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

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

Besides Marks and Spencer Car Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance 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 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 and Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Finance 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.

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Check Bib Shirt, at Mark & Spensers
This fashionable short sleeve shirt is made from super soft fabric that looks and feels great. Check bib details gives it a cool contemporary edge

My First Wooden Xylophone, at MarksandSpencer
Suitable for ages 1-3 years Includes xylophone and two mallets This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sony VAIO VGN-NS20E Laptop, at Marks and Spencer
Processor: Intel Pentium Processor T3400 with Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Processor speed: 2.16 (GHz) RAM: DDR2 SDRAM (1x2GB, 1x1GB) Screen: (Diagonal Size) 15.4" X-black LCD, resolution 1280 x 800, aspect ratio - 16:10 Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium Hard Drive: 250GB Serial ATA - 5400 rpm Graphics card: Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M Memory stick slot: Memory Stick™ Std / Duo, Memory Stick™ PRO Std / Duo, high speed data transfer, SD card Digital camera: Built-in 'Motion Eye' Digital Camera, Frames per Second 30, Image Sensor 1.3 mega pixels, Motion Pictures max. Resolution 1280x1024 (SXGA) Optical Drive: Built-in DVD+-RW/+-R DL/RAM optical drive Interfaces: 4 Pin i.LINK™ (IEEE1394), 400 Mbps x1, DC in x1, Memory Stick™ Slot x 1, Microphone Jack (Stereo) x 1, RJ-11 Direct Port (Modem) x 1, RJ-45 Direct Port (Network) x 1, USB Port 2.0 x 4, VGA Connector for Monitor x 1, Express Card Slot x 1, SD Card Slot x 1 Connectivity: Built-in Modem V.92/V.90, Integrated Wireless LAN, Ethernet network 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T Battery: Lithium-Ion battery (VGP-BPS13B) - Battery Life 225 minutes, Actual battery life will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. Benchmark: MobileMark 2007 Video & TV software: Me&My VAIO, VAIO Content Importer / Exporter, WinDVD 8 for VAIO, VAIO Movie Story Audio software: VAIO Music Box, Windows Media Player 11 Photo software: Picture Motion Browser, VAIO Movie Story CD-DVD burning software: Easy Media Creator 9, Click to Disc/Editor Office application software: Adobe Reader 8.1, Microsoft Office Ready 2007 (60 days Try & Buy) Security & other software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 60 days free virus update), VAIO Recovery Utility - HDD recovery (hidden partition), Google software package Accessories included: AC Adaptor, Battery, Power Cord Dimensions: D 270 x H (min - max) 31.4 - 38.0 x W 360mm Weight: Weight with Supplied Battery and Supplied Drive (kg) 2.9 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

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Stripe Pyjamas, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and comfy, these pure cotton pyjamas feature a stripe design

Autograph Exclusive 3 Piece Shirt, Jacket & Tie Set, at M & S
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

M&S Black Finish Flat Panel TV Stand up to 32'', at M&S
Supports flat panel LCD and plasma TVs up to 32" Clear tempered safety glass shelves Fits up to 4 audio video components and a center channel speaker Includes a cable management system to hide wires and interconnect cables Metallic black finish Scratch resistant, powder-coated steel framing Top shelf weight capacity: 45.3kg Lower shelves weight capacity: 22.7kg Overall dimensions: H76.2 xW81.3 x D46.7cm Top shelf dimensions: W81.3 x D33cm Middle shelf dimensions: H30.2 x W81.3 x D34.3cm Lower shelf dimensions: H30.2 x W81.3 x D40cm Boxed delivery - self-assembly required This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mirrored 4 Drawer Chest, at Marks & Spencer
H80 x W102 x D45.3cm Mirrored finish with clear knobs All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more SAVE ON SETS Save when you buy this chest as part of a set (compared to normal retail prices). Click here to view the Mirrored Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Airflex™ Comfort Slip On Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Square toe Stitch detail Slip-on Shallow block heel Unique Airflex™ airflow system for unbeatable comfort

Cotton Rich Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks and Spencer
Simple and stylish, straight leg jeans are a modern classic. This pair sits below the waist and are cut to give a sleek flattering shape that's always in style. Added stretch gives the perfect fit.

Autograph Sequin Leopard Print Shopping Bag, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this leopard print shopping bag is a useful accessory with bags of style!

