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 MarksandSpencer, 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 Buildings 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 and 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings 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 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."

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

• M&S Insurance: M&S Car Insurance, M&S Buildings 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 and Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

4 Bude Mugs, at MarksandSpencer
Set of 4 Suitable for everyday use Ribbed detail H9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ceriso Embroidered Bow Low Rise Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
Flirty and fashionable, these modern shorts feature bow embroidery and a lace and ribbon trim. The low rise, low leg style gives a flattering, shapely fit. Designed for women who want the latest look

5 Pairs of Long Ribbed School Socks, at Marks and Spencer
Why spend too much on school socks when you can get this great value pack right here? Durable and comfortable, they're just the ticket for school days

Soft Fleece Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spencers
Relax in style and comfort in this cosy dressing gown made from soft fleece

Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Stripe Jacket, at Mark & Spensers
Smart and contemporary, this suit is made from a special wool rich fabric for extra strength, comfort and durability

Laser Cut Fuchsias Daughter-in-Law Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday to a Very Special Daughter-in-law Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 x 126mm

Pure Cotton Mock Layer Comic Print Top, at Mark & Spensers
Fun and fashionable, this long sleeve top in soft cotton features a comic print. A practical easycare style

Non Iron Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Marks and Spenser
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

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Heart Print Top, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and fashionable this pure cotton heart print top is outstanding value

Autograph Plain Tie, at Marks & Spensers
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

2 Pairs of Assorted Colour Stripe Socks, at Marks & Spenser
Get a fabulous, fashionable look with these assorted design socks. They're made from comfortable soft stretch cotton for a great fit and shape retention

Floral Print Swim Shorts, at M+S
Sure to make a splash, these colourful shorts feature a floral print. The tie fastening waist helps give a secure fit. Fashionable, practical and easycare

Sprung-Edge Non-storage Divan & M200 Mattress, at Marks and Spencers
Single Mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size Mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single Divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double Divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L90cm King Size Divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size Divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan Height: 41cm Mattress has a soft pillowtop layer Mattress Spring Count: 522 Can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and Divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Watercolour Flowers 'Just To Say' Multipack of Cards, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Just to Say... Inside message: Blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 1 design Approx size: Unfolded: 120 x 120mm

Halterneck Swimsuit, at Marks & Spencer
Feminine and glamorous, this swimsuit is designed to fit and flatter. The halterneck makes it even more stylish

Long Sleeve Snake Print Cardigan, at Marks and Spencer
Modern and stylish, this cardigan features a snake print design. A versatile, easywear style

Saint Saturnin Réserve les Moulies Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
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

Blue Harbour Plain Linen Shorts, at M & S
Think smart on those warmer days and nights with the design of these great value shorts. Pair with sandals and a T-shirt or team with a short sleeve shirt and boat shoes for a dressier casual look

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Vest & Shorts Set, at MarksandSpencer
Fabulous and modern, this vest and shorts set is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. Theyre made from soft stretch cotton and designed to fit and flatter. Casual, contemporary fashion

Autograph Pure Cashmere Oversize Scarf, at M+S
Indulge in a touch of luxury with this oversize cashmere scarf which looks and feels beautiful

Pretty Perfect Iron Design Picture Beads, at Mark's & Spencer
Suitable for ages 3-6 years Contains a rainbow of tiny beads and design templates Approx 2500 beads Size of 4 templates: 100 x 100mm Size of large template: 145 x 145mm Develops creativity This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Floral With Love Mum Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: With love Mum Inside Message: Have a fantastic day Approx Size: 220 mm x 220 mm

Bamboo Duck Board, at Marks & Spenser
Slated design Approx size: H3 x W36.3 x L56.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

New Arrival Birds New Baby Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: New arrival Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Floral Print Corduroy Skirt, at Mark & Spensers
Fresh and feminine, this corduroy skirt is made from cool soft cotton. It's designed for a comfortable, flattering fit and an elegantly groomed look

Footglove™ Leather Wide Fit Trouser Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Stretch panel Slip on Lined Mid heel Heel height 54mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

3 Authentic Woven Pure Cotton Boxers, at Marks&Spencer
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy boxers are ideal for everyday wear

Rosina 2-Seater Occasional Sofa Bed, at Marks & Spencers
H85 x W174 x D97cm (extends to L233cm) Seat H47cm (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 Mattress dimensions: L180 x W112 x D6cm Foam mattress rests on polypropylene base Mattress recommended for occasional use Sofa Bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg 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™ - 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

Text Nephew Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: Happy birthday nephew Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 215 x 150mm

Wide Strap Mules, at Marks & Spensers
Open toe Stitch detail Flat sole

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