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 & Spensers 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&Spencer, through its Marks & Spencers 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 & Spencers Money Insurance: There are, quite literally, hundreds of companies in the UK from whom you can purchase insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal on Motor Insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or even wedding insurance, it doesn't take long to find a company that will sell you a policy.

However, not all insurance companies, and certainly not all insurance policies, are the same. What may be standard on one insurance policy may be an optional extra on another, for instance; Motor Insurance and Household Insurance are especially like this.

For example, most home and contents insurance policies either ask you to provide the total cost of rebuilding your home plus the total value of your home contents, or they will set an upper limit. This may seem fine at the time, but, in the event of a claim on your Household Insurance policy, the values act as maximum limits, and so you may, in effect, be under-insured and not receive the full value of your insurance claim.

Fortunately, Marks & Spencers Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

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. Marks & Spencers 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 Marks & Spencers 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 Marks & Spencers Money Household Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

Dancing Shoes Card, at Marks and Spenser
Cover text: Daisy shoes Ballet shoes Holiday shoes Party shoes Favourite shoes Flip flops Happy Birthday to a Special little girl Inside message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 175 x 126mm

Ethnic Heart Drop Earrings, at Marks & Spencers
Hook fastening Drop style Heart pendant Ethnic design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

10 Denier Ladder Resistant Sheer Stockings, at Marks & Spencer
Our new innovation in fabric technology incorporates stretch into every single stitch to create an even, lightweight design and comfortable fit that's ladder resistant and simply a dream to wear

Helenka Lace Vest, at Marks and Spencers
Feel oh-so-pretty from the inside out. Lace is everywhere this season, so why not wear it next to your skin?

Sapporo Side Table, at Marks & Spencer
H45 x W45 x D45cm Made from solid bamboo and bamboo veneer Finished with a matt lacquer that provides the pieces with extra protection and durability Legs made from solid wood All joints are glued and pressed together in the factory, giving more inherent strength than flat pack fittings Delivered flatpack due to size 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pixel Detail Sunglasses, at Mark's & Spencer
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Medium Spencer Bear, at Marks & Spenser
Suitable for ages 12 months + H36cm This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Sun Formula Self Tan Body Applicator Mitt, at M&S
Makes self tanning easy Smooth streak free application Use with self tan cream, lotion, mousse or spray This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Gold Plated Art Nouveau Stretch Bracelet, at Mark's & Spencer
Stretch bracelet Art nouveau design

M&S Hand Mixer, at Marks and Spencer
8 speeds Turbo function 300 watt 2 dough hooks 2 beaters Stainless steel body Dimensions: H19 x W9 x D15cm 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

Autograph Best Pure Silk Contrast Stripe Tie, at M & S
Fashionable and contemporary, this pure silk tie is part of our exclusive Autograph collection. Designer style and luxury at high street prices

3 Pure Cotton Assorted Sleepsuits, at Marks and Spencer
Soft and snuggly, this practical pack of sleepsuits is great value! The cotton fabric is comfy to sleep in and popper fastenings make quick changes easy

Shorts with Tie Belt, at Marks and Spenser
Cute and sassy, these east fit shorts are relaxed and casual. The tie belt adds a stylish finish

Portland Large 2-Seater Sofa, at Marks and Spenser
H76 x W230 x D102cm Seat H52cm (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 Fabric options feature reversible cushions 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 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 08457 624 624 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

Thomas & Friends© Funnel Zip Neck Fleece, at M & S
Fans of Thomas & friends will love this funnel neck fleece featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Secret Support™ Cotton Rich Lace Trim Camisole, at Marks & Spensers
Flattering and feminine, this soft camisole is made with Secret Support™ which gives gentle support and a flattering, defined shape. Relax in style and comfort

Short Sleeve Faux Snake Print Belted Shirt, at Mark & Spencers
Chic and modern, this short sleeve shirt features a stunning faux snake skin design. A vibrant new look, perfect for this season

Autograph Monroe Bedstead, at Marks & Spencer
Headboard: H110cm Endboard: H48cm Double: L222 x W150cm King size (5ft): L232 x W165cm Super king size (6ft): L232 x W195cm Leather upholstery Mattress sold separately Delivered flatpack due to size Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Freshfeet Plain Velour Slippers, at Marks & Spencers
With built in Freshtech™ technology for fresh, odour-free slippers Freshtech™ technology is permanently built in to the slipper and still performs after many washes Freshtech™ technology combats the bacteria that causes bad smells and odours Antibacterial for fresh feet comfort Slip on Round Toe Flat sole

Handcrafted Blue Vase Mother's Day Card, at Marks & Spenser
Cover text: With love on Mothering Sunday Inside message: Have the happiest day Approx size: 178 x 126mm

Open Toe Microtowelling Wedge Slippers, at Marks & Spenser
Open toe Wedge heel Microtowelling design Plain

Younger Boys' Limited Camouflage Rucksack, at M & S
Casual and fashionable, this camouflage rucksack features zipped compartments and adjustable straps for comfort

Autograph Pure Cotton Straight Leg Jeans, at M+S
Fashionable and contemporary, these black resin jeans are part of our exclusive Autograph collection. A great design, superior fabric and careful attention to detail make them exceptionally stylish and comfortable

Classic Collection Pure Cotton Dobby Blouse, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty embroidery makes this lovely blouse so feminine and elegant. Versatile enough to be worn with smart or casual skirts and trousers, it will take you from day to evening in style

Altos del Condor Malbec 2008 - Case of 12, at Marks n Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Malbec Country of origin: Argentina 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

Ditsy Floral Print Bedset, at Mark & Spencers
Ditsy floral print Single set includes single duvet cover (3ft) and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover (4ft 6in) and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover (5ft) and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Les Hauts de Courac - Laudun 2005 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencers
Style: Dry, rich and fruity Grape variety: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre Country of origin: France Closure: Natural Suitable for vegetarians and vegans 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

Long Sleeve V-Neck Jumper, at Marks & Spencer
Soft, snug and comfy, this warm knitted jumper is outstanding value. A fashionable easycare style

Autograph Light Control Lace Body, at MarksandSpencer
Look slimmer in seconds! This light control body gently shapes your figure all over for a smoother, sleeker silhouette. Beautiful exclusive lingerie

Panelled Lace-Up Trainers, at Marks n Spencer
Round toe Lace-up Chunky grip sole Panelled design

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 Marks & Spencers Money. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Household Insurance and Motor 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 & Spencers 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 & Spencers Money, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the Marks & Spencers 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."