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 M & S 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 MarksandSpencer, 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.

Marks and Spenser may not necessarily be the first name that springs to mind when you're thinking about renewing your Household Insurance or Motor Insurance, but Marks and Spencers do indeed offer a comprehensive selection of financial products, all of which are competitively priced, and all of which you can purchase directly from the M&S Money website. With a simple, no-hassle service, you can compare features between a number of Marks & Spencer Money products and competitor's products, and sign up in just a few minutes.

Whether you're looking for savings products or M&S Money loans, credit cards or Household Insurance - besides a number of other insurance products, M&S Money can save you both time and money, with comprehensive information available at a click.

Free insurance quotes are available online for all of M&S Money insurance products (Household Insurance, Motor Insurance, Travel Insurance, Wedding Insurance and Pet Insurance), or you may call if you wish to on the telephone number provided. Suffice to say that there is also plenty of information which you can download for each of the Marks n Spencer insurance products in document format too.

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 Spencers are so useful. M&S 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, 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.

Per Una Lip Colour, at Marks&Spencer
Moisturising Hypoallergenic

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

Playmobil Construction Toy Set, at Marks & Spencer
Suitable for ages 4+ Includes two workers, construction tools, stackable bricks, road sign This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Collezione Pure New Wool Single Breasted 3 Button Soft Ribbed Jacket, at M&S
A pristine example of fine Italian style, this distinguished single vent jacket is fashioned from Pure New Wool and features a stunning contrast lining for a refined finishing touch

Wool Blend Machine Washable & Tumble Dry Single Breasted 1 Button Tuxedo Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Put an end to tiresome trips to the dry cleaners. Our range of machine washable and tumble dry suits combine the best in convenience and contemporary style

5 Older Boys' Pure Cotton Classic Boxers, at Marks&Spencer
Cool and comfortable, these snug, pure cotton boxer shorts are a great choice for stocking up his everyday underwear drawer

The Pleated Hem Skirt, at Marks and Spenser
Wear this fabulous full skirt for a feminine, flattering and retro look that's firmly back in fashion. The layers at the hem are a chic finishing touch to this wear-anywhere style

Per Una Floral Lace Shorts, at Marks & Spencer
Enjoy 30% off when you buy this product in cream. Discount applies at checkout Elegant and feminine, these stylish bikinis/etc are made from soft stretch lace. The low rise, low leg style gives a shapely figure-flattering fit. Pretty everyday fashion

Gold Plated Marquis Tennis Bracelet, at Marks & Spencers
Leaf link design Diamant detail Clasp fastening

Classic Collection Pure Cotton V-Neck Top, at Marks & Spencers
Feminine and pretty, this versatile top is made from soft easycare fabric and features a floral print neckline. A fashionable style with a comfortable, flattering fit

Welcome Reds - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
2 Domaine Lafage VdP des Ctes Catalanes 2007 2 Campo Bravo Rioja Vendimia Seleccionada 2007 4 Santa Gloria Merlot 2008 4 Villagio, Negroamaro Puglia 2008 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Ruffle Hem Check Skirt with Belt, at Marks & Spenser
A stylish mid-calf length skirt in a soft virgin wool blend featuring check design and a ruffled hem

Quacking Birthday Niece Birthday Card, at Mark & Spensers
Cover text: To a special Niece... Inside message: Have a quacking birthday! Approx size: 150 x 150 mm

Cosy Knee High Stripe Socks, at Marks and Spencer
These essential knee highs are outstanding value. They're made with added stretch and a reinforced toe for comfort and durability

Cashmilon™ Snake Print Tasselled Scarf, at Marks and Spencers
Keep warm, cosy and stylish in this fashionable snake print tasselled scarf made from supersoft cashmilon™

Limited Collection Pure Cotton Pintuck Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
Part of Limited Collection's LA Love trend. Feminine, soft and laid back, this is a fashionable LA look with a boho vibe. Beautiful fabrics and playful prints are key

Brown Floral Mini Cards Multipack, at M+S
Cover Text: blank Inside message: blank for your own message Pack contains: 8 cards, 4 designs Approx size: 80 x 94mm

Autograph Large Wavey Floral Contrast Trim Hat, at Marks & Spenser
Luxurious, fashionable and elegant, this pure abaca hat features a modern floral contrast design and a bow feature for a sophisticated look To receive your FREE hat box, simply click on the hat box below and add it to your basket

Sleeveless Burn Out Floral Rib Vest, at Mark & Spencers
This fashionable soft top features stylish burnout rib design for a fresh modern look

Pure New Wool Plain Polo Neck Jumper, at Marks n Spencer
Made from pure lambswool, this roll neck jumper is irresistibly soft and cosy

Lightweight Brush Stroke Print Scarf, at Marks & Spensers
Add a fashionable finishing touch to your look with this elegant brush stroke print scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Tribeca 2 Seater Sofa AU09 Newness, at Marks and Spencer
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Lilac Cherry Blossom Medium Gift Bag, at Marks & Spencers
1 gift bag Approx size: H260 x W180 (at base) x D120 mm

Pure Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck Stripe Top, at Mark & Spensers
For casual elegance, you can't beat this stripe boat neck top. A great value cotton essential

3 Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Assorted Tops, at Marks and Spencers
Cute and practical, this pack of 3 long sleeve tops is great value. The soft cotton fabric will keep her happy and comfy

Snake Print Hipster Bikini Bottoms, at Mark's & Spencer
Gorgeous and glamorous, these stylish bikini bottoms feature a striking snake print. A fabulous fashionable look

Faux Pearl Y Shape Necklace & Earrings Set, at Marks & Spencer
2 part set Y-shape necklace with clasp fastening Hook fastening drop earrings Faux pearl design Necklace length 43cm, extendable by 8cm

Ascensio Hard Large Rollercase, at Marks and Spencer
Built for durable practicality, this large rollercase features a robust ABS outer shell and locking trolley system to ensure your belongings are safely secure and easy to transport

Wentworth Large 2-Seater Occasional Sofa Bed, at Marks and Spencer
H96 x W172 x D100cm Seat H50cm (all dimensions are approximate) Seat cushions filled with shape-retaining foam - 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 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 Feet are castors Mattress: L180 x W112 x D6cm Foam mattress rests on polypropylene base Mattress recommended for occasional use Sofa Bed will support a maximum combined weight of 160kg 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 than fabric upholstery due to the nature of the material, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Belkin Stereo Link Cable, at M&S
2m length cable Colour-coded to ensure easy identification and proper connection High-quality copper for consistent signal between components Braid-and-foil shield to reduce electromagnetic/radio frequency interference Aluminum undermold shield for optimum signal integrity This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more 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

When you're shopping at Marks n 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. 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."