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 and Spencer, through its M&S Finance 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 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 Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks&Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Finance website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings 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 Finance in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Finance website.

When you're shopping at Marks & Spenser online store for your summer outfit, or looking for furniture to give your home a makeover, then spend a moment to also consider products from M&S Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Finance. With images of volcano ash still fresh in many traveller's minds, it's good to remember there were many travellers who ended up wishing they had spent just a few pounds extra to obtain travel insurance for their trip. Of course, unfortunately, after the event is too late!

In fact, had you purchased travel insurance from M&S Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance website would have seen a message stating that although claims relating to volcanic eruptions are not normally covered by travel insurance, that on this particular occasion, they would "allow claims from UK customers affected by the volcanic ash that has recently grounded flights."

Fresh Rose Refresher Oil, at Marks & Spencer
Refresher and burner oil 15ml, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Animal Alphabet Stickers, at Marks and Spencer
75 assorted stickers Animal shapes

Old Vines Grenache Noir 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Grenache Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

M&S Dual Deck Laminator, at Marks & Spenser
Features: Jam release button, document exit support trays at both ends, LED indicators for power on and ready to use Size: Will laminate paper up to A4 size Power: 220-240V ac 50/60Hz 370W, 1.8A Lamination speed: Approx 230mm/minute Pouch thickness range: 80-125 microns (A4) Ready time: 4-8 minutes Number of rollers: 3 Dimensions: 34 x 12 x 10.5cm Weight: 2.24kg 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

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Top, at Marks & Spensers
For casual elegance, you can't beat this boat neck top. A great value cotton essential

Fairview Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Semillon Country of origin: South Africa Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites

Pure Cotton Straight Leg Tinted Jeans, at Marks & Spencer
Tinted denim gives these straight leg jeans a stylish twist. A practical and fashionable style

Autograph Weekend Long Sleeve Pyjama Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Luxurious and sophisticated, this modern long sleeve pyjama top is part of our exclusive Autograph Weekend collection. It's beautifully designed and detailed with button placket and made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort

Water Resistant Analogue Watch, at Marks & Spencer
Water resistant Resilient strap Analogue

Handcrafted Blue Vase Mother's Day Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover text: With love on Mothering Sunday Inside message: Have the happiest day Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Metal Cone Table Lamp, at Marks and Spenser
Cylinder shade Cone stem feature Conical base Steel finish This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

All Reds Welcome Mix - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencers
2 Solar Viejo Rioja Crianza 2005: If you are looking for a beautifully balanced, easy-drinking Rioja Crianza, then look no further... 2 Spinsanti Malbec 2008: A beautifully balanced and lusciously fruity Malbec from the Mendoza region of Argentina... 4 La Borie Merlot 2008: This deeply coloured, ripe and spicy Merlot from the Languedoc is packed with juicy black cherry and damson fruit... 4 Aldea Red 2008: A deliciously fresh, herb-scented red from the sunny uplands of eastern Spain... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

ABC and 123 Roll Wrap, at Marks & Spensers
Includes 1 roll wrap Approx size: 200 x 70cm

5 Pure Cotton Assorted Bibs, at M&S
Cute and practical, this handy pack of 5 cotton bibs is great value

Birthday Girl Crown Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: Birthday Girl Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Flat: 150 x 215mm. Crown circumference up to 600mm

1000 Stickers For Boys, at Marks and Spencer
This sticker book will keep them busy as they look for an incredible 1000 stickers inside!

Artificial Tea Rose in Glass Vase, at Marks & Spencers
Artificial tea rose Glass vase No watering required therefore easy care Fresh looking throughout the year Height: 33.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

4 Windsor Sherry Glasses, at Marks and Spencers
Set of 4 Dishwasher safe 9cl H13cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Wool Rich Flat Front Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and contemporary, these wool rich trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Autograph Exclusive Rainbow Stripe Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spenser
Luxurious and exclusive, these glamorous bikini bottoms are beautifully designed in a flattering, fashionable silhouette for the ultimate in style. They're made from soft, comfortable fabric and finished with careful attention to detail

Dualit Jug Kettle- Red, at Marks and Spenser
1.5 Litre - 12 cup capacity 3000 watt Cordless operation Hinged lid Washable limescale filter Rapid boil concealed element Large viewing windows on both sides Can be turned to any angle on its base Heatproof handle, ball knob and finger-guard Non-slip rubber feet Oversized non-drip spout Weight: 1.36kg Dimensions: H27cm 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Assorted Trunks, at Marks & Spencers
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear.

Older Boys' Permair™ Triple Strap Trainers, at Marks n Spencer
Scuff resistant Triple riptape straps Round toe Permair™ micro porous coating makes the shoes scuff- and water-resistant and easy to clean, while allowing feet to breathe Stitch detail Grip sole

Limited Collection Sleeveless Pintuck Top, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's LA Love trend. Feminine, soft and laid back, this is a fashionable LA look with a boho vibe. Beautiful fabrics and playful prints are key

Mirrored Collection Console Table, at Marks & Spencer
H78 x W122 x D35cm Mirrored effect Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item 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

Cecily's Garden Pink Floral Mum Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Birthday wishes to a wonderful mum Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Pure Wool Broadway Rug, at Marks and Spencer
Rectangular Indented cross pattern Small: L150 x W100cm Medium: L180 x W120cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Lace Trim Leggings, at Marks and Spencer
Soft, stretchy and comfy, these fashionable cotton rich leggings are a wardrobe essential

Per Una Pleated Handbag with Charm, at Marks and Spencers
A heart shaped charm makes this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

M&S Scart Switcher, at Marks & Spencer
Plug 2 scart cables into TVs that have only 1 scart socket Button to switch between devices 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

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