof cover Excellent value for money, natural duck feather and down filling ensures a soft and comfy night's sleep Highest quality class 1 duck feather down Available in Single, Double, King size and Super King size Which tog? Tog measures the warmth of a duvet based on its ability to trap warm air. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet. The perfect tog is a personal choice which can depend upon you and your home, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Trackers Trail Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - Case of 12, at MarksandSpencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 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

Autograph Weekend Cotton Rich Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spensers
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Faux Silk Ceiling Light Shade, at Marks & Spencers
Faux silk fabric Plain H22 x Diam 30cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Pure Cotton Denim Belted Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Scallop Trim Stripe Shorts, at M & S
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these pretty stripe shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

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 Mark & Spencers are so useful. M&S Money Direct 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 & 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 Money Direct 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 Money Direct Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.