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 n 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 Car Insurance, M&S Property 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 M&S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer 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 Car Insurance, M&S Property 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 M & S, 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.

When you're shopping at Marks & Spenser 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 Property 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 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."

Pecorino 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spensers
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Pecorino Country of origin: Italy Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Philips NT9110 Nose & Ear Trimmer, at Marks & Spencers
Guaranteed no pulling: Ultra sharp closed cutting system avoids pulling Prevents nicks and cuts: Guarded system protects against nicks and cuts Powerful precision micro trimmer Soft grip coating for maximum control Ideal angle for easy reach 100% waterproof for easy use and cleaning Accessories: AA battery, 2 trimming combs, protection cap

Collezione Luxury Leather Wallet, at Marks & Spenser
Smart, stylish and practical, this leather wallet makes it easy to organise cards, notes and coins

Pure Cotton Plaid Shorts, at M&S
Soft and comfortable, these cotton shorts can be worn alone or with a number of our pyjama tops and t-shirts to create your own style

Autograph Satin Stitch Flat Sheet, at MarksandSpencer
500 thread count Bordered trim Made from the finest extra long staple cotton Comes in single, double, king-size and super king-size, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Abstract Print Tie Waist Skirt, at Marks & Spenser
Long and lovely, this abstract print skirt will take you from office to evening in style. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Sonoma Media Unit, at Mark & Spensers
H48 x W120 x D50cm Equipment space: H11 x W110 x D49cm Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid Oak. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Handle made from solid wood Top panel is veneered with 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 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 Hooded Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
A stylish smart-casual look, this long sleeve hooded polo shirt in soft cotton features a stripe design. Practical, comfortable and easycare

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Vertical Stripe Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
This fab long sleeve shirt features a stunning vertical stripe design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Cotton Rich Spot Print Scoop Neck Vest with Modal, at Marks & Spencers
Pretty and feminine, this ribbed vest is made from soft cotton rich fabric for a comfortable night's sleep

Younger Boys' Multi Stud Belt, at Marks & Spensers
Fun and fashionable, this multi stud belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Firm Control No VPL Border Thigh Slimmers, at Marks and Spencers
These firm control knickers gently shape tums, thighs and bums for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette. They're designed without hems for a smooth no-show look under clothes

White Pearl Damask Thank You Cards - Pack of Ten, at Marks and Spencer
Inside message: Blank for your own message 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: 155 x 110mm

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Floral Print Top, at Marks and Spenser
A floral print adds a pretty touch to this soft pure cotton top.

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Assorted Trunks, at MarksandSpencer
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

10 Personalise Your Own Pink Heart Place Cards, at Marks & Spencer
Pack contains: 10 cards, 1 design Approx size: Flat: 90 x 90mm, Folded: 45 x 90mm The cards in this pack are made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests

Easy Vegetarian Baking, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect too cook up after a hard day at work, these easy bake vegetarian recipes are not only simple and quick, but they're fresh, delicious and healthy. There are meals for on-the-move, chill-out sessions and snacks for you to enjoy

Pure Cotton Scarf Print Mock Layer T-Shirt, at M&S
Smart and modern, this mock layer t-shirt in soft cotton is a practical easycare style

2 Detroit Slat-Back Dining Chairs, at Marks & Spencers
H100 x W44 x D54cm Seat H48cm Sold as a pair Leather seat Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid oak legs 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 these chairs as part of a set. Click here to view the Detroit Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Generic Star Charm 50th Birthday Card, at Mark's & Spencer
Cover text: 50 today Inside message: Have a fantastic birthday! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 178 x 125 mm

Autograph Weekened Cotton Rich Floral Top with Silk, at M+S
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

3 Pairs of 40 Denier Semi Opaque Knee Highs, at Marks and Spencers
A great value set of 40 denier hold ups with a reinforced top for added support making sure they stay in place at all times

Gloss Salt or Pepper Mill, at Marks and Spencer
A restaurant style pepper mill in lacquered wood

Signature Natural Cotton Diffuser Refill, at Marks and Spencers
Lasts up to 75 days Changeable fragrance 15ml of fragranced liquid This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Fit Memory Foam Padded Balcony Bra, at Marks n Spencer
The amazing memory foam in this bra moulds to your shape to give the perfect fit, wash after wash. It's like having a bra made just for you

6 Jewel Hair Slides, at Mark's & Spencer
Add a pretty finishing touch with this fashionable set of 6 hair slides

Easy Iron Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Gingham Shirt, at M+S
Stylish and innovative, this gingham easycare shirt is quick and easy to iron for a smart crisp look

Pull-On Cashmilon™ Hat, at Marks and Spencer
Stay ahead of trends in this stylish hat made from supersoft cashmilon™. Warm and cosy, it's perfect with the matching scarf and gloves

Reader's Digest - The Most Amazing Places On Britain's Coast, at M & S
A unique guide to more than 1000 captivating and curious locations

Girls' Limited Cotton Rich Button Detail Leggings, at Marks & Spencer
Soft, stretchy and comfy, these fashionable cotton rich leggings are a wardrobe essential

M&S Money offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Car Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Car Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Car Insurance policies are much the same is usually a bad idea. At worst it can be a very expensive mistake - this is when you find out that your Car Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Car Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M&S Money Car Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Car Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with MarksandSpencer 5 Star Premier cover Car Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Car Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, or Tesco Direct:

• Personal UK and European Breakdown Cover automatically included
• Comprehensive cover for trips abroad in the European Union - up to 90 days per trip
• Courtesy car during approved repairs automatically included
• Cover for Motor Legal Protection automatically included

So, it is clear that, besides being good value, M&S Car Insurance also provides much more extensive cover than some of the top competitors. Additionally, you don't even need to be behind the wheel to benefit from M&S Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.