When you're shopping at Marks and Spencer 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 Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property 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 Money. 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 Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Money 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."

Besides Marks & Spenser Car Insurance, M&S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Property 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 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 Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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 offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car 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 Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car 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 & Spencers 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, or Tesco:

• 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 Car 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.

16-Piece Cutlery Set, at Marks & Spencer
16-piece set Includes 4 knives, 4 forks, 4 spoons and 4 teaspoons Coloured handles 18/10 stainless steel - the highest grade of stainless steel Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more l, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mini Limited Pure Cotton 'Wild Life Rocks' Top, at M&S
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Oxford Stripe Shirt, at Marks&Spencer
An innovative shirt in pure cotton. A special fabric finish and clever construction mean there is no need to iron this smart easycare shirt

Autograph Floral Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Long Length Seam Skirt with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and modern, this flared skirt is a stylish, versatile choice. A look that works dressed up or down

Portfolio Quilted Shoulder Bag, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and useful, this shoulder bag features contrast chain trim. A practical and fashionable accessory

Ruched Back Low Rise Shorts, at Marks & Spenser
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these pretty lace detail shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Portfolio Abstract Print Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
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

Autograph Semi-Plain Collection Pure Cotton Towel, at Marks and Spencer
3 piece set Hand towel: L90 x W50cm Bath sheet: L120 x W70cm X Large bath towel: L140 x W100cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Shorts, at M & S
Casual and comfortable, these embroidered shorts make a fashionable and practical choice

Winnie The Pooh Slim Diary, at Marks and Spencer
Approx size: 80 x 165mm Licensing details: Disney. Based on the "Winnie the Pooh" works by A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard. www.disney.com

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Animal Print Top, at Marks and 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

Pure Cotton Cargo Pocket Belted Jeans, at M+S
These cargo jeans look cool and casual and are made of comfy cotton

Lucie Strand Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style Bead design

Per Una Short Sleeve Eccentric Lace Top Set, at Marks and Spencer
An elegant eccentric print lace top in soft stretch fabric featuring a camisole and necklace

Autograph Flock Stripe Non-Padded Bra, at M&S
Glamorous and sophisticated, this lace detail bra looks and feels luxurious. Stretch fabric and underwiring give a great fit and flattering uplifted shape. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Short Sleeve Floral Shadow Top, at M&S
This fab short sleeve top features a stunning floral design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

2 Younger Boys' Limited Pure Cotton Beanie Hats, at M+S
Warm and comfy, these pure cotton hats are ideal for chilly days

7 Pairs Of Freshfeet New Dot Socks with Silver Technology, at Marks & Spenser
Our odour control Freshfeet socks are now better than ever with a new Sanitised Silver finish. Known for its natural antibacterial properties, silver helps reduce the presence of bacteria that causes smelly odours, so your feet stay fresh with every step and it keeps working for the lifetime of the socks

Glitter Stripe Bedset, at Marks & Spencers
Glitter stripe design Single set includes duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases Super king size includes duvet cover (6ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hand Made Son Letters Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: To a very special Son on his birthday Inside message: Have a great day! Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Assorted Bead Multi Strand Necklace, at M & S
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Assorted beads Multi strand design Necklace length: 46cm, extendable by 8cm

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Relaxed and casual, this pure cotton shirt has been pre-washed to make it extra soft and comfortable

Spot Design Travel Ballet Slippers, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Spot design Bow detail Slip-on Flat sole Ballet style

Per Una Cotton Rich Double Breasted Mac, at Marks and Spencer
A sophisticated double breasted mac in a soft cotton rich fabric featuring long sleeves and front pockets

Everyday Floral Embroidered Underwired Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this spot embroidered bra is ideal for everyday wear. Underwiring and padding give an uplifted and enhanced natural shape

Textured Single Breasted 2 Button Piped Jacket, at Marks n Spencer
Chic and stylish, this single breasted jacket makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Art Nouveau Pendant & Earrings Set, at Marks&Spencer
2 part set Pendant necklace Stud earrings Art Nouveau design This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Eye, Lip & Cheek Palette, at Marks and Spenser
9 eyeshadows 2 lip colours 2 powder blushes Applicators included

Sony LCS- CSVA Camera Case, at Marks and Spencer
Soft carrying case in genuine leather with textured finish Protects camera from dust and scratches Contrasting trim in bright metallic finish with embossed logo Supplied colour-coordinated hand strap and strap loop protect against accidental loss during shooting Size: W10.5 x H7.4 x D2.7cm Weight: 75g This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

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 & Spensers, 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 Car 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.