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 Marks & Spencers, through its M&S Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Car Insurance, M&S Home 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 Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make M+S 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, Home Insurance policies. Usually, UK Home 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 Direct Home 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 Direct Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

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

4 Beef Wellingtons, at Marks n Spencer
Serves 4 Ready to cook Suitable for freezing 980g As featured on page 35in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Duo Twist Platinum-Plated Rings, at Mark & Spencers
An elegant display of understated glamour puts this gorgeous platinum plated ring in a class of its own

Younger Girls' Dora the Explorer Slippers, at Marks n Spencer
Round toe Slip on Dora the Explorer motif 2005 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved

Pure Cotton Crew Neck Unisex Sweatshirt, at M+S
Relaxed and comfortable, this pure cotton sweatshirt is great value. An ideal choice for school

Pretty Floral Pumps Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Cover text: Birthday Wishes Fancy Feet Inside message: Blank for your own message This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Autograph Ace Cutout Sunglasses, at Marks and Spenser
Providing essential protection for the eyes, these stylish and wearable shades will flatter most face shapes

Artificial Magnolia Flower Arrangement & Ceramic Ribbed Vase, at Marks and Spencer
Arrangement includes ceramic ribbed vase Artificial magnolia bouquet No watering required therefore easy care, fresh looking throughout the year H60cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Check Shirt, at M&S
A contemporary print on the back makes this cotton shirt a trend-conscious choice for fashionable boys. Stylish, practical and easycare

Per Una Essentials Modal Rich Pintuck Shorts, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and delicate, these stylish shorts are made from a soft comfortable modal rich fabric. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Collezione Modern Stormwear™ Mac, at Marks and Spencers
Sophisticated and contemporary, this smart mac is inspired by Italian tailoring. It's treated with Stormwear™ technology, a breathable finish that repels water and stains

Diamanté Square Photo Frame 25 x 20cm (8 x 10"), at Mark's & Spencer
Aperature 20 x 25cm (8 x 10 in) H8 x W10, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Boys' Plain Fluffy Dressing Gown, at M+S
Soft and cosy, this dressing gown is made from comfy fluffy fabric

Pure Cotton Belted Cargo Trousers, at M&S
Casual and relaxed, these stylish pure cotton cargo trousers are so comfortable and easy to wear. An effortless contemporary look that's fashionable, practical and easycare

Cocktail 21st Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover Text: 21 Inside Message: wishing you a birthday full of fun! Approx size: 125 x 177mm

Fold Out Mermaid Scene Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencer
Cover text: These little mermaids are swimming by... Inside message: ...to wish you a very happy birthday! This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 175 x 127 mm

2 Stripe Tea Towels, at Marks & Spencer
Pack of 2 Stripe design Plain edge, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

F400 Pocket Memory Foam Mattress with Coolmax°, at Marks & Spencers
Single (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King Size (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super King Size (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 25cm Spring count: 1225 Individually pocketed springs Layer of resilient foam and memory foam and also polyester fibre Foam layers encourage air circulation Two rows of hand side-stitching give edge-to-edge support Quality Belgian fabric for added durability Coolmax stretch knit cover helps regulate body temperature and adds a soft feel Memory foam moulds to the shape of your body once warmed by body heat providing high levels of support Anti-allergy protected for the life of the mattress Does not require turning Manufactured in the UK A sample mattress is subjected to 3 rigorous tests to ensure it remains comfortable. Surface fabric is rubbed 15,000 times against a hard surface to test resistance to wear. Mattress is pounded by a machine 80,000 times to replicate the movements of a human torso and subjected to 20,000 rolls of a roller machine to simulate the rolling motion of a sleeping person 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 , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Stitched Vintage Style Leather Belt, at M&S
This leather vintage style belt is ideal for wearing with casual styles

M&S Alarm Clock Radio, at Marks and Spencer
Dual alarm function FM radio Line-in for MP3 and CD players Plays mood enhancing sounds - daybreak, the ocean, running water fields 4 different ways to wake up - to music from your iPod, radio, alarm tone or mood enhancing sounds 6W x 2 output power Compatible with iPod classic, nano gen. 2, 3 & 4, touch gen. 1 & 2 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

Dualit Jug Kettle - Cream, at Marks & Spencers
1.5 Litre - 12 cup capacity 3000 watt Rapid boil concealed element Washable limescale filter Cordless operation Large viewing windows on both sides Can be placed on its base at any angle Heatproof handle, ball knob and finger-guard Non-slip rubber feet Oversized non-drip spout Weight: 1.36kg Dimensions: H27cm 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

Long Sleeve Thermal Vest, at Marks and Spencers
Soft, warm and cosy, this long sleeve thermal vest is designed to give comfy insulation, perfect for chilly weather

Chunky Knitted Cushion With Recycled Filling, at Marks and Spencer
Chunky knit 3 button detail 50cm X 50cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Ingredients Fig Shower Cream, at M&S
Fig scented 200ml

Autograph Zip Shoulder Bag, at M & S
Luxurious and beautiful, this leather handbag is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. It's front pocket make it practical as well as being a highly desirable fashion accessory

Zebra Print Shoes Birthday Card, at Marks n Spencer
Cover text: Beautiful birthday Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 174 x 126mm

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Top, at Marks and Spencer
A perfect addition to your wardrobe, it's the fashionable style and stylish floral detail neckline that makes this cotton top special

Gold Plated Shell Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style Shell detail Multi bead design

Autograph Merano 2-Seater Unit (Left-Hand Arm), at Marks and Spenser
H84 x W172 x D102cm Seat H47cm, arm H63cm, top back rail H63cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions made from shape-retaining foam with extra-thick fibre wrap - superior quality foam with a high density for added comfort and support Other cushions filled with polyester fibre. Gives a soft sit with a lived-in look, which will soften and relax even further with use. Fibre is sewn into channels within the interior to prevent settlement in one area of the cushion Fabric options have reversible cushions Available in fixed cushion covers only 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 Glide feet with a dark 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

Plain Crook Umbrella, at M+S
Lightweight and easy to carry, this umbrella provides you with effective protection from those sudden downpours

PlayStation®2 Stuntman Ignition Game, at Marks and Spenser
Feel the rush of adrenaline as you perform the most breathtaking, death-defying stunts ever filmed Rev up the action by improvising reckless manoeuvres during movies stunt runs to unlock bigger-budget movies and commercial jobs Take your skills online and steal stunts from rival stuntmen, as you battle on film sets or through custom-built backlot multiplayer arenas Devise your own insane stunt runs in Stunt Constructor, and challenge other stuntmen online to beat you at your own game Master the control of more than 25 unique vehicles, including exotic sports cars, motorcycles and hovercraft You must be 12 years of age or over to purchase this product 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe 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, ESRB Rating: Teen

Besides Marks and Spenser Car Insurance, M&S Money Direct Credit Cards and other financial products, M&S Money Direct Home 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 Direct 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 & Spensers purchases are also protected while you take them home.

Also, on both M&S Money Direct Premier Home Insurance and Standard Home 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.