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 M & S 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.

Besides Marks and Spenser Car Insurance, M+S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M+S Money Property 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 Marks & Spenser purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M+S Money Premier Property Insurance and Standard Property 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 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 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."

Vinalta Chardonnay 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Synthetic closure Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.1 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.7 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Cotton Rich Block Stripe Mock Layer T-Shirt, at M & S
Soft, snug and comfy, this cotton rich t-shirt is outstanding value. It features a mock layered sleeve and block stripe design. Fashionable and practical

Older Girls' Soft Fluffy Dressing Gown, at Marks & Spencer
Perfect for bathtime, this cute dressing gown is made from soft, comfy towelling

Handcrafted Photographic Roses with Legs Card, at M & S
Cover text: none Inside message: Happy Valentine's Day This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 127mm

Watercolour Floral Print Bikini Top, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and elegant, this fashionable bikini top features a striking floral print. A fabulous fashionable look

In Bloom Lime Blossom & Bergamot Eau de Toilette, at Marks and Spencers
Eau de Toilette 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Lichfield 2-Door Sideboard, at Mark's & Spencer
H83 x W117 x D50cm One interior shelf Cutlery tray in central drawer Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered 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

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & F300 Mattress, at Marks and Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 25cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Soft knitted cover adds extra comfort to the mattress and works with the memory foam for optimum support Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body once warmed by body heat providing high levels of support Sprung-Edge divan can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person Free eco-friendly home delivery. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Footglove™ Riptape Dolly Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Almond toe Stitch detail Riptape fastening Flat sole Footglove™ soles are comfortable, highly flexible and lightweight Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Blue Harbour Trekking Shorts, at M & S
These classic shorts are an excellent addition to any causal wardrobe thanks to a smart, easy to wear design. Team with a long sleeve shirt or plain tee for an effortless summer look

Crystal Nail File, at Marks and Spencers
The pattened design surface is ideal for gently shaping and smoothing nails Durable surface that is fully washable Perfect size for slipping into your handbag

Collezione Pure Wool Single Breasted 3 Button Stripe Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Italian tailoring is renowned for its sophisticated style. Each collezione suit is designed with that same passion, using the finest fabrics and best tailoring techniques. Inspired by Italian flair, we've lavished time and care on this garment to give you a feeling of luxury like no other

3 Piece Pure Cotton Broderie Outfit, at Marks and Spenser
Practical and pretty, this cute hat, top and trousers 3 piece outfit is made from soft cotton to keep her feeling comfy and happy

Blue Harbour Pure Organic Cotton Cargo Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and casual, these fashionable cargo trousers are made from comfortable cotton and feature characteristic cargo style pockets

Cropped Linen Blend Sailor Button Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Warm marmalade and rich chocolate are just two of the key summer shades that these great value linen blend trousers come in

Cuddle Bear Cot Bed Bumper, at Marks and Spenser
Embroidered bear detail L155 x W35cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Summer Dress Card, at Mark & Spencers
Cover text: Wishing you a wonderful birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

Per Una Embroidered Spot Mule Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Mule style Round toe Flat sole Embroidered spots Contrast lining

Handcrafted Princess Mummy's Day, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Happy Mummy's Day from your little princess Inside message: With lots and lots and lots of love xxx Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Ruffle Neck Bikini, at M+S
Feminine and fashionable, this flattering bikini is designed in the latest shape. Make a splash!

Younger Boys' Mr Men Clogs, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Flat sole Adjustable strap Mr Men print Mr Men and Little Miss™ & 2007 THOIP (a Chorion company). All rights reserved

Layered Cover Up Dress, at Marks&Spencer
Fabulously fashionable, this flattering cover up is designed in the latest shape. Fashionable, practical and comfortable

Long Sleeve Zip Fastening Fleece Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
An essential part of any wardrobe, this great value fleece is warm and cosy. A fashionable and practical choice.

Assorted Hair Bands, at Marks and Spencer
Tie back those tresses in style with these fabulous hair bands

Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Charger for iPod, at Marks and Spencers
Designed specifically for use in the car Large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen affords quick, precise station selection and easy status at a glance Antenna: Built-in Modulation: FM Stereo Control speaker volume from your car stereo controls SmartScan - the easiest-to-use FM transmitter Power: Provided by 12 Volt cigarette lighter / power outlet (no batteries required) Frequency response: 50Hz to 15KHz Compatible with all 30 Pin Dock iPod's Nano 1G 2G 3G, Mini, Photo, Click Wheel, Video, Classic, Touch 1G but this iTrip does not charge iPod Nano 4G and Touch 2G Product Dimensions: 14 x 3.7 x 20.3cm Weight: 908g

Dog and Beer 40th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spenser
Approx. size: 230 x 114mm Cover text: 40 today Inside message: Let's party!

M&S Internet Security Software, at Mark & Spencers
A comprehensive security and back-up suite Protects identity Latest generation anti-virus Award winning anti-spyware Online fraud protection Anti-spam Parental control Automatic daily updates Back-up online This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Linen Cushion, at Marks & Spensers
Square shape Plain Size: 50cm x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Philips FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush, at Marks and Spencers
Smartimer: 2-min. timer helps to ensure recommended brushing Speed: 31,000 brush strokes per minute Battery type: Lithium Ion rechargeable battery Operating time (full to empty): Fully charged should provide 20 2-min. brushings Designed for a better fit with your mouth 3 Flexible brushing modes, 2 Personalized cleaning routines All-in-one sanitizing, charging and storing solution 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Tefal 2200W Express Steam Generator Iron, at Marks&Spencer
2200W 120g/min variable steam Anti scale collector Easy cord system Safety lock Vertical steam 2 minute heat up time Ultraglide ceramic soleplate 1.4-litre water tank Water level indicator 5 bar pressure Rinse boiler indicator Weight 5.4 kg 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

There are lots of ways to save money using M+S Money. Not least of these is Marks & Spensers Standard Car Insurance. With M+S 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 M+S 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 & Spensers, 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 & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.