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 M+S, 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Marks and Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings & Contents 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 Marks & Spenser, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Money in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money website.

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 and Spencer are so useful. M&S Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks n 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.

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ + Chinos with Fairtrade Cotton, at Marks & Spencers
Look below to see a video clip about Fairtrade Fairtrade certified cotton is a new initiative that we're the first major high street retailer to support. Like all Fairtrade products, it helps local farmers to invest in developing their own communities

Rose Net Hold Ups, at Marks and Spenser
Treat your legs to a touch of style. These rose net hold ups have a durable reinforced design to keep them looking good, wear after wear

3 Cotton Rich Short Sleeve Vests, at Mark's & Spencer
A great value wardrobe essential, these durable cotton rich vests will keep him comfy thank to an easy to wear pure cotton weave

Big & Tall Flat Front Trousers, at Marks & Spencer
No more trips to the drycleaners! These smart, fashionable trousers are machine washable. Perfectly proportioned for big and tall men

Sparkling Rosé - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencers
2 Rosado Cava Prestige Brut: Elegantly dry with a soft yet full flavour of summer fruits, clean and fresh with a good length... 2 Prosecco Raboso: A delightfully fresh and frothy Italian sparkling wine, with an appealing elegant pink colour, and fruity character of pears and cherry drops... 2 Bluff Hill Sparkling Ros: A lively, fruity, premium sparkling wine from New Zealand. Its sunny modern character really shines out... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Sonoma Headboard, at Marks and Spenser
H62 x L114 x W150cm Mattress and divan sold separately Headboard H62cm Double: W137cm King size 5ft: W150cm Supplied with fittings Made from solid oak and oak veneer This range features natural wood characteristics Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Side and back made from White Oak veneer Top panel is veneered with solid Oak edging for strength Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself 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 Reversible Leather Belt, at Mark & Spencers
Add a smart finishing touch with this leather belt

Cross Over Body Bag, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and useful this cross over body bag features adjustable strap and zip fastening pocket. A fashionable accessory

My Recipe Keeper, at M+S
Organise your culinary life.. If you're a hoarder of recipies snipped from magazines or donated by friends after successful dinner parties, then you need My Recipe keeper. This indispenable book provides all the informatio you need to take a creative approach to cooking with confidence. This practical guide features, a glossary of cooking methods, a list of useful kitchen equipment, and instructions for basdic recipes that you'll use time and again. Conversion charts for measurement and oven temperatures, and a list of substitue ingredients for when you're missing something vital. A selection of delicious recipes for every occasion. Journal pages for writing in your own favourite recipes and making notes, and useful pockets for storing cuttings of recipes that you'd like to try.

Luxury Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Blazer with Cashmere, at Marks and Spencers
Beautifully designed, made from superior fabric and finished with careful attention to detail, this 2 button jacket is exceptionally stylish and luxurious

Gold Band Champagne Glass, at Marks & Spencer
Flute style Gold band Long stem Wide base Height: 27.5 cm Capacity: 14cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Zebra Print Shoes Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Beautiful birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Older Girls Cotton Rich Spot First Bra & Shorts Set, at Marks and Spencers
A pretty matching set in cotton rich fabric. The spot print bra is designed for a supportive and comfortable fit. Non-wired designs are the best choice for first bras

Per Una Asymmetric Hem Check Coat with Wool, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable check design coat featuring asymmetric hem and large jewel brooch.

Burra Brook Shiraz Grenache Rosé 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: Shiraz & Grenache Country of origin: Australia Closure: Screw cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol.x 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

Blue Harbour Stormwear™ 3 in 1 Hooded Fleece Jacket, at Mark & Spensers
Stylish and innovative, this Blue Harbour 3 in 1 fleece jacket is treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

Pure Wool Flat Front Straight Leg Trousers, at M&S
Smart and stylish, these flat front trousers are made from fine quality pure wool. A practical, hardwearing and fashionable choice

Double Buckle Strap Briefcase, at Marks and Spencer
Smart, stylish and practical, this double buckle briefcase makes it easy to organise and carry your documents

Handkerchief Bowl, at Marks & Spencer
Handmade Handkerchief detail making each piece individual and unique Clear glass Chunky base H13 x Diam 28cm 2kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Animal Print Low Rise Shorts, at Marks & Spenser
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these stylish animal print shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Hastings Triple Wardrobe, at Marks and Spencer
H188 x W138 x D54cm 3 door wardrobe 1 hanging rail behind double doors 3 shelves behind single door Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard 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

Per Una Short Sleeve Pintuck Bib Top, at Marks & Spencer
A gorgeous pintuck top in soft, comfortable modal, the ruffle bib feature gives it the Per Una touch

Stitched Vintage Style Leather Belt, at Marks and Spencers
This leather vintage style belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

Classic Collection Floral Embroidered Slippers, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Floral embroidered design Ballet style Flat sole

Autograph Babylon Collection Shade, at MarksandSpencer
Tapered design 20 x 50 x 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chrome Stick Table Lamp, at M+S
Circular shade Chrome stand Thick neck Round base Bulb Compatability: Bulb: 40W E14 BC or 80W CFL Can be used with energy saving bulb H36 x Diam 14cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

50/50 Bed Linen - Bed Set with Reversible Pillowcase & Duvet Cover, at Marks and Spenser
Single set: Duvet cover, 1 fitted sheet, 1 pillowcase Double set: Duvet cover, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases King Size (5ft) set: Duvet cover, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases Single set: Duvet cover - L198 x W137cm, fitted sheet - L190 x W91cm Double set: Duvet cover - L198 x W198cm, fitted sheet - L190 x W137cm King Size (5ft) set: Duvet cover - L218 x W228cm, fitted sheet - L200 x W152cm Fitted sheet depth: 25cm Pillowcase: L76 x W48cm Plain dye bed linen Easy to iron Plain fabric (no design) Reversible pillowcase and duvet cover Care instructions: Machine washable, Tumble dry Composition: 50% cotton, 50% polyester, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Funnel Neck Fleece Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and cosy, this funnel neck fleece jacket makes a warm and comfortable extra layer

Plastic Egg Slicer, at Mark's & Spencer
Produces neat slices of hard boiled eggs Wire slicer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Tatty Teddy Vests, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fabulous, this 3 pack of cotton vests makes a great way to stock up on essential style

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 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 M&S 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."