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&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 & Contents 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 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 Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spenser 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 Marks & Spenser 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 & Contents 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 & Spensers, 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.

Pasta Recipe Book, at Marks and Spencer
Pasta - food for passion, food for life! For food that puts the colour and fun back into your life, look no further than pasta. Infinitely versatile and always delicious, pasta allows you to cook up a storm in the kitchen and whip up Italian delights that cannot fail to impress. Invite over the family, gather around the kitchen table and tuck into some truly inspirational food. For fail-safe ideas that take the minimum of effort, look no further than the recipes inside this book

Seville Antique Brass Tumbler, at Marks & Spencers
Wall mounted, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Detachable Faux Fur Hooded Parka, at Marks and Spencer
A cosy funnel neck jacket featuring a detachable faux fur hood.

M&S Chocolate Fountain, at Marks and Spencer
3 tiers Red base unit Easy-to-use dial settings Stainless steel 95 watt Easy to assemble and operate Durable, heat resistant tower Dimensions: H35cm 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, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Adored Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Nightdress, at Marks & Spencer
Stylish and elegant, this flattering nightdress is part of our feminine Adored collection. It's made from the softest fabrics for the ultimate in comfort

Older Girls' Lace-Up Basic Trainers, at Marks & Spencers
Sporty and stylish, these comfortable trainers feature mesh detail and lace-up fastening

5 Pairs of Star Sports Sock, at Marks & Spencers
Fun and fashionable, these soft cotton socks feature assortred designs

4 Nail Care Emery Boards, at Mark's & Spencer
Pack of 4 Ideal for shaping natural nails

Sony 52'' KDL- 52V4000 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks and Spencer
HD Ready 1080p: HD 1080p compatible to display High Definition signals in breathtaking quality, i.e. Playstation 3, Blu-Ray, etc. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) delivers crystal-clear, digital audio and video signals using a single cable. 1080p is the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use Display: 52 inch LCD screen with 6.2 megapixels Contrast Ratio: Dynamic contrast 33000:1 Integrated Digital and Cable Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ channels and radio stations (subject to coverage) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: With table stand 126.2 x 87.1 x 34.7cm, without table stand 126.2 x 82.9 x 11.9cm Weight: Weight Inc. Stand (kg) 38, Weight Without Stand (Kg) 32 Surround Sound Effect: BBE ViVA high quality sound and built-in Virtual Dolby creating the effect of full surround sound from only 2 front speakers Connections: Digital Audio Output (optical), 3 x HDMI™ Inputs, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, 1 x Component Inputs, Composite Video In, 3.5mm MiniJack (Head/Earphone), PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, RF In, 2 x Scart Inputs (RGB) and BRAVIA Sync BRAVIA Engine 2: Experience incredibly clear and defined images with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 picture enhancement technology and Advanced Contrast Enhancer Live Colour Creation: Delivers natural colour like no other 24p True Cinema: Shows films at 24 frames per second, just like a real cinema BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button 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 Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Linen 3/4 Length Pintuck Front Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
For casual elegance, you can't beat this pintuck feature top. A great value linen essential

Airflex™ Comfort Slip On Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Stitch detail Slip-on Shallow block heel Unique Airflex™ airflow system for unbeatable comfort

Oak & Metal Photo Frame 20 x 25cm (8 x 10"), at Marks and Spenser
Wide border Rectangle shape Aperture: 20 x 25cm (8 x 10''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Leaf Tapestry Pencil Pleat Curtains, at Marks and Spencer
Embroidered leaf design Pencil pleat Lined Comes in standard 168cm/66'' (STD) and wider 219cm/86'' (WDR) widths Also comes in three drop lengths: short (137cm/54''), medium (183cm/72''), long (229cm/90'') How to measure for window dressings: Click here for a guide to measuring for curtains, pelmets and roman blinds., Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Stripe Satin Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
This luxurious shirt is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Its fine quality and careful attention to detail make it a superior and stylish modern classic

Per Una Cotton Rich Cropped Jeans, at Marks n Spencer
A stylish cropped pair of jeans in stretch cotton featuring a slit side hem. Comes with a silver plaited belt, making it extra stylish

Autograph Pure Silk Leaves Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Union Jack Keyring, at Mark's & Spencer
You'll never lose your keys again with this eye-catching Union Jack keyring

Pure Cotton Lined Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable and practical, these cotton jeans are hardwearing and comfy. Contrast stitch detail gives a trendy look

5 Cotton Rich Floral Feature Full Briefs, at Mark's & Spencer
Stylish and flattering, these full briefs give complete coverage at the front and back and are extremely comfortable to wear

Per Una Assorted Button Longline Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
A fashionable long sleeve cardigan featuring a front pockets and assorted button detail

Silver Band Wine Glass, at MarksandSpencer
Silver band Long stem Wide base Height: 27.5cm Capacity: 35cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Margaux La Petite Echoppe 2006 - Case of 6, at Mark & Spensers
Style: Full-bodied Grape variety: Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl Alcohol by volume: 13% 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

Younger boys' Cars Wellie Boots, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Lightning Mc Queen image Check and car print Lined Disney / Pixar

Pure Cotton Ottoman Placemat, at Marks & Spensers
Ribbed design Rectangle shape, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pairs of Cotton Rich Spot & Stripe Design Socks, at MarksandSpencer
These classic cotton rich socks are soft, breathable and comfortable. Added stretch gives a great fit

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Denim Jeans, at Mark's & Spencer
Relaxed and casual, these straight leg jeans are made with stretch for comfort and ease of movement

Pure Cotton Batman Mock Layer T-Shirt with Cape, at Marks & Spencers
Fans of Batman will love this pure cotton mock layer t-shirt featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Pure Cotton V-Neck Jumper and Polo Shirt, at MarksandSpencer
This fashionable layered look is a 2 piece set, a polo shirt and jumper both in soft comfortable cotton. Stylish, practical and easycare

Cotton Rich Coolmax® Flat Sheet, at Marks and Spencer
Plain Easycare Perfect for use with our range of cool cotton duvets and protectors 220 thread count for a smooth crisp finish that requires minimal ironing Comes in single, double, kingsize and super-kingsize Depth 25cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

5 Pairs of 10 Denier Matt Look Tights, at Marks & Spencers
Complete with added stretch for shape retention and essential comfort. These simply outstanding tights are a terrific option for ensuring your legs look and feel their everyday best

Marks and Spenser may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Buildings & Contents 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 Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of M&S Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M+S Money loans, credit cards or Buildings & Contents Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M+S Money 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 Money insurance products (Buildings & Contents 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 & Spensers insurance products in document format too.