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 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 & Spenser, 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 House 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 & 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 Marks & Spencer Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to House Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencers 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."

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks n Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spencers, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from Marks & Spencer Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Dine In Reds Mix - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
4 Chteau de Balan Bordeaux 2006: A very well balanced claret with an aroma of blackcurrants and a hint of chocolate. Round, soft and very smooth on the palate with a slightly spicy, black pepper finish... 4 Domaine Mandeville Shiraz 2007:This is a beautifully smooth, ripe, flavour-packed, single estate French red. Look out for fruity notes of plum and blackberry with a rich hint of dark chocolate and spice, and a satisfying, rounded finish... 4 Ctes du Rhne rouge 2007:With its bright cherry flavours and floral, savoury scents, this is a scrumptious modern-style Ctes du Rhne. Made in an unoaked style to allow maximum fruit expression, this peppery, succulent red is medium bodied with soft tannins and gently warming finish... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Ruby Cot Bed & Pocket Sprung Mattress Set, at Marks and Spencer
Cot Bed: H100 x L147 x W82cm Cot under bed drawer: H12.5 x W132 x D65.5cm Cot converts into a junior bed suitable for children up to age 5 Cot has fixed sides with 3 optional height positions for the base Mattress: Spring count 264 - L140 x W70 x D15cm Mattress has hygienic, moisture-resistant covering and fully conforms to current safety standards Dual sided mattress cover features a waterproof surface on one side and a comforting cotton blend on the other Made from solid wood 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 Pure Cotton Multi Marl Stripe Polo Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Stylishly smart casual, this multi matl stripe polo shirt is made from pure cotton so it's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear

Girls' Fashion Schoolwear - Skinny Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable as well as practical, these stylish skinny trousers are treated with Stain Defence™ which repels everyday stains. Stretch fabric gives a comfortable and flattering fit

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Mock Layer Tank Top, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfy, this mock layered tank top is made from pure cotton and features a fun badge detail. A fashionable easycare style

Per Una Floral Applique Layered Blouse, at Marks and Spencers
An elegant layered blouse featuring floral applique detail

Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool V-Neck Stripe Jumper, at Marks & Spensers
An extremely comfortable jumper. It's made from extrafine lambswool which is spun for the softest feel. Conveniently, it can be machine washed and tumble dried and it resists bobbling

Stainless Steel Apple Corer, at Marks & Spensers
Hanging loop This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Criminal Justice Act 1988 (as amended): please note we are not permitted to sell a knife or blade to any person under the age of 18, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Apron Lace Up Shoes, at Mark & Spensers
Square toe Lace up 4 eyelets Block heel Stitch detail

Ankle Length Thermal Leggings, at Marks and Spencer
Soft, warm and cosy, these ankle length thermal leggings are designed to give comfy insulation, perfect for chilly weather

Water Resistant Digital Sports Watch, at M+S
Ideal for sports, this stylish watch looks great with casualwear too

Older Boys' Messenger Bag, at Marks n Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this sporty bag features useful compartments. Ideal for school or sports

Lightweight Paisley Print Scarf, at Marks and Spenser
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant paisley print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Earth Spa Indulgent Body Cream, at Mark's & Spencer
Soothes Nourishes 300ml Ingredients: Aqua, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Polyacrylamide, Bassia Latifolia, Cetearyl Glucoside, Shorea Stenoptera Butter, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Mel, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Methylparaben, Laureth-7, Polydecene, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Disodium

Football Goal & Target Panel, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for 1 - 22 players (excluding subsititues and referee!) Sectional tubular steel frame, reusable target panel, 12 elasticated toggle ties and durable cord net 6 'U' shaped target panel pegs, 10 'J' shaped grame pegs, 4 bolts with washers and wing nuts Full assembly instructions included - no tools required. Suitable for use with any football up to size 5 For indoor and outdoor use Approx size: H1.6 x W2.9 x D0.9m, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Talladega Nights Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spenser
Rating Suitable for 18 years and over,

Cross Dye Quilted Bedcover, at Mark's & Spencer
Stitch detail Contains padded quilting Available in 2 sizes 150 x 200cm and 260 x 265cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Griffin iTrip SE - FM Transmitter For iPod, at Marks & Spencers
Free 2 year guarantee iTrip broadcasts the music from your iPod to an open FM frequency so you can listen to your tunes through the nearest FM radio. Use it with car radios, boomboxes, or your home or office entertainment system.This design update for iTrip features a new, brighter high-contrast display, easier to read in any light. Griffin-exclusive SmartSound technology optimizes the FM signal sent to your receiver, for the best-quality sound possible

Cotton Rich Straight Leg Sweat Pants, at Marks & Spenser
Whether you're active or relaxing, do it in style and comfort in these cotton rich sweat pants

All Over Lace Embroidered Underwired Bra, at Marks & Spenser
A pretty and practical bra for everyday use, adjustable straps and added stretch translate into a comfortably secure fit whilst lace embroidery provides a sophisticated finish

Machine Washable Plain Coloured Tie, at Marks and Spenser
This smart tie is outstanding value. It's machine washable, so you save on cleaning too!

Men's Classic Fragrance Collection, at Mark's & Spencer
Contains: Woodspice aftershave 30ml Woodspice shower gel 30ml Harvard aftershave 30ml Harvard ahower gel 30ml

Footglove™ Leather Wide Fit Moccasins, at M&S
Round toe Stitch detail Slip on Wide fit Mid heel Heel height 48mm Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Autograph Pure Cotton Fine Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
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

Handcrafted Spots & Floral Mother's Day Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Mum Inside message: With lots of love on Mother's Day Approx size: Unfolded: 150 x 150mm

Roll & Play Toy, at Marks & Spencer
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Encourages activity and hand-eye coordination This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Olive Tree, at Mark & Spensers
A small olive tree, great for patio or doorstep. Ready for re-planting into a terracotta or ceramic potAvailable for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Earth Spa Moisture Quenching Body Gel, at Marks & Spensers
To replenish and pamper 300ml Ingredients: Aqua , Cyclomethicone, Alcohol Denat. Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Glycereth-26, Phenoxyethanol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Carbomer, Limonene, Carbomer, Glycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Methylparaben, Benzophenone-4, Linalool, Aloe Barbadensis, Disodium EDTA, Butylparaben, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Ethylparaben, Citrus Medica Limonum Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Propylparaben, Orchis Mascula, Isobutylparaben, Plumeria Alba, Parfum, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Eugenol, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Citrus Nobilis Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Xanthan Gum, CI 14700

Pink Bouquet Special Nan Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: To a special Nan Inside message: With love on your birthday This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 125mm

Leather Laundry Basket, at Marks & Spensers
Ideal for laundry Circular design Plain Comes with lid H60.2 x Diam42cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 and Spenser 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, House Insurance policies. Usually, UK House 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 House 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 House Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.