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 Marks & Spencer 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.

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. Marks & Spencer Money financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks & Spencers 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, Property Insurance policies. Usually, UK Property 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 Marks & Spencer Money Property 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 Marks & Spencer Money Property Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

When you're shopping at M & S 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 Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spenser 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."

Emily Chair, at Marks & Spencer
H100 x W80 x D103cm Seat H40cm, arm H53cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Back cushions made from fixed foam Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a natural finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence™ - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cashmilon™ Plain Knitted Gloves, at Marks and Spencer
Always handy, these warm cosy gloves are made from supersoft cashmilon™. Perfect with the matching scarf and hat

Pure Linen Roll Sleeve Belted Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated linen shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a waist belt

Flat Front Eveningwear Trousers, at Mark's & Spencer
With a modern, flat front silhouette combining comfort and style, these dapper trousers add versatile appeal to your formal wardrobe, maintaining your smart look throughout the day

Rosina Footstool, at Marks and Spencers
H41 x W56 x D56cm Seat: H45cm (all dimensions are approximate) Cushion filled with shape-retaining foam - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Frame made from solid hardwood. All main joints are glued and screwed to give the frame strength Frames are rigorously tested with 95kg weight equivalent and exceed standards set for heavy domestic use Solid birch feet with a medium finish All of our fabrics are treated with Stain-Defence& trade; - a stain resistant finish - at no extra cost. Fabrics are tested for resistance to wear and fading Detailed care instructions are included 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 Free swatch service: Order up to 6 free swatch samples of any fabric to help you choose your upholstery by calling 0845 603 1 603 Please note: Images displayed here act as a guide and may not be representative of the finished item. Fabrics are overlayed onto model images, so actual seams and pattern match may differ from what is shown. Leather furniture, in particular, has more seams that fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Land of My Fathers CD, at Marks and Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Pocket Top, at Marks and Spencer
A casual 3/4 length sleeve top in a soft cotton blend. Front tie pocket detail gives it the Per Una touch

Autograph Pure Silk Embroidered Tie, at Marks and Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Blue Harbour Crew Neck Fleece Top, at Marks & Spensers
Relaxed and cosy, this long sleeve crew neck fleece top is outstanding value!

Autograph Weekend Pleated Front Jersey Top, at Marks and Spenser
Sophisticated and modern, this short sleeve top is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary ditzy print

M&S 3-Tier Steamer, at M&S
3 steaming compartments 3.2 litre capacity per compartment 750 watt Water refill facility (max: 1.5L, min: 0.8L) Water window 1.4 litre rice bowl Digital timer and alarm Auto-stop Baskets collapse for storage Dimensions: H44 x W37 x D34cm Stainless steel 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

Chateau Richemont Red 2005 - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet franc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians 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

Chateau Richemont White 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
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

Pure Cotton Plaid Shorts, at Marks and Spencers
Soft and comfortable, these cotton shorts can be worn alone or with a number of our pyjama tops and t-shirts to create your own style

Autograph Best Pure Silk Spray Tie, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

Flat Front Plain Trousers, at Mark & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this suit is outstanding value! It's made from comfortable hardwearing fabric, ideal for everyday wear

Seasons Fresh Rosé - Case of 12, at Marks n Spencer
4 Le Froglet Ros 2008: This young, modern ros has an appealing aroma of fresh red berries and an utterly moreish, juicy flavour of raspberries and red cherries. Enjoy its refreshing succulent finish... 4 Silia Ros 2008: With its elegant pink colour, restrained dry flavours and full body, this is a classic and very moreish style of ros from the sunny hills of Sicily... 4 Saint Saturnin Rserve les Moulies Ros 2008: With its wonderful balance, juicy palate and dry, elegant finish, this is top notch ros from the south of France. Summer berry fruit and herb flavours come together with a fresh but soft-textured expression on the palate. Ideal summer drinking... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

