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 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 Buildings & Contents 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 & 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spenser 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."

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 & Spencer are so useful. M+S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & 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, Buildings & Contents Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings & Contents 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 Buildings & Contents 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 Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Lightweight Pure Silk Large Giraffe Print Scarf, at Marks & Spencer
This sophisticated lightweight scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The giraffe style pattern and contrast edge design add a stylish finishing touch

Embossed Floral Flourish Your Anniversary Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: On your anniversary Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Sketchy Farm Animals Multipack of Mini Cards, at Marks & Spencers
Pack Contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Cover text: Design 1: Thank you, Design 2: Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!, Design 3: Thank you very much!, Design 4: Thank you 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: 95 x 80mm

Per Una Cotton Rich Cropped Ankle Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
A stylish cropped pair of jeans in stretch cotton featuring a slit side hem. Comes with a silver plaited belt, making it extra stylish

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at M & S
A contemporary check print makes this cotton shirt a trend-conscious choice for fashionable boys. Stylish, practical and easycare

Seville Antique Brass Robe Hook, at Marks&Spencer
Single hook Wall mounted Ideal for bath robes Brass base material with antique nickel plating H6 x W12.24 x L17.77cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Embroidered Lightweight Jersey Skirt, at Mark & Spensers
A beautiful full length jersey skirt in soft stretch fabric featuring an embroidered detail

Short Sleeve Round Neck Spongebob T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Fans of Spongebob Absorb will love this crew neck cotton t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style.

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Keyhole Feature Trunks, at Marks and Spenser
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

T397861, at Mark's & Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ethnic Hoop Earrings, at Marks and Spencer
Hook fastening Hoop style Assorted beads For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

The Floral Collection Mixed Talcs, at Marks & Spencers
Pack of 4 4 x 50g Magnolia Talcum Powder Ingredients: Talc, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), Parfum, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Citronellol, Aqua, Isoeugenol, Propylene Glycol, Eugenol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Sorbital, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben Rose Talcum Powder Ingredients: Talc, Parfum, Rosa Centifolia (Rose), Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Aqua, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben Lavender Talcum Powder Ingredients: Talc, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Parfum, Linalool, Aqua, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben Iris talcum powder Ingredients: Talc, Iris Florentina (Iris) Flower Extract, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl, Ionone, Aqua, Propylene Glycol

Marble Collection Soap Dish, at Marks and Spencer
3 drain holes Curved edges H14 x W8.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Andante Rim Cereal Bowl, at Marks and Spenser
Ideal for everyday use, durable Dishwasher and microwaveable safe Plain Diameter: 17.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Flap Pocket Ripstop Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfortable, these loose combat trousers in pure soft cotton feature multiple flap pockets and a straight leg design. Practical easycare style

Winchester Collection - Floor Lamp, at Mark's & Spencer
Conical shade Ridged top Round base 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

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Love Music T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
A motif design adds a fashionable touch to this pure soft cotton top

Linen Pasta Bowl - Beige, at Marks & Spencer
Round shape Linen floral print Diameter: 23.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stormwear™ Multi Pocket Hooded Parka, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this warmly padded jacket is lined with fleece and treated with our unique Stormwear™ technology which repels water and stains. Storm cuffs help keep arms warm and hold on gloves and inside pockets keep lunch money safe

Signature Grapefruit & Ginger Scented Filled Candle, at Marks & Spencer
Glass holder Grapefruit and ginger fragrance, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Triple Ridge Hoop Earrings, at M&S
Triple ridge detail Butterfly fastening For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Older Girls' Patent Strap School Shoes, at Mark & Spencers
Round toe Patent design Single strap with buckle fastening Plain Flat sole Easy clean

Luxury Cotton Rich Bengal Stripe Shirt with Silk, at Marks & Spencer
The superior quality, cut and detailing on this luxurious pure cotton and silk shirt are inspired by Jermyn Street tailors. A sophisticated style with a great fit

Simple First Words Let's Talk Book, at Mark & Spencers
By pressing the buttons and matching the sounds to the pictures again and again, children will quickly and easily learn simple first words and develop their speech

Paddington Bear, at Marks and Spenser
Join Paddington and the Browns as they start their adventures at Paddington Station and relive the classic story in this charming picture book

Rosina Footstool, at Marks and Spencer
H41 x W56 x D56cm Seat: H45cm (all dimensions are approximate) Cushion filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support 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

PlayStation®3 Heavenly Sword™ Game, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 15+ Released September 2007 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 *Must be returned with the tamper seal intact for full refund, ESRB Rating: Teen

Sonoma 3-Door Glazed Top Unit with Lights, at Marks and Spencer
H110 x W179 x D33cm 3 doors 6 adjustable glass shelves Shelves made from safety-tested toughened glass Internal lights with separate on/off switch Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Door frames made from solid wood. Door panels made from White Oak veneer Side and back made from White Oak veneer 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 Why use veneers? Unlike solid timber, veneer does not twist/warp/split to the same degree. Only the finest logs are used in veneer production. It is environmentally sound and traditional - much of the finest cabinetry in the world is veneered Care & Cleaning - Wipe with a soft clean cloth and use a mild furniture cleaner or polish occasionally. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of Knee Length Socks, at Marks & Spensers
Perfect for the school year ahead, these knee length socks are oh so smart. The elastane ribbed tops ensure they'll stay up all day

3 Button Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. A look that's always in style

Shopping for financial products at M+S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M+S Money 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 Marks & Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M+S Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M+S Money website.