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 Spencers 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 Mark & Spensers, through its M&S Financial Services 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 & 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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property 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 Financial Services. 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 Financial Services, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Financial Services 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."

Shopping for financial products at M&S Financial Services UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks & Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Financial Services website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Property 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 Financial Services in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Financial Services website.

Small Kangaroo Soft Toy, at Marks&Spencer
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Approx 21cm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Ultimate Grandad Collar Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
This Ultimate Linen shirt has a unique added performance that helps keep you cool, dry and fresh by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing odour, while also helping your linen to stay smart throughout the day. It's also easy to iron, so looking your best is now easier than ever

Autograph Microfibre & Cashmere Filled 10.5 Duvet, at Marks & Spensers
10.5 tog Ideal for Spring and Autumn use, or all round use in homes with central heating 300 thread count and 100% cotton jacquard cover Non-allergenic Pocket construction for even warmth Comes in single, double, 5ft and 6ft sizes Which tog? Tog measures the warmth of a duvet based on its ability to trap warm air. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet. The perfect tog is a personal choice which can depend upon you and your home, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Hip Wallets, at Marks & Spencer
Smart, stylish and practical, leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Corsage Cardigan, at Marks & Spenser
A sophisticated 3/4 sleeve cardigan in a chunky knitted fabric featuring a stripe design and floral corsage

Pleated Corduroy Skirt with Tights, at Marks & Spencers
Pretty and fashionable, this corduroy skirt with tights is outstanding value!

Golf Lite Umbrella, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and easy to carry, the practical design of this handy umbrella is the perfect solution for dealing with sudden downpours

Cotton Rich Embroidered Animal Top & Dungaree Set, at Marks & Spencer
Soft fabrics, fashionable designs and cute finishing touches make our babywear range outstanding. This high quality, great value top and dungaree set is designed to keep baby looking adorable and feeling comfy and happy

Pure Cotton Plain Eyelet Curtains, at Marks & Spencer
Plain Comes in standard 130cm/51in (STD) and wider 168cm/66in (WDR) widths Comes in 2 drop lengths: short (137cm/54in) and long (229cm/90in) How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Modal Blend Secret Support™ Pyjama Top, at Marks and Spenser
Flattering and feminine, this top is made with Secret Support™ which gives gentle support and a flattering, defined shape. A soft, comfortable style

Rectangle Face Faux Snake Skin Watch, at Marks and Spencers
Rectangle face Analogue Roman numerals Diamant detail Pearlescent bands Faux snake skin design Adjustable strap

St Hallett Unearthed Shiraz Durif Tempranillo 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Shiraz, Durif, Tempranillo Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Clocktower Pinot Noir 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Mixed Bead Necklace, at M & S
Mixed bead design Adjustable length Clasp fastening Necklace length: 53cm, extentable by 5cm

Dinosaur Hunt Activity Pack, at M+S
Suitable for ages 5+ years Includes dinosaur activity book, dinosaur fact file, 2 x prehistoric board games, 4 x fearsome playing pieces and board game spinner Helps kid's learn more about the mysterious world of dinosaurs Imaginative play This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Non Iron Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and innovative, this easycare shirt has a special finish on the fabric and is cleverly constructed to make it non-iron. A great time saver, ideal for work wear

Weave Print Oval Sunglasses, at M+S
Bold, dark and oversized, these stunning shades are a fabulous choice for embracing this season's love affair with classic glamour

Friday Night Whites - Case of 12, at Marks n Spencer
3 Alta Mira Sauvignon Blanc 2008: A fresh, dry Sauvignon Blanc from the Central Valley in Chile, this has a mouthwatering, zesty aroma and clean citrus flavours 3 Hungarian Pinot Grigio 2008: A refreshing aromatic white with vivacious fruity flavours of limes, tangerines and melons 3 Gascogne Cuve Spciale 2008: If you like dry, refreshing white wines, you'll love the mouthwatering flavour of crisp lemons and pears... 3 Quadro Sei Single Estate Gavi 2008: A premium dry white from one of Italy's most renowned wine-producing regions, Piedmont. Look out for the delicious fruity flavour of lime, pear and apricot, a subtle hint of almond and a fresh, ripe, zesty finish You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Floral Type Wonderful Mum Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: To a wonderful Mum, With love to you on your Birthday Inside message: Have a lovely day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Ruched Floral Bedcover, at Marks n Spencer
Rouched flower design 250 x 265cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Plain Moulded Underwired Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Smooth and versatile, this moulded bra is ideal for everyday wear. It's underwired and shaped for an uplifted natural look

Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2006, Central Otago - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry and full bodied Grape variety: Pinot Noir Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw cap 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

Classic Ceramic Towel Ring, at Marks & Spensers
Ceramic and stainless steel design H16 x W15 x D6cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Girls' Limited Diamanté Button Cropped Cargo Trousers, at M&S
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

Multi Strand Mixed Bead Necklace, at Marks & Spencer
Clasp fastening Mixed scatter bead design Chain necklace Necklace length 81cm Extender

Per Una Swirl Print Blouse, at Marks n Spencer
A beautiful swirl print blouse featuring a ruffle trim and contract stitch detail

Collezione Cotton Rich Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
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

Pure Cotton Checked Crop Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks and Spencers
Pretty and feminine, these cropped pyjama bottoms are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Portfolio Slinky Parisienne Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Mixed bead design Slinky parisienne style Multi strand feature Necklace length 81cm, extendable by 8cm

Formula Revival Double Action Eye Make Up Remover, at Marks & Spencers
Pommegranate and cactus to soothe Pro-vitamin 5 to moisturise and condition Removes even mascara Dramatic results

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