Bold Floral Wallpaper, at Mark & Spensers
Printed wallpaper Straight pattern repeat 53cm - The pattern runs horizontally and matches at the seam of each adjoining roll across the wall. Every roll will be the same at the ceiling Roll dimensions: W52cm x L10m Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens Printed wallpaper is not washable - sponge cleaning only Made in the UK and sourced from sustainable, renewable forests How many rolls do you need?Click here for our wallpaper calculator Complete your room with made to order curtains. Click here to view our range For a detailed view of the colour and pattern, please click on the image and use the zoom function. Please note that your monitor settings may affect how colours are displayed, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Luxury Wool Single Pleat Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Add a smart dimension to your formal wardrobe with these single pleat trousers. Allowing for more hip room, they provide a clean, crisp and well turned out look

2 Classic Non-Wired Cross-Over Bras, at M&S
Soft and comfortable, this pack of 2 full cup non-wired bras is great value. They're designed to give gentle support and a flattering fit

Silver Plated Scatter Pear Pendant Necklace, at Marks and Spencers
Clasp fastening Fine chain Scatter pear pendant Length: 41cm Extender: 8cm

12-Piece Summer Manor Dinner Set, at Marks & Spencer
12-piece set Includes 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates and 4 cereal bowls 4 dinner plates: Diam28cm 4 side plates: Diam21.5cm 4 cereal bowls: H6 x Diam14cm Fine china Floral design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this 3/4 length sleeve cardigan makes a versatile extra layer. Dress it up with smart skirts and trousers, or wear it with jeans for a casual modern look

Blue Harbour Swimming Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and fashionable, these swimming briefs give a comfortable, flattering and secure fit

Girls' Limited Double Breasted Stripe Cardigan, at Mark's & Spencer
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

Autograph Pure Silk Snake Print Kaftan, at Marks and Spencer
Luxurious and exclusive, this glamorous kaftan is beautifully designed in a flattering, fashionable silhouette for the ultimate in style. It's made from soft, comfortable fabric and finished with careful attention to detail

4 Leather Placemat, at Marks&Spencer
Pack of 4 Ridge detail, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Girls' Heart Jelly Pumps, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Slip on Cut out heart detail Jelly design Flat sole

Autograph Weekend Cotton Rich Pencil Skirt with Belt, at Marks and Spencers
Modern and stylish, this belted skirt gives a fashionable relaxed look. Casual dressing with a touch of luxury from Autograph Weekend

Pure Cotton Active Woven Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
As worn by GB Olympic pentathletes. Comfy and practical, these quick drying elasticated joggers are great for active workouts

Sony Bravia 40'' KDL-40W5500 HD Ready LCD TV, at Mark & Spencers
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: LCD Sony Bravia Engine 3 with a 40 inch viewable screen and a display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels Dynamic Contrast: 100000:1 Integrated Digital & Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: With table stand: W98.7 x H68.6 x D30.3cm, without table stand: W98.7 x H63.8 x D9.3cm Weight: inc. stand 21kg / without stand 18kg Dolby Virtual Surround and BBE Digital: Experience the effect of digital surround sound from only two front speakers with our advanced S-Force Front Surround technology Connectors: Digital Audio Output (optical) x 1, HDMI™ Inputs x 4, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs x 1, Composite Video In x 1, 4 Pin (Y/C) In (S Video), USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, Analogue Audio Inputs x 2, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x 2, BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Video/Music/Photo), AppliCast™ BRAVIA Engine 3: Enjoy images with impressive depth and clarity, optimal contrast, vibrant colours and truer-to life tones with BRAVIA ENGINE 3 24p True Cinema: Shows images at 24 frames per second just like a real cinema screen Xross Media Bar: New Sony interface to enhance the operability and ease of use Picture Frame Mode: Not watching TV? Turn it into a digital photo frame to display your own pictures or the 6 pre-installed images BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Diamanté Flowers Small Gift Bag, at Mark's & Spencer
Pink spot ribbon handle Diamant detail Floral design Approx size: H160 x W160 x D90 mm

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

Chrome Wall Clock with Temperature Gauge, at MarksandSpencer
Circular design Wall mountable Numeric characters Temperature gauge Diam 52cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Luxury Pure Cotton Wide Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Stylishly smart casual, this polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Younger Boys' Twin Riptape Strap Trainers, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Stitch detail Twin straps with riptape fastening Grip sole

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

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 Finance. 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 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."