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 Spenser 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 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.

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 Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at M+S 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."

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark & Spencers 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 Motor 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 & 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.

Leather Tramline Riptape Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
Tramline design Square toe Stitch detail Riptape fastening Ruched feature Grip sole

Portfolio Pure Linen Parisienne Skirt, at Marks & Spencer
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

Dan's Mouse with Gift 21st Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: 21 today! Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Charlotte 2-Seater Sofa, at M&S
H94 x W158 x D96cm Seat H50cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H77cm (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 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 Feet are castors 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

Plain Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks & Spencers
Modern and stylish, these bikini bottoms are outstanding value. Style and quality at a great price

Cork Screw, at Marks and Spencer
Ergonomic grip handle This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Stripe Double Oven Mitts, at Marks & Spencers
Double mitten Ribbed Storage loop Stripe design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lyon Cereal Bowl, at M&S
Rib detail Diam 14cm H8cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Starry Girl Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover Text: Have a fab birthday Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Satin Trim Bootleg Linen Blend Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootleg trousers 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

The Mini Sudoku Puzzle Book, at Marks and Spenser
You don't need a knowledge of mathematics to solve a Sudoku puzzle, all you require is a logical mind and a pencil no wonder they're so addictive! From Warm-up Sudoku and Challenging levels to Expert and Twin Sudoku, this selection of puzzles will test your solving skills

Cinderella Carriage Cake, at Marks and Spencer
25 portions Sponge cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Total size: 18 x 9.5cm 2.025kg total weight Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 65 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Whether you're travelling the world or staying closer to home, our travel shirts are specially designed to keep you looking and feeling your best. Crease resistant to maintain a smart appearance, a special finish draws moisture away from the body to keep you cool while the incredibly breathable shirt fabric is woven to maximise the flow of air between the yarns

Girls' Limited Pure Cotton Mock Layer Dress with Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
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

Chunky Link Skinny Chain Belt, at Marks & Spencers
Dress up your fashionable outfits with this smart chunky link chain belt

Naomi Sunglasses, at M&S
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Per Una Square Neck Floral Top, at M&S
A casual square neck top in a soft cotton blend, the floral neckline gives it the Per Una touch

4 Ruby Mugs - Red, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 4 Stripe design H9cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Flat Front Plain Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this suit is outstanding value! It's made from comfortable hardwearing fabric, ideal for everyday wear

My First Bible, at Marks n Spencer
From Noah's ark to the Story of Easter, the Bible's best-loved stories are re-told alongside beautiful illustrations. Perfect for reading aloud to your child or grandchild, with fun activities

Collezione Pure Cotton Twill Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
Italian style is renowned for its attention to detail. Each collezione piece 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 shirt to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

2 Pure Cotton Fitted Cot Sheets, at Marks and Spencer
Pack of 2 Fitted design Plain, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Formula Age Defence Revitalising Day Cream + Vitamin C, at M&S
SPF15 Contains vitamin C and white tea Helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles Hypoallergenic 50ml

Click Blu-ray DVD, at Marks n Spencer
Rating Suitable for 12 years and over,

5 Older Girls' Pure Cotton Assorted Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Cute and trendy, this pack of 5 cotton briefs makes a great way to stock up on essential style

Snap Trilby with Linen, at Marks & Spencer
Make a stylish impression with this trilby. It adds a smart touch to formalwear and looks contemporary with casuals

Per Una Dip Dye A-Line Skirt, at Marks & Spensers
A colourful A-line skirt in a soft cotton blend featuring dip dye design

Ring Trim Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these flattering bikini bottoms are designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Post Surgery Rio Floral Print Bra with Silk, at Marks and Spencers
Glamorous and luxurious, this floral bra is made from soft microfibre fabric and gives a gently supportive fit and a flattering shape

Per Una Leather Three Button Pumps, at Marks and Spenser
Round toe Button detail Slip on Flat sole Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Besides Marks and Spenser Motor Insurance, M&S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money 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 Money 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 Spenser purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money 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.