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 Marks & Spenser, 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 Buildings 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 and Spenser 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 Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spensers 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."

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 MarksandSpencer are so useful. M+S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and 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 Insurance policies. Usually, UK Buildings 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 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 Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Adored Comfort Padded Plunge Bra, at Marks & Spencers
Elegant and stylish, this padded bra is made from the softest fabric and embroidery, so it feels blissfully comfortable to wear. The underwired plunge style gives a flattering uplifted shape and an enhanced cleavage. Feminine everyday lingerie

Autograph Pure Cotton Floral Damask Pillowcase, at Marks and Spenser
Floral damask print, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Moon Marble Bead Necklace, at Mark & Spensers
Marble shaped beads Moon effect Adjustable length Lobster claw fastening Necklace length 72cm, extendable by 8cm

Tiga Large Glazed Top Unit, at Marks and Spencer
H114 x W156 x D33cm 2 toughened-glass doors 2 fixed shelves Top unit sits on sideboard Made from sheesam wood Finished with a protective matt lacquer for added durability 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

Autograph Pure Cotton Varigated Stripe Pyjama Bottoms, at M&S
Create your own look by mixing and matching these varigated stripe pyjama bottoms with our tops and t-shirts. Great for relaxing in style whether you're heading for bed or just chilling out at home

Younger Boys' Pure Cotton Dinosaur Pyjamas, at Marks and Spenser
Fun and fashionable, these comfy pure cotton pyjamas feature cute dinosaur motif

Performance Lace Up Shoes, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Lace up Lace stitch design Contrast stitch detail

1001 Little Healthy-Eating Miracles - Esme Floyd, at Marks and Spencer
If you want to improve your diet and ultimately your health this is the book for you. Full of expert medical and dietary guidance this book is a great reference. Dividing the fact from the fiction, it also suggestions solutions for high cholesterol and over-eating

3 °Climate Control Cotton Rich Plain Hipsters, at Marks & Spenser
Climate control keeps you cool when you're hot and warms you up when you're cold so you're always at your optimum temperature. Exclusive to M&S, Climate control clothing is comfortable and breathable - ideal for sportswear. The Outlast technology behind this innovative fabric was originally developed for astronauts and is recognised by NASA as Certified Space Technology

2 Pure Cotton Assorted Dresses, at Marks and Spenser
Stock up on style with this pack of 2 dresses featuring fabulous fashionable prints

Purple Flower Luxury Wrap Pack, at Marks & Spencer
1 x sheet wrapping paper 1 x length ribbon 1 x gift tag Approx Size: Wrap: 685 mm x 98 mm. Tag: 115 mm x 65 mm. Ribbon: 2m

Malabar Bookcase, at Marks & Spencers
H190 x W110 x D40cm 2 drawers 5 shelves Crafted predominantly from solid mango wood Protective low-sheen lacquer finish for added durability Antique-brass effect handles 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

Panasonic DMP BD60 Blu-ray Disc™ Player, at Marks and Spencer
PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus: A high quality image-processing technology developed by Panasonic to precisely process each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal in the vertical direction 4:4:4 signal technology: Processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal in the horizontal direction, to complement vertical direction processing VIERA CAST function: Allows access to YouTube™, Picasa™, and other Internet sites from the special VIERA CAST screen Playback Media: BD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, AVCHD, Audio CD Audio: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True-HD Connectivity: USB 2.0, HDMI, SD slot, Composite Video Outputs, Component Video Outputs, HDMI Outputs (Version 1.3), Optical Digital Audio Outputs Accessories: Remote control Dimensions: 43 x 4.9 x 24.9cm

Autograph Illusions Illuminating Complexion Primer Balm, at Marks and Spencers
Hypo-allergenic Boosts radiance with light-illuminating particles Firms, smoothes and brightens Suitable for use under make-up Oil Free 30ml

Cecily's Garden Floral Mum Birthday Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Happy Birthday Mum Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Shark Jelly Sandals, at Marks & Spencer
Contrast buckle fastening Shark motif Flat sole

Piped Bow Leather Gloves, at Marks and Spencers
These fashionable and elegant leather gloves are finished with piped bow and are warmly lined. Perfect for keeping out the cold without compromising on style

Cotton Rich Velour Funnel Neck Jacket, at Marks & Spencer
Treat yourself to plush comfort with this super soft velour jacket. Perfect for relaxing or exercising in style

Leather Bin, at Marks & Spensers
Elegant waste bin Broad base Circular design H22.5cm x W22.5cm x D29cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Drawstring Joggers, at M & S
Soft and practical, these loose fit drawstring joggers are outstanding value. This easycare style is ideal for active games or relaxing in comfort

Large Lines Flared Vase, at M & S
Large opening Cut circular design Broad base W16.8 x D16.8 x H35cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Bootleg Dome Button Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Autograph Noire Eau De Toilette, at Mark & Spensers
Eau De Toilette for women 100ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Divan on Legs & Autograph F500 Latex Pillowtop Mattress - Medium, at Marks and Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm 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: 28.5cm Divan height: H31cm Highly responsive pocketed springs Mattress features deep pillowtop layer of Talalay latex and luxurious white fibre Mattress also features two further layers of cotton and resilient white fibre for additional support Double row of hand side-stitching to add support to the edges Mattress spring count: 1225 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

Abbey View Reserve Shiraz 2005 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spenser
Style: Dry Grape Variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14.5% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.9 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.9 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3 Pure Cotton Tonal Stripe Tea Towels, at M&S
Pack of 3 Tonal stripe design Straight edge, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Flowers Birthday Cake, at Marks and Spencer
25 portions Sponge cake: all-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Sponge cakes can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Cake Diam: 22.5cm 1.8kg total weight Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians As featured on page 67 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Autograph Lip Pencil, at Mark's & Spencer
Soft textured twist-up lipliner with brush for defining and shading lips Hypo-allergenic

Pure Cotton Water Repellent Hooded Parka, at Marks & Spencer
Relaxed and stylish, the parka has become a fashion essential. This easycare version is finished with a lined hood

Ultimate Pure Wool Single Breasted 3 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
This high performance suit is made to work as hard as you do. It's extra durable and added stretch keeps it in great shape while giving you enhanced comfort and ease of movement

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

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