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

When you're shopping at Marks and 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 M&S Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Property Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks & Spencer 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."

Lichfield 3-Drawer Chest, at Marks & Spensers
H60 x W50 x D50cm (H23.4 x W19.5 x D19.5in) 3 drawers Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Drawers made from solid European hardwood Handles made from solid European hardwood Side panels are veneered Top panel is veneered with 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. SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this chest as part of a set. Click here to view the Lichfield Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Painterly Church Communion Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: First Communion Inside message: With love Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Toshiba Satellite L350-212 Laptop, at Marks and Spencer
Processor: Intel Celeron Processor T1600, 1.66 GHz clock speed, 667 MHz front side bus and 1 MB 2nd level cache Memory: 2,048 MB standard, 4,096 MB maximum expandability, DDR2 RAM (800 MHz) Hard Drive: 160 GB (S.M.A.R.T) Display: 17" Toshiba TruBrite WXGA+ TFT High Brightness display Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit Edition (pre-installed, Toshiba-HDD recovery) Graphics Card: Mobile Intel GMA 4500M, up to 1,340 MB total available graphics memory with 3 GB system memory DVD Super Multi Drive (Double Layer) : CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R(DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R(DL), DVD+RW, DVD-RAM Expansion: 2 x memory slots (1 to configure), 1 x ExpressCard slot Interfaces: 1 x DC-in, 1 x external monitor, 1 x RJ-11, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x external microphone, 1 x headphone (stereo) USB Ports: 3 (Left 2, Right 1) x USB 2.0 Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) Wireless LAN, Fast Ethernet LAN, 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX international V.90 modem (V.92 ready), 56 Kbps data and 14.4 Kbps fax Bundled software: Toshiba Disc Creator, Toshiba User's Manual, Supervisor Password Utility, Toshiba Assist, Toshiba DVD Player, Ulead DVD MovieFactory for TOSHIBA, McAfee Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition (includes free Internet updates for 30 days), Toshiba Recovery Disc Creator, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (free 60-day trial), Toshiba Value Added Package (Toshiba Power Saver, Toshiba Zooming Utility, Toshiba PC Diagnostic Tool, Toshiba Flash Cards, Toshiba Components Common Driver, Toshiba Accessibility, Toshiba Button Support), Google Software (Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer, Google Desktop, Picasa), Connectivity Doctor, ConfigFree™, Toshiba utilities and drivers Toshiba EasyMedia : Google Software (Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer, Google Desktop, Picasa), Toshiba TEMPRO Performance Tuning Service, McAfee Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition (includes free Internet updates for 30 days), Smart Display Support, Toshiba Flash Cards, Easy Keys, Diversity Antenna, Toshiba ConfigFree™, Internal HD 720p support Special features : SM BIOS compliant, Multimedia Bar with 6 touch Easy Keys (Mute, Rewind, Play, Stop, Forward, CD/DVD launcher), Standard numeric keypad, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology, HD Audio support Dimensions : W398 x D292 x H35.3 (front) / 43.1 (rear) mm Weight : starting at 3.15 kg Battery : lithium-ion, up to 2h 30min (Mobile Mark™ 2007) 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

Canale Estate Reserve Merlot 2007 - Case of 6, at M+S
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Merlot Country of origin: Argentina Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 14% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 10.5 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.8 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

3/4 Sleeve Knitted Mock Layer Cardigan with Linen, at Marks & Spensers
Modern and stylish, this cardigan features a ring fastening. Ideal for layering

Pure Silk Embroidered Spot Tie, at Marks and Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary embroidered spot tie in pure silk

Travel Speakers, at Marks&Spencer
Portable size 4 x 1.5V AAA batteries included Specially designed sound chamber with heavy casing to provide extra bass. Built in amplifier Unique retractable speaker from the main body and speaker to give you stereo sound. 3.5mm jack for connecting to your CD or MP3 player or your computer Power switch on/off with LED light For added functionality and portability, the speakers can be powered either through an AC adapter or with batteries Remove isolator tab before use 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

Odd Balls 150 Piece Jigsaw, at Marks and Spencer
Approx. size of completed puzzle: 300 x 210mm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Boy's Trecker Open Toe Sandals, at Marks and Spencers
Open-toe Slip on Double buckle riptape fastening Flat sole

Autograph Crocodile Derby Lace-Up Shoes, at Marks n Spencer
Luxurious and stylish, these leather shoes are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Their superior quality, design and attention to detail make them modern classics

Body Formula Salt Scrub, at M+S
250g Fragranced

Halterneck Floral Tankini, at Marks & Spencers
Fun and fabulous, this comfortable floral tankini is sure to make a splash!

Pure Cotton Mock Waistband Jeans, at Marks and Spencers
Contrast stitch styling gives this jeans a modern twist. A practical and fashionable style

Perfect Autograph Long Sleeve Bold Stripe Shirt, at Mark's & Spencer
Earn your fashion stripes this season with this bold shirt, which is right on trend for both pattern and colour

Smooth Jazz CD, at M & S
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

Wide Knightsbridge Formal Belt, at M+S
Define your waistline with this fashionable wide leather belt

Portfolio 3/4 Sleeve Button Detail Stripe Jersey Top, at Marks & Spencers
Smart and stylish, this 3/4 sleeve jersey top is made from stretch viscose for a fluid look. The stripe print adds a fashionable finishing touch

Portfolio Sleeveless Leapord Print Dress, at Marks and Spencer
Chic and contemporary, this sleeveless dress features a leapord print. A fabulous fashionable look

Kraft Text Medium Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencer
1 gift bag Approx size: H260 x W200 x D90mm

Autograph Guipure Padded Plunge Bra, at Marks and Spencer
Glamorous and sophisticated, this guipure mesh bra looks and feels luxurious. It's underwired for extra support and the plunge style gives a flattering enhanced cleavage. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Pure Silk Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this contemporary diamond pattern tie in pure silk

Autograph 3 Piece Cardigan Outfit, at Marks and Spencers
Fun and practical, this cute 3-piece outfit features long sleeve cardigan, t-shirt and jeans. It's made from soft fabric to keep him comfy. With luxury in every detail, this is part of our exclusive Autograph collection

Silver Wedding Anniversary Script Heart Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Congratulations on your Silver Anniversary Inside message: blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the worlds forests for the future 175 x 125 mm

Step Ladder Bookcase - Espresso, at Marks and Spencer
H190 x W60 x D39.5cm Lean-to shelving unit Crafted from rubberwood Delivered flatpack due to size Some self-assembly required. Delivered boxed to your door. You will need to unpack, assemble and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Faux Crocodile Skin Patent Belt, at Marks and Spenser
Define your waistline with this fashionable crocodile patent belt

Siemens Electric Double Oven, at Marks and Spencer
H888 x W595 x D550 mm 58L capacity oven in stainless steel Cooking methods: conventional heat, half width variable grill, full width variable grill, hot air, defrosting Pull down glass door Maximum temp: 275C Energy efficiency class: B This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stainless Steel Masher, at Marks & Spencer
Loop in handle for hanging L27cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Styled Floral Embroidered High Leg Knickers, at Marks and Spenser
Feminine and delicate, these stylish briefs feature a floral embroidered design and are finished with a center bow detail. Pretty everyday fashion

Fingerless Leather Driving Gloves, at M & S
Stylish and modern, these fingerless driving gloves are made from soft leather with cutout and popper details

Plain Sleeveless Camisole, at M&S
This strappy longer length camisole will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features spaghetti straps for an essential casual look

Besides M&S Car Insurance, M&S Money Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S 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 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 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.