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 M+S, through its Marks & Spencer Money 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 & Contents Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencer Money 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 Marks & Spencer Money website:

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

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

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

PlayStation®2 Jak X Game, at Marks and Spenser
Race and battle over 20 stunning tracks and eight huge open terrain arenas Cause chaos in over a dozen unique, fully customisable and destructible combat vehicles Features online play for a host of combat racers 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. You must be 12 years of age or over to purchase this product 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, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Adored Pansy Lace Non-Padded Bra, at Mark & Spensers
Soft and stylish, this gently supportive bra is made from the softest fabric and lace, so it's blissfully comfortable to wear. It's structured for secure support and a natural uplifted shape. Feminine everyday lingerie

Linen Blend Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this tailored single breasted jacket is made from a crisp, cool linen blend

Silver Wedding Anniversary Script Heart Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Congratulations on your Silver Anniversary Inside message: blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the worlds forests for the future 175 x 125 mm

Dualit Vario 6 Slot Toaster - Chrome, at Marks and Spencer
Hand built in England - as identified by the individual assembler's mark on the base plate Designed for use in commercial kitchens Patented, award-winning ProHeat elements Mechanical timer to control toasting Capacity 2, 4 or 6 slices Manually operated eject lever to keep items warm until needed Selector switch - use only the slots required Adjustable inner wire guard to grip toast Replaceable/ repairable parts Easy cleaning with a stainless steel cover High lift mechanism to remove small items easily Extra wide 28mm slots to accommodate larger items and the optional sandwich cage Concealed crumb tray Adjustable rear foot Dimensions: W46 x H21 x D22cm Weight: 5.1kg 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Terri Straight Leg Trousers, at M+S
Textured straight leg trousers featuring front flap pockets

Detroit 3 Door Glazed Top Unit, at Marks & Spensers
H100 x W145 x D35cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs Solid oak doors Side panels made with oak veneer Top panels made from 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

Recycled Stormwear™ & Stain Defence™ Junior Blazer, at Marks&Spencer
Smart and innovative, this blazer is treated with Stormwear™ and Stain Defence™ to repel water and stains. It's made from polyester from 100% recycled sources. It features a contrast coloured lining and has an inside zipped pocket to keep lunch money safe

Bare Cooling Sheer Hold-Ups, at M & S
Never lose your cool again in warmer weather with our Bare Cooling hold-ups. Crafted from a revolutionary Japanese yarn, their incredibly lightweight design releases a cooling sensation to your legs as you wear them

Limited Collection Plain Leggings, at Marks & Spencer
Complete with a full length and understated design, these great leggings are the perfect partner for this season's trendy tunics and denim minis

Floral Pattern Mug, at Marks & Spencer
Floral design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ingredients Lemon Sugar Body Scrub, at Marks & Spencers
Lemon fragrance Approx 200ml

Compact Spot Print Umbrella, at Marks n Spencer
This lightweight and compact collapsible umbrella fits easily into your handbag or briefcase so you'll never be left out in the rain again

Cashmilon™ Long Sleeve Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and flattering, this long sleeve cardigan is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features a button fastening

Bow Detail Mid Heel Ankle Boots, at Marks and Spenser
Almond toe Stitch and bow detail Zip fastening Block mid heel Heel height: 69mm Comes in sizes 3-8, including half size

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Front Frill Stripe Top, at Mark's & Spencer
A modern 3/4 sleeve top in soft fabric featuring a front frill detail and button placket

Château Gressina 2007 - Case of 12, at Mark & Spensers
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

2 Easycare Short Sleeve Shirts, at Marks and Spencer
Combining great value with convenience, these short sleeve shirts make an excellent wardrobe staple

Handcrafted Love You Laser Cut Wife Valentine Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: I Love You Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 220 x 220mm

Autograph Pure Wool Single Breasted 1 Button Stripe Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
The only choice for the sharp dresser: Autograph's stylish designer-quality collection boasts the finest fabrics and closest attention to detail for an impeccable contemporary look

Leather Canoe Moccasins, at Marks and Spencer
Slip on Square toe Double stitch detail Small heel

Older Girls' 8 Pack Short and Vest Set, at Marks and Spencer
A cute and comfy matching set in a soft cotton featuring a centre bow

Pure Cotton Dobby Stripe Nightshirt, at Marks and Spenser
Pretty and feminine, this dobby stripe nightshirt is made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Collezione Luxury Wool Rich Twin Pleat Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
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 these trousers to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

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

Collezione Pure Silk Mixed Stripe Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and luxurious, this pure silk tie is part of Collezione, a sophisticated menswear collection inspired by Italian tailoring

Bodysensor™ 40 Denier Opaque Bodyshaper Tights, at Marks and Spencer
These comfortable 40 denier opaque tights are made with added stretch and a reinforced toe for durability. They feature bodysensor™ technology to keep you warm when its cool and cool when its warm

Malabar 3-Door Glass Unit, at Marks and Spencers
H114 x W174 x D47cm 6 adjustable shelves Sideboard sold separately Made from solid mango wood Treated with a protective low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability Fitted with antique-brass-effect handles Glass doors are made from safety-tested toughened glass 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this unit as part of a set. Click here to view the Malabar Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Short Sleeve Dog Print T-Shirt, at M&S
A dog print adds a cute touch to this soft cotton top.

Younger Boys' Lace-Up Lights Trainers, at Marks & Spensers
Round toe Mesh panel design Lace-up

When you're shopping at Marks & Spensers 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 Marks & Spencer Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings & Contents Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the Marks & Spencer 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."