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 & Spenser, 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 & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Besides Mark & Spencers Car Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance 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 Finance 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 Finance 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.

When you're shopping at Mark's & 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spensers 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."

Occ Stools - PORT F/S BAKER CH, at Marks & Spensers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Maxim 4-Slice Toast Rack, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for everyday use Can hold up to 4 pieces of toast Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain H7 x W8cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Abbot Chair, at Marks & Spencers
H78 x W76 x D78cm Seat H43cm, arm H71cm Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Solid birch feet with a dark finish Free swatch samples: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Seams and pattern match on fabrics - Please note that the images of fabrics displayed here are overlaid onto models. These images act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished product. Seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ben 10 Activity Book, at Marks & Spenser
Ben Tennyson is just an average 10-year-old until he discovers an alien watch that gives him the power to transform into 10 alien superheroes! Test your knowledge about Ben 10 and his heroic cosmic alter egos in this scratch and show activity book. Rub a coin over the panels to reveal hidden clues, pictures, characters and answers.

Silver Plated Scattered Heart Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks & Spencer
2 part set Butterfly stud fastening earrings Clasp fastening necklace with scattered heart pendant

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Mock Layer Dress with Belt, 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

Portfolio 2 Button Longline Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Portfolio's Set Sail trend. Fresh and breezy, this sophisticated look features classic styling with vibrant accents of summertime pinks and blues. Feminine and coordinated designs for the new season

Per Una Short Sleeve Tribal Tier Top with Angora, at Marks & Spencers
A feminine scoop neck top featuring a pleated bib front and frill cap sleeves

The Floral Collection Magnolia Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Essence, at Marks & Spensers
Magnolia fragrance Foaming bath essence Moisture rich 500ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Betaine, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), Glycerin, Cocamide DEA, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-2, Magnesium Nitrate, Propylene Glycol, Methylchloro-isothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Sorbitol, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Linalool, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, CI 15985, CI14700

Older Girls' Soft Fluffy Dressing Gown, at Marks and Spenser
Perfect for bathtime, this cute dressing gown is made from soft, comfy towelling

Patch Kitten Bedset, at Marks & Spencer
Kitten design Floral detail Single set includes single duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Floral Jacquard Mini Skirt, at Marks&Spencer
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

Floral Embroidered Hat & Mitts, at Mark's & Spencer
Keep little heads and hands warm with this embroidered hat and mittens set in soft comfy fabric

Per Una Styled Embroidered Brazilian Knickers, at Marks & Spencers
Elegant and feminine, these stylish brazilian feature a delicate front panel in soft stretch lace. The modern Brazilian style gives a close fit and a flattering shapely look. Pretty everyday fashion

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Floral Print Top, at Marks&Spencer
A floral print adds a pretty touch to this soft pure cotton top.

25 Sweet Bergamot Room Scenters, at M+S
25 candles Sweet scented fragrance Burns up to 4 hours, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Square Porcelain Soap Dish, at Marks and Spencer
H2 x L14 x W9cm Stripe design Square dish, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Traditional Shed 80th Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: 80, Happy Birthday 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 126mm

Per Una Outline Leaf Bikini Briefs, at M & S
Glamorous and sophisticated, these gorgeous briefs are fashionably detailed with a floral design. A sleek, shapely look

Autograph Supima® Sateen Flat Sheet, at Marks and Spencers
Pleated border Comes in single (3ft), double (4ft 6in), kingsize (5ft) and super-kingsize (6ft), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Girls' Bow Detail Boots, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Pull on Bow detail Flat sole Lined Comes in sizes 4-13

Enclos Des Pins Merlot 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Medium dry Country of origin: France Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

2 Duck Feather & Down Pillows, at Marks&Spencer
Pack of 2 Medium support Pure cotton cover 230 thread count and 100% cotton downproof cover W48cm x L76cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Single Breast Linen Jacket, at Marks and Spencers
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Cotton Rich Cropped Denim Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
A wardrobe essential at a great price, these cropped jeans are outstanding value. Stock up on style!

Divan On Legs & Autograph M500 Mattress - Firm, at Mark's & Spencer
No turn mattress Mattress and divan are anti-allergy Mattress: spring count 1225, depth 27.5cm Divan height: 31cm Single 3ft: W90 x L190cm Double 4ft6: W135 x L190cm King size 5ft: W150 x L200cm Super king size 6ft: W180 x L200cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Christening Cake (25 portions), at Marks and Spencer
25 portions Fruit Cake: Made with vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Fruit cake is 20.5cm (diam) and weighs 3.12kg. Can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Sponge Cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Sponge cake is 20.5cm (diam) and weighs 1.86kg. Can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 69 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Clear Mantlepiece Clock, at Marks and Spencers
Clear body Brass effect finish Dimensions: L12 x W12cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Pull On Bucket Summer Hat, at Marks&Spencer
This woven pull on hat is ideal for all your summer activities this season. Whether you find yourself at a festival, in the garden or at the beach the wide brim will keep you feeling cool and well protected

Shopping for financial products at M&S Finance UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencers 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 & 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 M+S, 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.