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 & Spenser, 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 Home 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 Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Home 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 Mark & Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home 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 M&S 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.

Ogee Damask Cushion, at Marks and Spencer
L50 x W50cm Real feather inner Square Damask design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Essentials Pintuck Bikini Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
Elegant and feminine, these stylish bikinis feature pintuck details. The low rise style gives a flattering shapely fit and is ideal for wearing under hipsters. Pretty everyday fashion

Blue Harbour Pure Linen Multi Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and stylish, this multi stripe shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

2 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Tops, at Marks and Spenser
Cute and comfy, these fashionable tops are made from soft cotton

Ingredients Shea Nut Shower Cream, at Marks and Spencer
Moisturising 200ml

Perfection 100ml Eau de Toilette, at Marks & Spencer
100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Plain Low Rise Bikini Bottoms, at Marks n Spencer
Sleek and stylish, these flattering tankini bottoms are designed in the latest shape.

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Argyle Socks, at M & S
These classic cotton rich socks are soft, breathable and comfortable. Added stretch gives a great fit

5 Plain Shorts, at Mark & Spensers
Embrace flattering everyday comfort with the high leg cut and easy to care for fabric of these great value shorts. A fantastic addition to your underwear drawer

Mother's Day Painterly Floral Medium Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Contains: 1 gift bag H260 x W200 x D90mm

Per Una Tassel Trim Ribbed Scarf, at Marks & Spencer
This sophisticated ribbed scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. Tassel trim adds a stylish finishing touch.

Sunny Town Policemen Set, at M+S
2 policemen and police car Promotes imaginative play Suitable for ages 12 months + This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

125 Years One Shoulder Ring Detail Swimsuit, at Marks&Spencer
Part of the Commemorative Collection. These exclusive garments have been inspired by some of the beautiful pieces in our archive and reference the iconic decades of the 20th century. Retro styling has been given a contemporary twist for the modern day

Pure Cotton Roll Neck Stripe Jumper, at Marks & Spencers
Soft and comfy, this warm knitted roll neck stripe jumper is outstanding value. A fashionable easycare style

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Pinstripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and stylish, this pinstripe shirt is made from pure cotton so it feels soft and comfortable to wear

Limited Collection Diamante Shoulder Top, at Marks&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

Autograph Pure Cotton Pin Dot Shorts, at Marks & Spenser
Casual and comfortable, these easycare shorts feature a stylish pin dot design for a modern look

60 Cocktail Sausage Rolls, at Marks & Spensers
Contains 60 pieces Serves 12 Ready to eat Suitable for freezing 3 x 280g As featured on page 16 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

3 Tear Drop Gemstone Photo Frames, at M & S
Set of 3 Circular frames Tear drop gemstone design H8 x W8 x D2cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Rosina 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spencer
H82 x W174 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

Value Soft Luggage Suitcase, at Marks & Spencer
Free 3 year guarantee on Value Luggage This season, give the whole family their own space with our hardwearing value luggage, which expands for 20% extra room

Tonal Animal Print Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these tonal animal print shorts are extremely comfortable to wear and give good coverage at the front and back

Nintendo DS™ LEGO® Batman®: The Videogame, at Marks & Spencer
Fight for justice as Batman and Robin or create chaos as The Joker, Catwoman and other villains, as you save or wreak havoc in Gotham City Rocket through sewers and bound across rooftops as you take the fight to the criminals across classic locations in Gotham City Fight on land, sea and in the air using a number of powerful Batman, Robin and villain-controlled vehicles, including the rocket-powered Batmobile, sleek Batboat and stealthy Batwing Enhance the abilities of the Dynamic Duo by unlocking Batman's Demolition, Sonic and Glide suits and Robin's Gravity, Magnetic and Dive suits to help fight Gotham's villains Play through the game in Story Mode from both the hero and villain sides The Nintendo DS version will offer touch screen interaction, and two-player co-op using the DS local wireless network capability You must be 7 years of age or over to purchase this product 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, Platforms: Nintendo DS, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Cowhide Rug, at Marks & Spensers
Cowhide print Irregular shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Travel Overnight Bag, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and practical, this overnight bag is capacious but not bulky. It features a turn lock feature

Dyson Ball™ DC25 Upright All Floors Vacuum Cleaner, at Marks and Spencer
Suction power: 220 airwatts (constant) Root Cyclone™ technology: Dyson vacuum cleaners separate dirt from the air by centrifugal force. It spins the air incredibly fast and the dust and dirt is flung out into the clear bin™. Suction is maintained as there is no bag to become clogged Ball™ technology means no awkward wheels: Dyson upright cleaners ride on a ball so you can steer with ease - no more push/pull around corners and obstacles. Inside the ball is the motor, giving the machine a lower centre of gravity and improving manoeuvrability even further Hygienic and quick to empty: Dyson design minimises risk of contact with dirt Motorised brush bar: Powerful bristles remove dirt and pet hair from carpets Expels only clean air: Air expelled from a Dyson has 150 times less mould and bacteria than the air you breathe. Dyson technology captures particles as small as pollen, bacteria and mould spores Clear bin™: Tough polycarbonate bin lets you see when it needs emptying Bin capacity: 1.3 litres Fingertip brush control: Brush bar turns off to protect delicate rugs and hard floors Quick-draw Telescope Reach™ wand: Single-action wand with instant 16ft reach for stair and high-reach cleaning Washable HEPA filter: Ideal for allergy sufferers Certified asthma friendly: Unlike ordinary vacuums, Dyson is certified asthma & allergy friendly™ according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. All floors: This Dyson model is suitable for all floors Combination accessory tool: Nozzle converts to a brush tool for dusting Cord length: 7.5 metres Maximum reach: 12.3 metres Dimensions: H1071 x D310 x W392 mm Weight: 7.4 kg Included in the box: Combination accessory tool, stair tool attachment, product manual, quick start guide, product registration card and 5 year warranty 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

Per Una Short Sleeve Stripe Frill Top, at Marks&Spencer
A casual short sleeve top featuring a stripe sleeve and v-neck design

Autograph Flat Front Plain Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
A flat front and black tones give them a modern look and feel that can be worn in the office or when out and about. Plus, the crease resistant fabric with stretch makes them ideal for everyday wear

Autograph Older Boys' T-Line Stitch Laced Leather Shoes, at Marks and Spencer
Square toe Lace up 4 eyelets Block heel Raised stitch Lined Comes in sizes 1-7

Pure Cotton Hooded Top & T-Shirt Set, at Marks & Spencers
This fashionable layered look is a 2 piece set - a t-shirt and hooded top, both in soft comfortable cotton. Stylish, practical and easycare

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & 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."