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 & Spensers 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 Marks & Spencers 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 Home 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 & Spencers Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencers online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the Marks & Spencers Money website:

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

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

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 Marks & Spencers Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencers than you might imagine.

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

Holiday Sandals, at M & S
Slip on style Contrast stitching Open toe Flat sole

Malabar Coffee & Side Table Set, at Marks & Spenser
2 piece set Coffee table: H53 x L120 x W60cm Side table: H76 x W48 x D48cm 10 drawer coffee table 6 drawer side table Marble mosaic pattern Made from solid mango wood Treated with a protective low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability Fitted with antique-brass-effect handles 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Clear Lake Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Country of origin: USA Closure: Screw cap 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

Short Sleeve Frill Front Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, this spot print shirt features a stunning frill front design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Beechwood Towel Holder, at Marks and Spencer
Height: 36cm Diameter of base: 15cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Scottish Lochmuir™ Lightly Smoked Salmon, Smoked Haddock & Cod Roast, at M & S
Serves 4-6 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 1kg total weight As featured on page 38 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Younger Girls' Walkmates Floral Embroidered T- Bar Shoes, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe T-bar design Buckle fastening Embroidered and cut out floral detail Flat sole

High Waist Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit and a look that's always in style

Autograph Merano 2-Seater Unit (Left-Hand Arm), at Marks and Spencer
H84 x W172 x D102cm Seat H47cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H63cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions made from shape-retaining foam with extra-thick fibre wrap - 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 have reversible cushions Available in fixed cushion covers only 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 Glide feet with a dark 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

Just For You Flowers Large Gift Bag, at M&S
1 gift bag with tag Approx size: H350 x W350 x D100mm

Per Una Speziale Perfect Finish Foundation, at M&S
Light to medium cover foundation Natural willow bark reduces irritation and aids cell renewal Light reflective particles minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Natural moisturisers keep skin supple and hydrated, giving a youthful appearance Hypo-allergenic 35ml SPF 15

Wedding Rings Gift Card, at Marks & Spenser
Can be redeemed in any of our UK stores and online Credit card-sized Gift Card with presentation greetings card Gift Cards can be topped up in stores to the maximum value of 500 Gift Cards are valid for 24 months after last use Frequently asked questions Click here to view frequently asked questions about our Gift Cards Click here for full Gift Card terms and conditions This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Long Sleeve Stripe Fleece, at Marks & Spenser
Cute and cosy, this funnel neck fleece is outstanding value. An easycare style at a great price

Ceriso Rio Push Up Padded Bra with Silk, at Mark's & Spencer
Sassy and glamorous, this modern bra is beautifully detailed with a lace trim. Soft padding and underwiring give great support and a flattering enhanced shape. Designed for women who want the latest look

Turned Wood Floor Lamp, at Marks & Spensers
Fabric shade Turned wood stem Round base Dimensions: H176.4 x Diam 41cm Bulb: BC GLS Max 60W, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Tiga Nested Coffee Tables & Side Table Set, at M & S
3 piece set Coffee table: H45 x L140 x D46cm (largest) Side table: H46 x W46 x D46cm Made from sheesam wood Finished with a protective matt lacquer for added durability 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Rugby Top, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and casual, this stripe rugby top is made from a cotton rich fabric. It's designed to keep its shape and feel soft and comfortable to wear

Bude Pasta Bowl, at Marks & Spensers
Ribbed design Stoneware Diam 22.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dyson DC23 Animal Vacuum Cleaner, at Marks and Spencer
Suction power: 280 airwatts (constant) Bin capacity: 2 litres Root Cyclone™ technology: Dyson vacuum cleaners separate dirt from the air by centrifugal force. It spins the air incredibly fast and the dust and dirt is flung out into the clear bin™. Suction is maintained as there is no bag to become clogged No bags or filters: No extra costs and your vacuum doesn't lose power as you clean Hygienic and quick to empty: Dyson design minimises risk of contact with dirt Cord length: 6.5 metres Combination accessory tool: Debris nozzle converts to a brush tool for dusting Included in the box: Crevice tool, mini turbine head, stair tool, turbine head, operations manual, quick start guide Dimensions: 352 x 460 x 289 mm Weight: 8.75 kg 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 Long Sleeve Dotty Collar Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
A feminine v-neck knitted cardigan in soft fabric featuring double layered collar with dotty trim

Collezione Pure Wool Single Pleat Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
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 to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

Long Sleeve Belted Zip Coat, at Marks & Spenser
A smart coat in a flattering shape will never go out of style. This coat is made from a machine washable, non iron fabric for added convenience

Per Una Embossed Puff Jacket, at Mark & Spencers
A fashionable single breasted jacket featuring embossed design and gathered stitch detail.

Luxury Sandwich Platter, at Marks and Spencers
30 quarters Serves 6 - 8 Ready to eat 6 different fillings As featured on page 7 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 2 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Post Surgery Modal Blend E-G Bra, at Mark's & Spencer
Smooth and modern, this padded and underwired bra is made from soft microfibre fabric and gives a gently supportive fit and a flattering shape. It features 2 secure prosthesis pockets

Sleeveless Satin Spot Print Nightdress, at Marks and Spencer
Feminine and elegant, this sleek satin finish nightdress feels comfortable and gives a flattering fit. A gorgeous, glamorous look

Ben 10™ Projection Watch, at MarksandSpencer
Digital Ben 10 design Four function buttons Projection feature TM & 2008 Cartoon Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved

BT Studio 3500 Cordless Phone with Answering Machine, at Mark's & Spencer
50 name and number phonebook - assign different melodies to phone numbers Caller display stores your last 40 numbers and will display their name and number each time they call 10 last number redial Secrecy facility - allows you to talk to someone else in the room without the caller hearing Earpiece, base station and handset ringer volume control Choice of 5 handset and 5 base ringer melodies Display language options GAP compatible - register a maximum of 5 handsets Talktime up to 10 hours, 30 minutes/standby time up to 160 hours Range of up to 300 metres outdoors/50 metres indoors Low battery and out of range warnings Switchboard compatible Answer machine with upto 13 minutes digital recording time Pre-recorded outgoing messages - Answer and Record, and Answer Only Private playback via the handset Call screening/call intercept Memo facility Answer machine remote access Includes: 2 rechargeable batteries, mains power adaptor, telephone line cord for base station 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

Older Girls' Stripe Heart Bra & Short Set, at M&S
A pretty matching set in cotton rich fabric. The non-wired bra is designed for a comfortable fit. Non-wired designs are the best choice for first bras

Handcrafted Laser Cut Butterflies Mother's Day Card, at Marks & Spencer
Butterfly design Cover text: For a wonderful Mum Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: 178 x 126mm

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. Marks & Spencers Money 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 & Spencers Money Home 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 & Spencers Money Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.