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 & Spencer, through its Marks & Spencer 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 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 Motor Insurance, Marks & Spencer Money Credit Cards and other financial products, Marks & Spencer 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 Marks & Spencer 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 Spencers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both Marks & Spencer 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.

There are lots of ways to save money using Marks & Spencer Money. Not least of these is Marks and Spencer Standard Motor Insurance. With Marks & Spencer Money you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from Marks & Spencer Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spenser, 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 Motor Insurance from M+S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Plain Navy Pyjamas, at Marks and Spencers
Crisp and comfortable, these cotton blend pyjamas are outstanding value

Philips HP6517 Satinelle Ice Premium Epilator, at Marks & Spensers
Premium ice cooler with pivoting head: The patented ice cooler soothes the skin reducing the unpleasant feeling of epilation. Its pivoting head follows every curve of your body for optimal cooling and less pain Sonic massage with aloe vera: Tenderly stimulates the skin reducing the pulling sensation to a minimum and making the whole epilation process more comfortable Curved epilation head: Catches hairs as short as half a millimetre; you don't have to wait until the hair has fully grown before epilating again Rechargeable: The epilator is rechargeable enabling cordless usage so you can epilate everywhere Unique ceramic epilation system: 20% faster and more efficient Washable epilation head for extra hygiene and easy cleaning Accessories: extra shaving head, extra sensitive area cap, insulation sleeve, peeling glove and luxury storage pouch

Cotton Rich Straight Leg Bi-Stretch Trousers, at Mark & Spencers
Simple and stylish, straight leg trousers are a modern classic. This pair sits on the waist and are cut to give a flattering shape that's always in style. Added stretch gives the perfect fit.

Pure Cotton Multi Stripe Hooded Cardigan, at Marks n Spencer
The fun multi stripe design makes this hooded cardigan extra special. The soft cotton knit will keep him warm and comfy

Sketchy Bear Mum Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: To a wonderful Mum Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: Unfolded: 178 x 126mm

Autograph 3/4 Length Sleeve Ombre Print Top, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Autograph's Luxe Tradition trend. Luxurious and contemporary with a sense of British heritage, this trend features a soft colour palette, modern prints and beautiful fabrics. A sophisticated look for the new season

Cecily's Garden Yellow Roses Engagement Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: With love on your Engagement Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 150 x 215mm

Tear Drop Gemstone Photo Frame (4 x 6"), at Marks and Spencer
Rectangular frame Tear drop gemstone design Aperture: 10 x 15cm (4 x 6'') H12 x W17 x D2cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Pairs of Older Girls' Cotton Rich Assorted Knee High Socks, at Marks & Spencers
Fun and fashionable, these cotton rich knee high socks feature heart and stripe design

Hello Cupcake Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: Hello cupcake Inside Message: Have a sweet birthday Approx size: 150 x 150mm

5 Pure Cotton Bikini Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
Practical and fashionable, this 5 pack of cotton briefs makes a great way to stock up on essential style

Classic FM: Chillout CD, at Marks & Spencers
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Regal Twist Silver Necklace, at M & S
Twisted strands Clasp fastening Length: 46cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Collezione Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Navy Stripe Jacket, at Marks n 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

Sonoma Dark 3-Door Glazed Top Unit and 3-Drawer Sideboard Set, at Marks and Spencer
2 piece set Top Unit: H110 x W178.5 x D33cm 6 adjustable glass shelves and Internal lights with on/off switch Glass doors and shelves are made from safety-tested toughened glass Sideboard: H88 x W178 x D50cm 3 drawers and cupboards, each cupboard has an adjustable shelf Made from solid oak and oak veneer Features natural wood characteristics - knots, figuring, colour variation and end-grain detail Finished with a rich dark stain, followed by 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of low sheen Drawer boxes and fronts made from solid hardwood. Drawer bottoms made from White Oak veneer Door frames made from solid wood. Door panels made from White Oak veneer Handles made from solid wood Side panels and back panels made from White Oak veneer Top panels made from White Oak veneer with a 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

Wild Print Halterneck Tankini Top, at Marks & Spencer
Gorgeous and glamorous, this flattering tankini top features a striking print. The ultimate in poolside glamour

Handcrafted Super Hero Mummy's Day Card, at Marks & Spensers
Cover text: Happy Mummy's Day... From your little super hero! Inside message: With lots and lots and lots of love xxx Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Older Girls' Super Soft Slippers, at Marks and Spencers
Fluffy design Mule style Slip-on

Pure Cotton Edged Gingham Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this edged gingham shirt is made from pure cotton

3 Pairs of 60 Denier Opaque Tights, at Marks & Spensers
Complete with added stretch for shape retention and essential comfort. These simply outstanding tights are a terrific option for ensuring your legs look and feel their everyday best

Perfect Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Heritage Corduroy Trousers, at Marks & Spensers
Take it easy this autumn with soft fade, flat front cords in washed pure cotton. What weekends are made for

Blue Harbour Plain Swimming Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
A great value pair of shorts offering a secure fit, while multiple pockets should come in handy for that relaxing walk on the beach

Girls' Limited Belted Combat Trousers, at M&S
Part of Girls' Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

3 Assorted Boxers, at Marks and Spenser
Fashionable and hardwearing, these boxers offer comfort and reliability at a great value price

Ombre Style Sunglasses, at Marks & Spencers
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Pixel Detail Sunglasses, at M&S
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

White Pearl Damask Table Numbers, at Marks and Spencer
Contains: 12 table numbers Approx size: 150 x 110 mm

Planted Orchid, at Marks and Spencer
Simply stunning, this white, double-stemmed phalaenopsis orchid is planted and dressed with brushed twigs in a chic, silver ceramic pot Available for delivery from 1st April to 30th September 2009

Ashbourne Large 2 Seater Sofa AU09 Newness, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Floral Print Top, at MarksandSpencer
A floral print adds a pretty touch to this soft pure cotton top.

When you're shopping at Mark & Spencers 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 & Spencer Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencers than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from Marks & Spencer 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 & Spencer Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the Marks & Spencer 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."