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 & Spenser, through its Marks & Spencers 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.

When you're shopping at Marks&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 & Spencers Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Car 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 & Spencers 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 & Spencers Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the Marks & Spencers 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."

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

Longline Cable Knit Cardigan with Wool, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and stylish, this cardigan features a cable knit design. A contemporary look that will take you through the season in style

Pinot Grigio 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry Grape variety: Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) Country of origin: Italy Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 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

2 Sequin Hair Bands, at Marks & Spencer
Tie back those tresses in style with these fabulous hair bands

Per Una Modal Rich Short Sleeve Diamond Top, at M+S
A fashionable short sleeve top in soft stretch modal featuring chiffon diamond embellishment

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

Autograph Zig Zag Tile Bedcover, at Marks and Spenser
Zig Zag design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Rabbit Thank You Teacher Multipack of Cards, at Marks & Spencer
Design 1: To a FAB teacher, Who makes learning fun Design 2: You're the BEST teacher and deserve a BIG... Inside messgae: Both designs: thank you 6 cards, 2 designs Approx size: 130 x 130mm

Large Dan's Mouse Balloons Husband Birthday Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover Text: To my lovely Husband Inside Message: With love on your birthday! Approx size: 220 x 220mm

4 Windsor Short Tumblers, at Marks & Spencer
Set of 4 Dishwasher safe 28cl H10cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Space Sticker Book, at Marks & Spenser
Space sticker books is packed with facts about shooting stars, hi-tech space shuttles, radio telescopes, Mars missions and much, much more. With sticker activities throughout and glow-in-the-dark space shapes to decorate your room, this book is the perfect way to learn about what is out there in our galaxy and beyond

Evening Dress Birthday Girl Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Classic Collection Floral Print Skirt, at MarksandSpencer
Elegant, stylish and comfortable, this maxi length pull-on skirt is finished with floral print design. The ideal match for blouses and fine knits in coordinating colours

Medium Wine Glass, at Mark's & Spencer
32cl H21.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Leather Almond Toe Court Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
Heel height: 60mm Almond toe Suede detail Strap fastening Mid heel Water resistant Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Print Top, at Marks&Spencer
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

5 Luxury Pure Cotton Patterned Handkerchiefs, at Marks & Spencer
A great value pack of pure cotton handkerchiefs

Weekend Leather Boxy Bag, at Mark & Spensers
Recommended in LOOK magazine Gorgeously glossy, this weekend bag is a must-have for stylish overnight stays and mini breaks. Patent leather gives an irresistibly luxe look and feel

Ultimate Fishnet Hold-Ups, at Marks and Spencers
The ultimate in stylish design, these fishnet hold ups have added stretch so they'll always stay in shape. They're finished with a reinforced sole and toe section so toes won't get caught in the netting

Younger Girls' Embroidered Canvas Ankle Trainers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Lace up Spot print contrast tongue Floral embroidered design Cut out heart detail Contrast flat sole

Cotton Rich Contrast Stitch Bootleg Jeans, at Marks&Spencer
Flattering and fabulous, bootcuts make legs look longer and are kind to curves. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. Added stretch gives the perfect fit

Dress Up Fairies Sticker Book, at Marks & Spencers
Open this book and find four fun loving fairies inside, all waiting to meet you. Choose stickers to dress them in pretty clothes and dainty accessories, and follow them on their magical adventures. With over 300 stickers and extra activities, little girls will love this dolly dressing sticker book.

Autograph™ Precious Petals Bouquet, at Marks & Spencers
This arrangement of beautiful Esperance roses and white hydrangeas will make an amazing gift that's sure to impress All Autograph™ bouquets are beautifully presented, wrapped by hand and finished with Autograph™ branded frosted cellophane Available for delivery between 1st April to 30th September 2009

Mini Limited Long Sleeve Animal Print Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Mini Limited is a collection of cute fun styles designed in the latest looks. The casual, contemporary pieces are comfortable, easy to wear and perfect for layering.

2" Longer Pure Cotton Sateen Stripe Shirt, at Marks n Spencer
Smart and stylish, this 2" longer sleeve stripe shirt is made from pure cotton

Per Una Diamond Print Crinkled Scarf with Wool, at Marks & Spenser
This sophisticated diamond print scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The crinkled finish adds a stylish finishing touch.

Global Traveller Flight Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Free 5 year guarantee Make transporting your belongings a hassle-free experience with the super lightweight and durable design of this hardwearing flight organiser

3 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Tatty Teddy Sleepsuits, at Marks&Spencer
Soft and snuggly, this practical pack of sleepsuits is great value! The cotton fabric is comfy to sleep in and popper fastenings make quick changes easy

100 Cotton Balls, at Marks and Spencers
Pack of 100

Cotton Rich Sporty Cycle Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Ideal for sports and PE, these cycle shorts are made from cotton with stretch so they're comfortable, breathable and easy to move in

Lightweight Crinkle Scarf with Wool, at M&S
This sophisticated crinkle scarf is the perfect accessory to this season's fashions. The tassel detail adds a stylish finishing touch

Shopping for financial products at Marks & Spencers Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spenser online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the Marks & Spencers 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 Marks & Spencers Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the Marks & Spencers Money website.