F100 Open Coil Memory Foam Coolmax° Mattress & Sprung Edge 1 Small & 1 Large Drawer Single Divan, at Marks and Spenser
No turn mattress Mattress and divan are anti-allergy Mattress: spring count 288, depth 23cm Divan height: 41.5cm Divan drawer sizes: 1 x small H15 x W40.5 x D53cm, 1 x large H15 x W78.4 x D53cm Single 3ft: W90 x L190cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Stripe Jumper, at Marks and Spencers
Elegant and feminine, this scoop neck jumper features a modern stripe design. Stylish, practical and fashionable

Classic Collection Stripe Trousers, at M+S
Smart and stylish, these straight leg stripe 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 2 Tone Floral Lace Padded Plunge Bra, at Marks & Spencer
Elegant and feminine, this stylish bra is beautifully embellished with floral lace. It's underwired for extra support and the padded plunge style gives an enhanced shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Autograph Exclusive 3 Piece Shirt, Jacket & Tie Set, at M & S
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

Autograph Skinny Tie, at Marks & Spensers
Cut narrower for a contemporary look, this skinny tie adds a smart finishing touch. Ideal for sixth form wear

Ribbed Deep V-Neck Knitted Waistcoat, at Marks and Spencer
Smart and stylish, this sleeveless waistcoat features ribbed detail. A versatile look

Dualit Food Processor - Chrome, at Marks & Spencer
Three long life stainless steel chopping blades with sure grip handles Fully adjustable slicing blade - 0.5mm to 7.5mm Reversible grating disc - 2.5mm and 4.5mm Reversible shredding disc - 1mm and 3mm Chipping disc - 8mm square x 8 chips Emulsifying disc (Edisc) Bakery grade dough blade Pulse setting Takes 3 different bowl sizes which fit inside each other, allowing you to start with the small bowl, then move on to the medium and large bowls with no washing up in between Every bowl is perfect for multiple tasks and includes a giant 3.25L sized bowl Non-slip suction feet and multiple safety interlocks Heavy duty induction motor with 12 year guarantee 1.5kW Dimensions: W21 x L25 x H42.5cm 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

Canon PowerShot A480 Digital Camera, at Marks and Spencers
Pixels: 10.0 megapixels Zoom: 3.3x optical zoom , 13x digital zoom Screen: 2.5'' LCD display ISO: AUTO, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Dimensions: W92.1 x H62.0 x D31.1 mm Weight: 140g Video: Movie modes include Long Play (LP) for VGA (20fps) clips that use half the normal memory card space. Motion Detection Technology: The optimal ISO level is then automatically set, to minimise blur and maximise image quality PictBridge Enabled: Enables you to print images using a USB cable to connect the PowerShot A470 to a printer without a PC Face Detection Technology: Ensures superb people shots by automatically setting optimum focus, exposure, flash and white balance Red-Eye Correction: Easily removes red-eye in-camera Processor: DIGIC III processor provides lightning quick responses and superb image quality. iSAPS technology uses shooting scene data to optimise camera settings even before a shot is taken, so you're free to concentrate on capturing the moment Shooting Modes & Special Scenes: 15 shooting modes including dedicated Kids & Pets and Indoor modes - make it easy to get the right settings for any scene. Simply select the mode you want, and let the camera take care of everything else System requirements: Windows XP SP2-3 / Vista (including SP1), Mac OS X v10.4 - 10.5 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

Formula Age Defence Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash, at Marks and Spencers
150ml Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic

Short Sleeve Camouflage Surfer T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
A practical, casual top in pure cotton featuring an embroidered camouflage surfer design. A great value easycare style

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

Limited Collection Cotton Rich Stripe Push-Up Bra, at Marks and Spenser
Fun and fabulous, this cotton rich t-shirt bra is part of our Limited Collection lingerie. It's perfectly smooth so you won't get any visible lumps and bumps under your clothes. For a funky look, mix and match with coordinating lingerie from Limited. Casual, contemporary fashion

Besides M&S Car 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 Spencer 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.