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 Mark & Spencers 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 Spencers, 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 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.

Marks & Spencer Money Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Buildings & Contents Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Buildings & Contents Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, Marks & Spencer Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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 & Spencer 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 and 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."

Collezione Square Face Watch, at Marks & Spencer
Smart and sophisticated, this watch adds a touch of Italian inspired style

Moulton TV Unit, at Marks & Spencers
H55 x W120 x D45cm Equipment space: H13 x W112 x D55cm 2 soft-close draws Glass top Glass table tops are made from safety-tested toughened glass Made from solid ash and ash veneer 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

Adored Pure Cotton Mini Spot Nightdress, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and elegant, this flattering mini spot nightdress is part of our feminine Adored collection. It's made from soft pure cotton for the ultimate in comfort

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Print Dress, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Made from soft cool cotton, this cute polo top will keep him feeling comfortable in hot weather

Pure Linen Flat Cap, at Marks and Spencers
A traditional British classic, this is a versatile style that looks great worn smart or casual

Footglove™ Wide Fit Leather Bow Pumps, at M+S
Round toe Bow feature Slip on Low heel Heel height: 16mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Footglove™ Wide Fit Wedge Moccasins, at Mark & Spencers
Step out in style in these wide fit Footglove™ moccasins, made from soft leather. Comfortable, lightweight and flexible

Skinny Plaited Belt, at Marks and Spencers
Define your waistline with this fashionable plainted skinny belt

Per Una Bow Detailed Shopping Bag, at Marks&Spencer
A bow detail makes this fashionable bag even more special. Give your look the Per Una twist!

Grace Dinner Plate, at MarksandSpencer
Diam: 27.5 cm Rim detail Leaf print Fine China, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Row of Shoes Niece Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: For a special Niece Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

Nostalgic Fishing Dad 70th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Happy 70th Birthday Dad, May you have a very happy day, Made even happier, too, By the wishes and the thoughts of those, Who think so much of you Inside message: Hope you have a special day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Floral Print Bodyshaper Bandeau Swimsuit, at Mark & Spensers
Feminine and glamorous, this bandeau swimsuit is designed to stay securely in place while you work on your tan. Make a splash!

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

Perfect Autograph Silk Rich Pleated Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Enjoy the luxurious feel of soft, smooth silk next to your skin. The moulded, padded bra gives a perfect shape while the matching shorts are effortlessly elegant

Per Una Crochet Bikini Top, at Mark & Spensers
Modern and colourful, this flattering bikini top is designed in the latest shape. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Ribbon Hat, at Marks & Spencer
Keep ahead of the trends with this contemporary ribbon sunhat, an essential look for style in the sun

Sony VRD-P1 DVDirect® Express DVD Writer, at Marks & Spenser
Video transfer: Transfer home videos from select Sony Handycam camcorders to DVD - without a PC One-Touch recording: Simply connect the VRD-P1 to the compatible Sony Handycam camcorder, and then press the Record button on the VRD-P1 to transfer the latest video on the Handycam camcorder to DVD Control your recordings: One-Touch recording will automatically record the video captured since the last DVD recording. Additional recording modes are available using the connected Handycam camcorder's LCD screen, and allow the user to record either all the video from the Handycam camcorder to DVD1, or to be more specific based on dates or DVD scenes Simple connection: The VRD-P1 easily connects to the Sony Handycam camcorder via a built-in USB cable (mini A type). The same built-in USB cable also draws power from the connected Handycam camcorder, which means there is no need for an AC power adapter or electrical outlet DVD media: Records on DVD-R or DVD+R discs1, providing up to 6 hours of recording time (using LP mode) per DVD DVD playback: Recorded DVDs are playable on most home DVD players DVD player: The VRD-P1 can serve as more than just a DVD writer; it can be a DVD player as well, playing back the DVDs it creates. Simply connect the VRD-P1 to a compatible TV via the Handycam camcorder using the built-in USB cable and A/V cables supplied with the camcorder Compatibility: VRD-P1 is compatible with the following Sony Handycam camcorders only: DCR-SR47, DCR-SR67, DCR-SR87, DCR-SX40, DCR-SX41, DCR-SX60

Pure Cotton Animal Hooded Reversible Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
The animal print makes this little jacket super cute. It's warmly padded and made from soft cotton to keep him comfy and cosy

Mini Front Pocket Cross Body Bag, at Marks & Spensers
Both understated and useful, this cross body bag has lots of pockets to securely hold your must-have essentials

Per Una Tinted Moisturiser 30ml, at Mark's & Spencer
Illuminating tinted moisturiser Lightly covers whilst effectively moisturising Dermatologically tested 30ml SPF 15

Pocket Swiss Ball, at Marks and Spenser
This pocket size Swiss Ball book is jam packed with fun tips to help you improve how your body looks, feels and works, giving both your mind and body a good workout

Triple Layer Cappuccino Cake, at Mark's & Spencer
14 pre-cut slices Serves 14 Ready to eat 1.9kg Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 52 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

Hepworth Extending Dining Table & 6 Cross-Back Chairs Set, at Marks and Spencer
Table: H75.5 x L175 x W90cm Extends to L215cm Table seats 6-8 Extension leaf is stored beneath the table top Dark brown leather seat pads Chair: H97 x W47 x D63cm Seat: H48cm Made from European Birch solids and veneers Treated with a rich stain and aged with dark patina known as a 'housemaid's rub' Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chairs made from solid wood for strength Solid European Birch legs Top panel is veneered with solid birch 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 manufacturers instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Thomas & Friends© Mock Layer Hooded Top, at Marks & Spencers
Fans of Thomas & friends will love this pure cotton mock layer hooded top featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

5 Cotton Rich Floral Embroidered High Leg Knickers, at Marks & Spencer
Add a delightfully feminine touch to your everyday underwear drawer with the floral embroidery incorporated into these great value knickers. A high leg and cotton rich weave provides flattering, easy to care for comfort

Younger Boys' Permair™ Rip Tape School Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Square toe Tramline details Riptape fastening strap Flat sole Scuff resistant Easy clean Permair™ micro porous coating makes the shoes scuff- and water-resistant and easy to clean, while allowing feet to breathe

Classic Collection Floral Embroidered Nightdress, at Mark's & Spencer
Fresh and feminine, this nightdress is comfortable to sleep in and features pretty embroidery

3 Art Deco Photo Frames 5 x 7.5cm (2 x 3''), at Marks & Spencers
Set of 3 Glass frame Art deco design Aperture: 5 x 7.5cm (2 x 3''), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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

Also, on both Marks & Spencer Money Premier Buildings & Contents Insurance and Standard Buildings & Contents 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.