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 Marks and Spencers, 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Marks and Spenser Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Financial Services you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M&S Financial Services, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from M & S, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

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.

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

Classic Collection Pure Cotton V-Neck Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfortable, this long 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

Saint Saturnin Réserve les Moulies Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault Country of origin: France Closure: Synthetic cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 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

Bamboo Bath Bridge, at Mark's & Spencer
Wooden design Approx size: H6.2 x W15 x L85cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Champagne 90th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: 90 Happy Birthday Inside message: Have a wonderful day! Approx size: Unfolded: 175 mm x 125 mm

Wooden Body Hair Brush, at Marks and Spencer
Wooden handle Rounded pins Square brush FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests FSC Trademark FSC Forest Stewardship Council, A.C. All rights reserved

Pure Cotton Cropped Cargo Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
A stylish summer staple at home or on holiday. Just add a t-shirt and flip flops

Fox Hollow Single Vineyard Semillon 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Semillon Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 11.5% vol Alcohol units per bottle 8.6 Alcohol units per 125ml 1.4 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

The Floral Collection Iris Talcum Powder, at Marks & Spenser
200g Iris fragrance

Large Glass Tank Vase, at MarksandSpencer
Square base Plain H40 x diam 15cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Belted Denim Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and fashionable, these relaxed denim shorts make a great choice for warmer weather

Nail Care Cushioned Emery Boards, at Marks and Spencer
Pack of 2 Cushioned Ideal for natural or artificial nails

Botteghino Chianti 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry, medium bodied Grape variety: 100% Sangiovese Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.4 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

Autograph Cross Strap Riding Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Cross strap buckle fastening Front seam Stitch detail Knee high Block heel

Rose & Lily Bouquet, at Marks and Spencer
An elegant combination of stunning Oriental Lilies and white and pink Roses, complimented by lush tropical foliage Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Black Flock Son 18th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Happy 18th birthday son Inside message: Wishing you a great day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future 175 x 126mm

Hand Finished Traditional Scene Mother's Day Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: To a dear Mum... May this Mothering Sunday be filled with as much happiness as you give to those around you... Inside message: With love Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Autograph Mineral Face Powder, at Marks & Spencer
Hypoallergenic

Organic Le Bosquet de la Dame 2007 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spensers
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Syrah, Grenache Country: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Ultimate Non-Iron Pure Cotton Plain Long Sleeve Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Offering natural comfort and durability, this crisp pure cotton shirt has a specially crafted non-iron design for a no-fuss appearance. A cutaway collar offers a contemporary focus matched with formal french cuffs

Cats Desk Calendar, at Marks and Spencer
3D effect Dimensions: 155 x 180mm

Petaluma Tiers Chardonnay 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry, full bodied Grape Variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Australia Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Safe Sun Lobster Swimwear, at Mark's & Spencer
Play it safe with this cute sunsuit and desert cap set. It is designed for good coverage while the comfy stretch fabric lets him run around freely

Château de Saÿe 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Full Bodied Grape variety: Merlot and Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France Closure: Bottle: 6 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

Wentworth Footstool, at Mark's & Spencer
H42 x W70 x D70cm Seat H50cm (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 Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength rames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Feet are castors 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 08457 624 624 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Mixed Bead Multi Strand Necklace, at Marks & Spenser
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Rope chain Multi strand design Mixed bead Necklace length 46cm, extendable by 8cm

Sonoma Dark Dining Table & 6 Alton Fabric Dining Chairs Set, at Marks & Spenser
7 piece set Table: H76 x L180 x W100cm Extends to L230cm Seats 6 people, comes with extension leaf to seat 8 Extension leaf can be stored beneath the table top Chair: H99 x W46 x D56cm Chairs made from solid walnut with fabric seat Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Chairs made from solid wood Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength Legs made from solid hardwood 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Piedmont Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay & Cortese Country of origin: Italy Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 12% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.5 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

M&S Internet Radio with iPod® Dock, at Marks and Spencer
Access over 11000 radio stations from around the world iPod speaker system with charging and full iPod control Media streaming of MP3/WMA/Real Audio files from mac or PC Podcast and 'listen again' service compatible Electronic alarm clock functionality with sleep and snooze Connect to internet via built-in Wi-Fi or wired LAN Compact remote control Frequency: 802.11b/g. Band III 174-240 Mhz FM 87.5-108.5 Wi-Fi audio files format support: MP3, WMA, Real Audio Speaker: Full range 2.5'' neodymium drive unit, 6 watt class D amplifier Connectors: 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm AUX IN, stereo RCA Presents: 10 internet radio, 10 FM radio presets LCD display: 2 x 16 character LCD display with icons Power supply: 240V AC to 9V DC external power adaptor Dimensions:H70 x W255 x D120mm Compatable with iPod classic, iPod nano generations 1, 2, 3 & 4, iPod touch generations 1 & 2 * 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

Younger Girls' Dip Dye Sunglasses, at Mark & Spensers
Cute and colourful, these dip dye sunglasses will give her a touch of star style!

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 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 and 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."