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 and Spenser 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 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.

When you're shopping at Marks and Spencers 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 Mark & Spencers 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."

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is Mark's & Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M+S Money you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M+S Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spensers, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Collezione Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket with Silk, at M & S
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Girls' Limited Cotton Rich Denim Leggings, at Marks & Spencers
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

Pro Flip Flops, at Marks & Spenser
Casual and relaxed, these flip flops make a comfortable and stylish choice. Perfect for warmer days at home or on holiday

Collezione Single Breasted Basket Weave Jacket, at Mark & Spensers
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques

Côte Rôtie 2006 - Case of 6, at Mark & Spensers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Syrah Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Car Gift Card, at Marks and Spencer
Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Autograph Pure Silk Christening Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Beautifully embellished with floral embroidery, this special dress is so pretty. The soft silk will keep her feeling comfy and happy. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Cotton Rich Lace Trim Brazilian Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Brazilian briefs are the newest trend in knicker shapes with their flirty cutaway styling at the front and back. These flattering lace trim knickers are designed to make the most of your figure

Pink Fabric Flowers Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Happy birthday Inside message: Wishing you a wonderful day Approx. size: 174 x 126mm

Silver Plated Barrel Snake Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
3 strand design Barrel feature Butterfly fastening

Philips QG3190 Grooming Kit, at Marks and Spenser
9 attachments for unlimited style options Storage stand Full size trimmer blade Mini shaver 9 position hair clipper comb 9 position beard and moustache comb Nose and ear trimmer Precision trimmer Fine detailing blade 4 position eyebrow comb Rechargeable cordless operation Maintenance free - No oil needed

5 Cotton Rich Spot Print Full Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
These spot print cotton rich full briefs are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Chunky Twist Bangle, at Marks and Spencer
Chunky style Twist design Small-medium diameter: 63mm Medium-large diameter: 68mm

Clear Mantlepiece Clock, at Mark's & Spencer
Clear body Brass effect finish Dimensions: L12 x W12cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Short Sleeve Jersey Top, at Marks & Spensers
An elegant scoop neck top in textured fabric featuring satin trim front and sleeve

Grazia - Magazine Gift Subscription, at Marks and Spencer
Grazia is a fabulous mix of front-page stories, stunning designer fashion, fabulous shopping and more

Plain Full Slip, at Marks and Spenser
A fashion essential you can't do without! This slip enhances the look of dresses and stops them clinging or becoming see-through under light. All our slips are cling resistant and come in a number of lengths

Plain Lace Trim Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Smart, snug and easy to care for, these cosy shorts combine a flattering fit with a plain design and stretchy fabric to create the perfect knickers for day to day wear

Older Girls' Shopper Bag with Scarf, at M+S
Fashionable and practical, this shopper bag features a colourful scarf. It's easy to carry and there's lots of room for all the essentials

Autograph Illusions Illuminating Complexion Primer Balm, at Marks and Spencer
Hypo-allergenic Boosts radiance with light-illuminating particles Firms, smoothes and brightens Suitable for use under make-up Oil Free 30ml

Blue Harbour Real Cool & Fresh Polo Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Our pure cotton polo shirts make summer dressing a breeze. Wear them with shorts and sandals for a perfect warm weather look

Portfolio 2 Bead Drop Earrings, at Mark & Spensers
Hook fastening Drop style 2 bead design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

PlayStation®2 Pro Evolution Soccer 2008™ Game, at Marks & Spensers
All new 'Teamvision' A.I. (artificial intelligence) system Improved A.I. for defenders and attackers Enhanced close control system enabling more control of the ball when dribbling Improved set pieces - players now have full control over the defensive wall Increased player detail with full facial animation Extensive edit mode including players, kits, badges & stadium names Brand new commentary by John Champion and Mark Lawrenson 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe 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, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Petite Short Sleeve Ruffle Neckline Top, at Marks and Spenser
Pretty and feminine, this scoop neck top is made from softly draping stretch viscose for a fluid look. The ruffle neckline adds a fashionable finishing touch. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

Woodphotoframes - MULTI APP DESK, at Marks & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Steel Ladle, at MarksandSpencer
Hole in handle for hanging storage Steel finish, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Rough Skin Shaver, at Marks and Spencers
Corn plane Pack of 10 replacement blades Corn rasp

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Scallop Trim Vests, at M & S
Stock up on stylish essentials with this 5 pack of cotton vests

Gold Plated Barrel Snake Necklace, at Marks and Spenser
3 strand design Barrel feature Adjustable length Clasp fastening Necklace length 41cm, extendable by 8cm

Autograph Leather Block Heel Boots, at Marks & Spensers
Pointed toe Stitch detail Knee high Block mid heel Heel height: 75mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

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 Marks & Spenser are so useful. M+S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spensers 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Property 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 Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.