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 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 & Spensers, 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 Motor 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.

Besides M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Finance Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Finance Buildings 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 Buildings Insurance and Standard Buildings 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.

When you're shopping at Marks & 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 Buildings Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks n 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."

Sonoma Dark Double Wardrobe and 2 Bedroom Chests Set, at Marks and Spenser
3 piece set Wardrobe: H200 x W90 x D65cm 1 hanging rail and 1 shelf 2 doors and 1 drawer Chests: H60 x W45 x D45cm Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid hardwood. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Elongated wooden handles 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 Handles made from solid wood Legs made from solid hardwood Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a solid Oak edging for strength 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

Regal Twist Silver Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Twisted strands Clasp fastening Length: 46cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

TomTom GO 540 Live Satellite Navigation System with LIVE Services, at Marks & Spensers
Access TomTom LIVE services A real-time connection to the latest traffic information straight to your device. Automatic updates also provide real-time safety camera alerts, fuel prices, weather, and Google search for local shops and businesses. Updates are sent directly to the SIM card of your TomTom device - no need to activate anything or connect a mobile phone Maps: Full door to door maps of the UK & ROI are pre-loaded Display: 4.3" widescreen 16:9 format LCD (WQVGA: 480 x 272 pixels) LIVE Services: Your navigation experience got even smarter! You are connected to real-time information with premium services like HD Traffic, Safety Alerts, Local Search with Google and Fuel Prices so you always have access to useful and relevant information en route IQ Routes™ technology: Calculates your routes based on the real average speeds measured on roads. This will always provide you with the smartest route hour-by-hour, day-by-day, saving you time, money and fuel Voice command and control The latest in speech recognition technology lets you control your TomTom GO using voice commands. From planning a route to making a call, over 100 tasks are easily activated by voice, making your drive smoother and safe TomTom Map Share™ technology: Make corrections to your own map and benefit from thousands of corrections made by TomTom users every day - free of charge Latest map guarantee: Your device houses our best maps and our latest map guarantee makes you right up to date. If we release a new version of your device's map within 30 days of your purchase, you can download that map for free via TomTom HOME Active Dock: Gives you easy docking and charging to optimise your TomTom GO for daily use Plug & Go: No installation needed, works straight out of the box Battery: High quality lithium-polymer battery giving upto 3 hours autonomous battery life Sound: Echo cancellation and noise reduction give you excellent sound quality when calling hands-free. The high quality speaker Get voice instructions and enjoy songs and hands-free phone calls with remarkable sound quality at the volume that you want Extra Features: QuickGPSfix™, TomTom HOME desktop software, Bluetooth remote control (optional), 1GB internal flash memory and a microSD card socket compatible with microSD cards Dimensions: W127 x H85 x D23mm Weight: 224g 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 Please note: TomTom LIVE Services is a subscription service. A free 3 month trial is included TomTom Ticket 2 Drive savings when you purchase this product before 30th September 2009. Click here for more information

Per Una Petal Shoulder Bag, at Mark & Spensers
A floral detail makes this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

Portfolio Short Sleeve Jersey Top, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

2 Cotton Rich Cropped Leggings, at Marks & Spensers
Stock up on essentials for less! This great value pack of 2 cropped leggings is comfortable, practical, fashionable and easycare

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Denim Mini Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
Get casual cool in this stretch denim mini skirt by Limited Collection. A stylish choice for this season's looks

Cotton Rich Plain Hooded Top, at Marks & Spencer
This sporty hooded top is made from comfortable cotton rich fabric with stretch, giving you that extra bit of freedom to move. The ideal choice for workouts or relaxing afternoons

Classic Collection Velour Wedge Slippers, at Marks & Spenser
Trim detail Velour finish Low wedge heel Floral lining

Traidcraft Embroidered Floral Handbag Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover Text: Blank Inside message: blank for your own message Approx size: 138 x 138mm

Crease Resistant Single Pleat Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

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

Collezione Oxford Dress Shoe, at Marks & Spencer
Round toe Lace up Stitch detail Block heel

Ratatouille DVD, at Marks & Spenser
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

White Ceramic Collection Soap Dispenser, at Mark & Spensers
Part of the White Ceramic collection. A bright, clean look for your bathroom at an outstanding value price

Facet Detail Sunglasses, at M&S
A hot look for summer, these fabulous facet detail sunglasses add instant style and glamour

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted Jacket, at Mark & Spensers
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

Stain Defence™ & Stormwear™ Centre Crease Cargo Trousers, at Marks n Spencer
These modern cargo style trousers are treated with Stain Defence™ and Stormwear™ technologies, so they repel water and stains. An adjustable waist gives a perfectly comforatable fit for longer. They're non-iron for convenience - for best results, machine wash, tumble dry and hang straight away

Tapestry Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks & Spencers
Square shape Corner tassels Size: 50cm x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Girls' Canvas Trainers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Lace up Metallic finish Canvas design Flat sole

Autograph Pure Cotton Henley Neck Top, at Marks & Spencer
Casual and contemporary, this short sleeve top is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make it exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Collezione Pure Merino Wool Slipover, at Marks and Spenser
Part of our exclusive Autograph collection, this luxurious slipover is made from pure merino wool so it feels soft and comfortable to wear. Practical as well as stylish, it's hardwearing and keeps its shape

Autograph Long Sleeve Satin Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary satin stripe design

Valentine's Day Tissue Pack with Stickers, at M & S
Contains: 3 sheets tissue and 10 stickers Approx size: each sheet 500 x 700mm

Pure Cotton Hooded Waxed Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Stylish and fashionable, this pure cotton hooded waxed jacket makes a comfortable and practical choice

Classic Coated Leather Square Buckle Belt, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this leather belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Classic Ceramic Toilet Roll Holder, at Marks and Spencers
Ceramic and stainless steel design H12 x W16 x D6cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Ladder Resist 10 Denier Tights, at Mark & Spencers
This is hosiery at its finest - these innovative superfine matt tights are lightweight, ladder resistant and a dream to wear

Sprung-Edge Suede Divan with 4 Large Drawers & M100 Mattress, at Marks & Spensers
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 L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 22cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawers: H14 x W78 x D52cm Mattress has dust-free polyester fibre filling Mattress spring count: 288 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

Marks and Spencer may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and Spencer do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M&S Finance website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Money Direct products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Finance loans, credit cards or Buildings Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Finance can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Finance insurance products (Buildings Insurance, Motor Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks and Spencer insurance products in document format too.