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 & 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 Motor Insurance, M&S House Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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 House Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark & Spencers 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."

Shopping for financial products at M+S Money UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark's & Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M+S Money website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S House 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 & Spencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

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

Pure Cotton Crew Neck Jumper, at Marks and Spencers
Stylish and practical, this pure cotton jumper is outstanding value!

Pure Cotton DJ Monkey T-Shirt, at M&S
Fun and fashionable, this mock layer top in soft pure cotton features a monkey motif. A practical easycare style

Blue Lace Bedset, at Marks and Spencer
Floral lace embroidered design Single set includes single duvet cover and 1 pillowcase Double set includes double duvet cover and 2 pillowcases King size includes king size duvet cover and 2 pillowcases, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Keane - Perfect Symmetry CD, at Marks and Spencer
Audio CD, Marks & Spencer

2 Lichfield Vertical Slat-Back Chairs, at Marks & Spenser
H102 x W46 x D60cm Seat: H50cm Leather seat pad Sold as a pair Made from White Oak solids and veneers Finished with 3 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Chair frames made from solid European hardwood 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 table 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

Per Una Short Sleeve Ditsy Print Tunic, at Marks & Spensers
A stunning short sleeve tunic in textured fabric featuring a ditsy print and side drawstring feature

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 4 Large Drawers & M400 Mattress - Firm, at Marks and Spencer
Single mattress (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double mattress (4ft 6in): W135 x L190 cm King size mattress (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size mattress (6ft): W180 x L200cm Single divan (3ft): W90 x L190cm Double divan (4ft 6in): W135 x L190cm King size divan (5ft): W150 x L200cm Super king size divan (6ft): W180 x L200cm Mattress depth: 24cm Divan height: 41cm Large drawer: H14 x W78 x D52cm Mattress filling made from resilient foam and polyester fibre Further filling layers of cotton and lambs wool keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter Two rows of hand side-stitching give the mattress edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs Mattress spring count: 1054 Sprung-edge divan can be used with any mattress All mattresses and divans are anti-allergy protected Mattress does not require turning All mattresses and divans are 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

Pure Cotton Denim Playsuit Outfit, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and fashionable, this easycare playsuit features pintuck details for a modern look

Collezione Leather Monk Shoes, at Marks and Spencers
Luxurious and contemporary, these leather monk shoes are part of Collezione, inspired by Italian style. Their superior design, quality and hand finishing make them a sophisticated and fashionable choice

Long Sleeve 'Cymru' Zip Fastening Jacket, at Marks & Spenser
Sports fans will love this Wales jacket featuring the team motif. A practical, easycare style

Panelled Lace-Up Trainers, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Lace-up Stitch detail Panelled design Flat sole

Concertina Paper Butterflies Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: Birthday surprises Inside Message: Blank for your own message Approx size: 230 x 114mm

My Friend Accessories Making Kit, at Marks & Spensers
Suitable for ages 5+ Includes colourful beads and felt Develops creativity This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Portfolio V-Neck Front Pleat Dress, at Marks & Spencer
Fashionable and modern, this knee length dress features a v-neck and front pleat detail. A flattering, stylish look

Moulton Console Table, at Marks and Spencers
H86 x W95 x D32cm 2 shelves Glass top Glass table tops are made from safety-tested toughened glass Made from solid ash and ash veneer All wooden shelving is finished with a starburst veneer effect 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 This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Autograph Long Sleeve Curve Waist Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Feminine and elegant, this curve waist shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary pleat and pintuck detail

Wool Rich Single Breasted 2 Button Jacket, at Marks & Spensers
Smart and stylish, this tailored single breasted jacket is made from wool rich fabric. Ideal for work and everyday wear

Relax Photographic Kitten Mum Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: Mum, relax and take it easy on your birthday... Inside message: With lots of love Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Single Sprung-Edge Divan with 2 Large Drawers, at Marks & Spensers
Single: W90 x L190cm Divan height: H41cm Sprung-edge divan - can be used with any mattress 2 x large drawers Drawer size: H14 x W78 x D52cm Choose either left or right-hand drawers Feet are castors Solid wooden frame All divans are manufactured in the UK All our mattresses and divans are anti-allergy, which means the provide effective protection against dust mite allergies, so you'll have a trouble free sleep 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

Stainless Steel Can Opener, at M&S
Steel and black design L18cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

My Friend Fashion Dressing Kit, at Marks & Spencer
Suitable for ages 3+ years Create totally trendy outfits for stylish girls Packaging transforms into cakewalk This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Jemima Puddleduck Soft Toy, at Marks & Spensers
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Approx 25cm This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Older Boys' Professional Footballer Slippers, at Mark's & Spencer
Round toe 'Not a Professional footballer' slogan and print Slip on Flat sole

Faux Half Pearl Stud Earrings, at Marks & Spencer
Stud style Faux half pearl design Butterfly fastening

Multi Bead Necklace & Earring Set, at Marks n Spencer
2 part set Hook fastening drop earrings Clasp fastening multi strand necklace Assorted beads design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Audrey Sunglasses, at Marks and Spenser
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Cotton Rich Plain V-Neck T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencers
This longer length short sleeved t-shirt will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a flattering v-neck for a stylish casual look

Short Sleeve Crushed Stripe Shirt, at M&S
Feminine and elegant, this sophisticated shirt is beautifully designed and cut for a flattering shape and features a contemporary stripe print

2 Cotton Rich Cropped Leggings, at Marks & Spencers
Fun and fashionable, these cotton rich leggings are outstanding value!

Pasta Recipe Book, at Marks & Spensers
Pasta - food for passion, food for life! For food that puts the colour and fun back into your life, look no further than pasta. Infinitely versatile and always delicious, pasta allows you to cook up a storm in the kitchen and whip up Italian delights that cannot fail to impress. Invite over the family, gather around the kitchen table and tuck into some truly inspirational food. For fail-safe ideas that take the minimum of effort, look no further than the recipes inside this book

M+S Money offers a variety of financial and insurance products, but Motor Insurance is something that almost everyone needs - at least if you own a car. Unfortunately there are so many companies offering Motor Insurance today that, after a while, one policy may begin to look much like the next.

Thinking that most Motor Insurance policies are much the same is usually a bad idea. At worst it can be a very expensive mistake - this is when you find out that your Motor Insurance policy doesn't actually cover you for what you thought it did, or it takes your Motor Insurance company months and months to argue over whether to pay you or not. Fortunately M+S Money Motor Insurance is not like that at all, and when you compare M&S Motor Insurance to the competition then it stacks up quite nicely.

For example, here are just some of the options which come as standard with Marks & Spencers 5 Star Premier cover Motor Insurance (correct at May 2009), which are quite often not included with comparable Motor Insurance plans from companies such as Direct Line, Sainsburys, or Tesco Direct:

• Personal UK and European Breakdown Cover automatically included
• Comprehensive cover for trips abroad in the European Union - up to 90 days per trip
• Courtesy car during approved repairs automatically included
• Cover for Motor Legal Protection automatically included

So, it is clear that, besides being good value, M&S Motor Insurance also provides much more extensive cover than some of the top competitors. Additionally, you don't even need to be behind the wheel to benefit from M+S Money UK and European Breakdown Cover, since it covers you as a passenger too.