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 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 & Spencers, 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 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.

Besides M & S Motor Insurance, M&S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S 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 M&S 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 Mark's & Spencer purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S 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.

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 M&S 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 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."

In The Night Garden Wrap Pack, at Marks and Spencer
2 sheets, 2 tags Each sheet: 495 x 695mm Tags: 80 x 55mm (folded)

Neon Damask Wallpaper, at Marks and Spenser
Flock effect wallpaper - the pattern design elements have a luxurious velour texture Straight pattern repeat 64cm - The design elements in the pattern run horizontally across the wall and match at the seam of each adjoining roll. Every roll should be the same at the ceiling Roll dimensions: W52cm x L10m Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens Made in the UK and sourced from sustainable, renewable forests For a detailed view of the colour and pattern, please click on the image and use the zoom function. Please note that your monitor settings may affect how colours are displayed How many rolls do you need?Click here for our wallpaper calculator Complete your room with made to order curtains. Click here to view our range , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Flock Stripe Low Rise Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Stunningly stylish, these flattering shorts feature a delicate pleated skirt design. The modern low leg styling gives a shapely fit. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

5 Cotton Rich Assorted Bikini Briefs, at Marks and Spencers
These assorted print cotton rich bikini briefs are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
Offering that perfect fit at a great value price, these great straight legs are an essential part of any casual wardrobe. Perfect with a T-shirt and trainers, you can dress them up with a long sleeve shirt for a smarter, but laid-back, appearance

Panasonic 32'' TX-L32G10 Full HD LCD TV with freesat HD, at Marks and Spencer
Receives freesat HD: freesat is a digital satellite TV service giving you free HD programmes. freesat has no contract, no subscription, just a one-off payment for the TV, satellite dish and installation. freesat is available to almost every household in the UK HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Panasonic: Display: 32 inch LCD screen, 2,073,600 (1,920 x 1,080) pixels Contrast Ratio: Dynamic contrast 50,000:1 Integrated Digital Tuner: Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W777 x H541 x D217mm (with stand), W777 x H501 x D95mm (without stand) Weight: 13.5kg (with stand) V-Audio: Unique sound technology that delivers crystal-clear sound with superior bass performance Connectors: 4 HDMI, 2 Scart, Composite video input, S-video input, Audio Input, Component video input, Mini-D sub, Digital audio output, Headphone jack VIERA Superior Picture Quality: The VIERA system provides richly expressed images with enhanced contrast and deeper natural colours, thanks to the wider x.v.Colour palette V-Real Pro 4: Real picture technology which enhances the full HD performance of the display panel to render smooth, crystal-clear motion without compromising on delicate colours with rich gradation Intelligent Frame Creation With 24p Playback: With 50Hz video signal input, the Intelligent Frame Creation achieves high moving picture resolution even in fast-motion scenes. 24p Playback creates high speed playback of images to recreate the full cinematic experience VIERA Link: Enables you to control all your Panasonic AV systems with only one remote Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Limited Collection Sleeveless Pintuck Top, at Marks and Spenser
Part of Limited Collection's LA Love trend. Feminine, soft and laid back, this is a fashionable LA look with a boho vibe. Beautiful fabrics and playful prints are key

Oriental Flower Gift Card, at Marks and Spencers
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

Autograph Firm Control Chevron Stripe Multiway Body, at Marks and Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! This firm control body gently shapes your figure all over for a smoother, sleeker silhouette. The versatile multiway style can be worn strapless, halterneck, cross back or one-shoulder

Clasp Fastening Mixed Charm Bracelet, at Marks and Spenser
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Mixed charms

Navarra Bookcase, at Marks and Spencer
H184 x W100 x D38cm Made from solid oak and oak veneer Finished with a low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability Shelves are bevelled and made from safety-tested toughened glass Legs made from solid wood Delivered flatpack due to size 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

Bride & Groom Embrace Wedding Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: Blank Inside message: Wishing you happiness, laughter and love Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Elasticated Waist Belt, at M&S
Define your waistline with this fashionable elasticated waist belt

Samsung 37'' LE37B650 HD Ready LCD TV, at Marks & Spencers
HD Ready 1080p: Displays images in Full HD 1080p, the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use, when connected to an HD compatible device Display: 37 inch Widescreen LCD TV, 1920 X 1080 resolution Contrast Ratios: Ultra Contrast Integrated Digital Tuner: Gives you access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital TV channels and all digital radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) Dimensions: W995.1 x D78.6 x D650.4mm (without stand) W995.1 x D255.0 x H705.9mm (with stand) Weight: 18.5kg (with stand), 14.5kg (without stand) SRS TruSurround XT: For enhanced surround sound effect Connectors: 2 x Scart, 3 x HDMI, Headphone socket, RF input, S-Video connection, Composite(AV), PCMCIA Card Slot, PC input (D-sub) DNIe+ Technology: The Digital Natural Image Engine produces images with incredible depth and density. Advanced contrast and detail enhancers combine to produce deeper richer lifelike colours Wide Colour Enhancer 2: Primary colours are strengthened to increase depth and intensity to show pictures in all their natural beauty Ultra Clear Panel: Retains the same high performance in any light conditions 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 Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Paper Dress 50th Birthday Card, at Marks and Spenser
Approx. size: 150 x 150mm Cover text: Have a Fabulous Fiftieth Inside message: With lots of love

Double Breasted 4 Button Stretch Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Chic and stylish, this double breasted jacket makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Malabar Nest of Tables, at M&S
Set of 3 H61 x L63 x W46cm (largest) Made from solid mango wood Protective low-sheen lacquer finish for added durability Legs made from solid wood Delivered flatpack due to size 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

Metal Bud Gem Photo Frame 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), at Marks & Spencer
Metal bud design Aperture 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Small Fish, at Marks & Spencer
Hand casted aluminum fish design Place it in your garden H6.75 x W7.75 x D3, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2" Longer Sleeve Pure Cotton Stripe Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
Keeping the taller man specifically in mind, this smart shirt features an extra 2" of fabric in the sleeve and body to provide a perfect formal fit

Older Girls' Heart Print Dressing Gown & Socks, at Marks and Spencers
The heart print makes this soft fluffy dressing gown so cute

Classic Collection Sleeveless Embroidered Nightdress, at Marks and Spencers
Flattering and stylish, this nightdress is comfortable to sleep in and features a pretty floral embroidered design

Mini Travel Alarm Clock, at Mark's & Spencer
Dimensions: H6 x W6 x D3cm Analogue display Glow in the dark hands Light/snooze button

Lion Rug, at Marks & Spencers
Hand woven Luxuriously deep pile Super soft Small: L140 x W80cm Medium: L180 x W120cm Large: L230 x W160cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Diamanté Key & Lock Keyring, at Marks & Spencer
Clasp fastening Key and lock pendants Diamant detail

Floral Lace Shower Curtain, at M & S
Floral lace design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Craft Text Brother Birthday Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover Text: happy birthday brother Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Leather Centre Seam Tramline Shoes, at Marks & Spencer
Square toe Centre seam Tramline design Stitch detail Small block heel Slip on

Plain Swimming Trunks, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect for holidays or school swimming lessons, these practical trunks are outstanding value

Pure Cotton Spot Print Cardigan, at Mark's & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this spot print cropped cardigan is made from pure natural cotton. A fabulous fashionable look

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 & Spenser are so useful. M&S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Mark's & Spencer 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 M&S 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 M&S Money Buildings & Contents Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.