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 Mark's & 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 & Spencers, through its M&S Financial Services 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.

Shopping for financial products at M&S Financial Services 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 Financial Services website:

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

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

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 Financial Services. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Car 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 Financial Services. 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 Financial Services, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Financial Services 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."

Limited Collection Cotton Blend Cropped Cardigan, at Marks&Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Magic Loc Collection Toilet Roll Holder, at Marks & Spencer
Free standing H15 x W11 x D4cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Silk Checkered Square Tie, at MarksandSpencer
Combining classic silk quality with a contemporary design, this stunning tie will make a valuable and versatile addition to your formal wardrobe. Made in Italy

Portfolio Leather Almond Toe Court Shoes, at Marks & Spenser
Heel height: 60mm Almond toe Suede detail Strap fastening Mid heel Water resistant Comes in sizes 3-8, including half sizes

Pure Cotton Floral Embroidered Vintage Cardigan, at M+S
Knitted in pure cotton, this pretty floral embroidered cardigan will keep her warm and comfy. It looks cuddly too!

Soft Vanilla Scented Spheres, at Marks & Spencer
Vanilla scented spheres, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio Pure Linen Sleeveless Belted Dress, at Marks & Spenser
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

Per Una Twill Tencel Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
A fabulous wideleg pair of trousers in pure tencel featuring stitch detail and 2 button fastening

Gold Plated Catseye Tear Drop Earrings, at Marks and Spenser
Drop style Hook fastening Catseye tear drop design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Playmobil Road Sweeper Toy, at Marks and Spencers
Suitable for ages 4+ Includes functional brushes The catch tank can be opened This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Dear Zoo: Lift the Flaps Book, at Marks and Spencer
A letter to the zoo asking for a pet results in a succession being dispatched - all of them containing highly unsuitable pets. All, of course, except the last one

Autograph Exclusive 3 Piece Shirt, Jacket & Tie Set, at Marks & Spencer
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

Château Fabre Gasparets Corbières-Boutenac 2005 - Case of 6, at M&S
Style: Full Bodied Grape variety: Carignan, Syrah, Mourvdre & Grenache Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians and vegans Bottle: 6 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

Sprung Edge 2 Small & 2 Large Drawer Divan & Autograph M500 Mattress- Firm, at Marks & Spencer
No turn mattress Mattress and divan are anti-allergy Mattress: spring count 1225, depth 27.5cm Divan height: 41.5cm Divan drawer sizes: 2 x small H15 x W40.5 x D53cm, 2 x large H15 x W78.4 x D53cm Double 4ft 6: W135 x L190cm King size 5ft: W150 x L200cm Super king size 6ft: W180 x L200cm This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Pure Cotton Stripe Trousers, at Marks and Spencers
Fashionable and contemporary, these stripe trousers are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Soft Grip Pasta Server, at Marks n Spencer
Hole in handle for hanging storage Soft grip handle, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Linen Blend Leaf Print Blouse, at Marks & Spenser
This fab short sleeve blouse features a stunning leaf print design. A sophisticated new look, perfect for this season

Harvard Body Spray, at Marks & Spenser
150 ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Formula Calming Night Cream + Vitamin E, at M&S
Suitable for all skin types Fragrance free Hypoallergenic 50ml

Philips Power2Go Rechargeable Power Pack, at Marks & Spencers
This power solution provides an easy way to avoid ever running out of power with any of your portable devices on the go. When fully charged, this power solution is able to provide up to 30 hours of power without the need of a power outlet Due to the interchangeable connector tips that are included, this device is fully compatible with most portable devices from a very wide range of brands. Simply choose the connector tip to match your portable device Via the illuminated LEDs, you are informed about the charging status of your device. When all LEDs are illuminated you know your device is fully charged, so you can unplug it from the power outlet and prevent unnecessary energy consumption When you press the test button, the LED battery capacity indicator shows you how much power is remaining and when it's time to recharge The travel bag supplied with this device is both convenient and useful as it provides extra protection When you're not using the power solution, the cable can be retracted automatically, preventing annoying tangles Charging via the USB outlet of a PC, laptop or USB adapter is convenient as you don't have to rely on having a suitable AC power outlet. You simply charge the power solution and have a convenient back-up supply for your portable devices on hand at all times Power output voltage: 5.6 V DC, max. 350 mA Battery capacity: 2000 mA Battery type: Li-Polymer Dimensions: H6 x W8.7 x D1.6cm Weight: 0.088 kg

Spencer Bear, at Marks & Spencers
Cute and cuddly, this huggable Spencer Bear makes for a great gift

Older Boys' Pure Cotton Denim Shorts, at Marks&Spencer
Comes with belt shown in image Practical and fashionable, these relaxed denim shorts make a great choice for warmer weather

Mantle Clocks - NEW NAPOLEON, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Chevron Print Scarf, at Marks and Spencer
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant chevron print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Older Boys' Transformers Belt, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and practical, this square buckle transformer belt adds a stylish finishing touch

Ben 10 Activity Book, at Marks & Spencers
Ben Tennyson is just an average 10-year-old until he discovers an alien watch that gives him the power to transform into 10 alien superheroes! Test your knowledge about Ben 10 and his heroic cosmic alter egos in this scratch and show activity book. Rub a coin over the panels to reveal hidden clues, pictures, characters and answers.

Pure Cotton Assorted Print Hooded Jacket, at Marks and Spenser
Cute and cosy, this hooded jacket is made from soft cotton fabric to keep him feeling comfy

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Nightdress, at Marks and Spencers
Fresh and feminine, this nightdress is made from soft breathable cotton so it feels comfortable to sleep in. The lace trim adds a pretty touch

5 Cotton Rich Assorted Bikini Briefs, at Marks & Spenser
These assorted print cotton rich bikini briefs are perfect for everyday wear. Added stretch gives a comfortable fit and shape retention

Pure Cotton Hibiscus Print Cargo Shorts, at Mark's & Spencer
Comes with belt shown in image A contemporary take on a casual relaxed look, these pure cotton cargo shorts feature an hibiscus print. A fashionable, easycare style

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Financial Services. Not least of these is Mark's & Spencer Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Financial Services you can keep the cost of your Car 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 Car Insurance cover from M&S Financial Services, which also has other features.

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