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 Spenser 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 & Spensers, 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 Household Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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 and Spenser 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, Household Insurance policies. Usually, UK Household 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 Household 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 Household Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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 Household Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spenser 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."

5 Younger Girls' Pure Cotton Hello Kitty Briefs, at Marks and Spencer
A must for fans of Hello Kitty character, these briefs feature assorted designs

Chateau Richemont White 2008 - Case of 12, at M&S
Style: Dry Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc Country of origin: France 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

Blue Harbour Ultimate Linen Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
This Ultimate Linen shirt has a unique added performance that helps keep you cool, dry and fresh by drawing moisture away from the skin and reducing odour, while also helping your linen to stay smart throughout the day. It's also easy to iron, so looking your best is now easier than ever

Nintendo DS™ Mario Kart Game, at Marks and Spenser
5 single player modes - grand prix, time trial, VS, battles and missions 8 player wireless racing and battle modes More than 30 tracks Design your own custom cart emblems Nintendo wi-fi connection support Save your best times and send to friends 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, Platforms: Nintendo DS, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Flat Front Crease Resistant Trousers, at Marks & Spencers
Stay smarter for longer with these innovative crease resistant trousers

Per Una Notched Leather Belt, at Marks and Spencer
A patent finish makes this fashionable belt even more special. Add a stylish finishing touch from Per Una

Luxury Autograph Pure Cashmere V-Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spencer
Sophisticated and modern, this v-neck jumper is made from pure cashmere for the ultimate in luxurious softness

Plain Mule Slippers, at Marks n Spencer
Dip your feet into lush comfort with the slip-on design of these cosy mule slippers. The non-slip sole ensures peace of mind, while the inner lining feels like a heavenly treat

Traditional Scroll Cushion, at Marks and Spencer
Square shape Traditional scroll design L50 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Elegant Collection - Floor Lamp, at Marks and Spencer
Conical shade Ridged top Round base Silver-effect metal base H144 x Diam 43cm Bulb: 100W GLS 21W CFL This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

2 Wooden Spatulas, at Marks & Spencer
2 Piece set Handle hole for hanging L29.5cm (largest), Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Gingerbread Man Pastry Cutter, at Marks & Spencers
Gingerbread man design, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Check Lace Brazilian Knickers, at Marks & Spencer
Feminine and delicate, these stylish brazilian knickers feature a lace design. The modern Brazilian style gives a close fit and a flattering shapely look. Pretty everyday fashion

Laser Cut Butterfly Birthday Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Happy Birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 x 126mm

10 Gold Party Text Invitations, at M+S
Cover text: Party Inside message: Dear..... You are invited to a party on..... time..... place..... Hope you can come..... RSVP..... This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 120 x 120mm

Orchid Floral Cushion, at Marks and Spencers
Multi-colour floral design L50 x W50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Large Rollercase, at Marks and Spenser
Free 5 year guarantee Take the hassle out of travel with the practical, easy to transport and stylish design of this spacious rollercase. Perfect for business travel, this case includes a garment carrier and shoe bag Includes free i-trak luggage ID service see details below

DD-G Firm Control Lace Body, at Marks & Spensers
Look slimmer in seconds! This DD-G firm control body features a pretty lace trim design and gently shapes your figure all over for a smoother, sleeker silhouette

Classic Collection Seersucker Straight Leg Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Smart and stylish, these straight leg trousers are designed for a flattering, comfortable fit and a polished look. They make the perfect match for fashionable jackets, blouses and knitwear

Per Una Eau De Toilette Limited Edition Purse Spray, at M&S
Clear bottle with Per Una floral print Floral and fruity fragrance 25ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Styled Floral Embroidered DD-G Bra, at Marks & Spenser
Fresh and feminine, this bra is beautifully embellished with floral embroidery. It's underwired and structured to give great support and a natural uplifted shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Globe Table Lamp, at Marks&Spencer
Fabric cylinder shade Glass globe base H41 x D33cm Bulb: E37 1000W GLS ES 18W This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Perfect Canoe Boat Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
Round toe Stitch detail Lace up Lace stitch design

The Gum Shiraz 2007 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry and full bodied Grape variety: Shiraz (Syrah) Country of origin: Australia Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 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

Handcrafted Religious Easter Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: May the joy that comes with Easter is here, brighten you days all through the year Inside message: Have a wonderful Easter Approx size: 178 x 125mm

Pure Cotton Floral Cropped Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and practical, these cropped pyjama bottoms are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

2 Malabar Dining Chairs, at Marks & Spensers
H101 x W47 x D55cm Seat: H46cm Sold as a pair Vertical slat back with rush seat Made from solid mango wood Treated with a protective low-sheen lacquer that provides added durability Made from solid wood 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. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy these chairs as part of a set. Click here to view the Malabar Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stainless Steel Spaghetti Measurer, at M & S
Stainless steel with black edges Gives measures for 1/2, 1, 2 and 3 person servings, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Boxed Mirror Photo Frame H29 x W24cm (4 x 6''), at Marks & Spencer
Boxed mirror glass design H29 x W24 x D3cm Aperature: 10 x 15cm (4x6'') 1.3kg, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Total Support Floral Embroidered Non-Wired Bra, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfortable, this non-wired gives all-round support and uplift with good coverage, extra wide straps and 3 hook-and-eye fasteners. It's secure but gentle and lightweight, an ideal choice for everyday wear

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

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