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 & 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 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.

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 Mark's & Spencer are so useful. Marks & Spencer Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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.

When you're shopping at MarksandSpencer 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 & 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."

Machine Washable Pindot Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Classic pindots provide a stylish design on a sturdy fabric base. A most reliable tie that will lend assured elegance to your shirts

Autograph Weekend Pure Silk Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
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

JBL On Stage™ Micro - Portable Speaker for iPodŽ, at Marks and Spencers
Compatibility: with most docking versions of iPod, including nano and 5G versions Stereo Mini Jack: Allows connection to a variety of other devices such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers and laptops (audio input cable included) Touch Volume Control: Just a touch increases or decrease the volume Full-Navigation Remote: Provides full access to your iPod so you can easily change tracks, browse libraries, adjust settings, and scroll through extras Digital Amplifier Technology: The Class D digital amplifiers provide clean, powerful sound while extending battery life Odyssey™ Transducers: The two aluminum domed transducers are driven by powerful Neodymium magnets Computer Optimised Equalisation: The JBL On Stage Micro system equalization was computer optimized to provide a rich, complete sound stage Advanced Energy Management System: The JBL On Stage Micro system has an automatic battery saving shutoff Power: Powered via mains adaptor or 4 AAA batteries (not included) Dimensions: Diameter: 15.09 cm, Height: 3.96 cm 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 iPod sold separately This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Cotton Rich Long Sleeve Hooded Top, at Marks & Spencer
Soft and comfy, this fashionable hooded top is outstanding value. A practical easycare style

Dry Cured, Sugar Glazed Large Gammon Joint (Serves 14-16), at Marks & Spensers
Serves 14-16 Ready to cook Gluten free Suitable for freezing 3kg total weight As featured on page 37 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

2 Shark & Stripe Swim Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect for holidays or school swimming lessons, these practical swim shorts in stretch fabric feature shark and stripe designs

Handcrafted Die Cut Daffodil Easter Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Happy Easter Inside message: with love at easter Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Flowers by Post - 14 Exotic Orchids, at Marks & Spencers
These 14 vibrant dendrobium orchids offer a touch of eastern charm. Flowers by Post is a great value way to spoil someone you know - or yourself

Cotton Rich 2 Piece Bunny Dungaree Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
Fun and practical, this cute 2-piece dungaree outfit features embroidered detail. It's made from soft cotton to keep her comfy

Per Una Mock Wrap Front Tunic, at Marks&Spencer
A fashionable short fril sleeve tunic featuring embroidered floral design, finished with a front mock wrap and lace trim

Per Una Linen Blend Stitch Waistband Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
A modern pair of bootleg trousers in a cool linen blend featuring stitch detail waistband

Fruity-Beauty Spot Hair Brush, at Marks & Spensers
Round pins Spot design Oval brush

Blue Harbour Linen Short Sleeve Plain Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and stylish, this check design shirt is cut for a great fit. It's made from pure linen so it feels cool and comfortable to wear

Pure Cotton Stripe Shorties, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and breathable, pure cotton pyjamas are the natural choice for a comfortable night's sleep

Pure Cotton Sleeveless Floral Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this pure cotton sleeveless dress features floral print and front pockets. A flattering, stylish look

Hideaways - H/AWAY, at Marks & Spencers
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Cars Lightning McQueen Hooded Jumper, at Marks and Spencers
Fans of Cars will love this hooded jumper featuring Lightning McQueen. A practical, easycare style

Ben 10 Sticker Action, at Marks and Spencers
Go for a sticker smackdown with these cool activity books that deliver the things boys love best - aliens, automobiles and attitude! 24 pages of puzzles, challenges and street style will satisfy the hippest kid. Boys can use their stickers to recreate their favourite Ben 10 episodes and Hot Wheels cars, or mix things up to create funky new designs. Customise your own car or assemble an alien army - sticker books let boys make the rules

3 Pairs of 40 Denier Opaque Tights, at M & S
These essential 40 denier opaque tights are outstanding value. They're made with added stretch and a reinforced toe for comfort and durability

Valmont Rouge 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium Dry Grape variety: 60% Grenache, 20% Carignan and 20% Cinsault Country of origin: France Closure: Screw Cap Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Jacquard Spot Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks & Spencers
This sophisticated jacquard spot print scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. Tassel trim adds a stylish finishing touch.

3 Piece Cotton Rich Animal Print Outfit, at Marks and Spencers
Fun and practical, this cute 3-piece outfit features animal print lining. It's made from soft cotton rich fabric to keep him comfy

5 Shrug Style Long Sleeve Plain Bodysuits, at Marks and Spencers
Soft, plain and machine washable, these bodysuits are a perfect buy for your newborn

Detroit Media Unit, at Marks and Spencers
H50 x W95 x D40cm Equipment space: H15 x W83 x D36cm Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawer boxes made from solid European hardwood. Draw fronts made from oak veneer Solid oak legs Shelves made with oak 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 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

Perfect Modal Blend Open Front Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Casual and contemporary, this fashionable open front cardigan is made from supersoft fabric that looks and feels great. Modern styling details give a contemporary edge

Wool Blend Flat Front Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and stylish, these trousers are made from a hardwearing wool blend. An ideal choice for work or everyday wear

Limited Collection Plain Underwired T-Shirt Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fabulous, this t-shirt bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. It's perfectly smooth so you won't get any visible lumps and bumps under your clothes. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Herringbone Bodyshaper Tights, at Marks and Spencers
Look your best in that special outfit! These herringbone bodyshaper tights lift and shape your curves to give a more defined silhouette

Standard Outdoor Barrel, at Marks and Spencers
This square wooden barrel is packed with marguerite, elwoodi, petunia and hedera. A charming planter, ideal for brightening gardens, courtyards or patios Available for delivery from 28th April to 30th September 2009

Satin Spot Print Shirt with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
This fab short sleeve shirt features a stunning spot and empire line design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

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.