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 & Spenser 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 & Spensers, 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 Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

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

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

When you're shopping at Marks & Spensers 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 Buildings Insurance and Car Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and 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."

Multi-Storage Bag Set, at Marks and Spencer
Clear plastic Pack of 3 Double handle Zip fastening

Spot Mesh Multiway Padded Bra, at Marks & Spensers
This versatile bra can be worn 5 ways: conventionally, halterneck, cross back, strapless and one shoulder. Designed for a comfortable flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility

Antique Brass & Glass Coffee Table, at Marks & Spencers
H46 x W111 x D45cm Made of antique-effect solid brass tubing Tops made from toughened glass Legs made from solid brass tubing Delivered boxed to your door. No assembly required, but you will need to unpack and position the item yourself This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more SAVE ON SETS Save at least 25% when you buy this table as part of a set. Click here to view the Antique Brass Collection Set. , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Speziale Trio Eye Colour, at Marks & Spencers
Use dry for a soft colour finish Use wet for a more intense look 3 colours Hypoallergenic

Leopard Print Cross Body Bag, at Marks & Spencers
Fashionable, comfortable and secure, this cross-body bag features an adjustable strap and multiple pockets. A practical and stylish accessory

Les Domaines Brocard Organic Chablis 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks & Spencer
Style: Dry and crisp Grape variety: Chardonnay Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Bottle: 6 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

Limited Collection Single Breasted Shoulder Detail Jacket, at M+S
Chic and stylish, this shoulder detail jacket makes a great choice for work or smart occasions. It's machine washable for added convenience

Formula Revival Cosmetox Night Cream, at Marks and Spencer
Proven results after four weeks Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic 50ml

Pure Cotton Lace Insert Stripe Vest Top, at Marks & Spencers
Chic and modern, this stripe vest is made from cool comfortable cotton and features a lace insert

Sony VAIO VGN-NS20E Laptop, at Marks & Spencers
Processor: Intel Pentium Processor T3400 with Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Processor speed: 2.16 (GHz) RAM: DDR2 SDRAM (1x2GB, 1x1GB) Screen: (Diagonal Size) 15.4" X-black LCD, resolution 1280 x 800, aspect ratio - 16:10 Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium Hard Drive: 250GB Serial ATA - 5400 rpm Graphics card: Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M Memory stick slot: Memory Stick™ Std / Duo, Memory Stick™ PRO Std / Duo, high speed data transfer, SD card Digital camera: Built-in 'Motion Eye' Digital Camera, Frames per Second 30, Image Sensor 1.3 mega pixels, Motion Pictures max. Resolution 1280x1024 (SXGA) Optical Drive: Built-in DVD+-RW/+-R DL/RAM optical drive Interfaces: 4 Pin i.LINK™ (IEEE1394), 400 Mbps x1, DC in x1, Memory Stick™ Slot x 1, Microphone Jack (Stereo) x 1, RJ-11 Direct Port (Modem) x 1, RJ-45 Direct Port (Network) x 1, USB Port 2.0 x 4, VGA Connector for Monitor x 1, Express Card Slot x 1, SD Card Slot x 1 Connectivity: Built-in Modem V.92/V.90, Integrated Wireless LAN, Ethernet network 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T Battery: Lithium-Ion battery (VGP-BPS13B) - Battery Life 225 minutes, Actual battery life will vary depending on your specific hardware and software configurations. Benchmark: MobileMark 2007 Video & TV software: Me&My VAIO, VAIO Content Importer / Exporter, WinDVD 8 for VAIO, VAIO Movie Story Audio software: VAIO Music Box, Windows Media Player 11 Photo software: Picture Motion Browser, VAIO Movie Story CD-DVD burning software: Easy Media Creator 9, Click to Disc/Editor Office application software: Adobe Reader 8.1, Microsoft Office Ready 2007 (60 days Try & Buy) Security & other software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 60 days free virus update), VAIO Recovery Utility - HDD recovery (hidden partition), Google software package Accessories included: AC Adaptor, Battery, Power Cord Dimensions: D 270 x H (min - max) 31.4 - 38.0 x W 360mm Weight: Weight with Supplied Battery and Supplied Drive (kg) 2.9 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

Autograph Linen Blend Shirt & Cargo Shorts Outfit, at Mark's & Spencer
Part of Kids' Autograph, a luxurious collection of beautifully designed clothing in high quality fabrics with superior finishing details. Kids' Autograph gives a stylish well-dressed look

The Floral Collection Magnolia Moisture Rich Foaming Bath Essence, at M+S
Magnolia fragrance Foaming bath essence Moisture rich 500ml Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Betaine, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Magnolia Liliflora (Magnolia), Glycerin, Cocamide DEA, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-2, Magnesium Nitrate, Propylene Glycol, Methylchloro-isothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Sorbitol, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Linalool, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, CI 15985, CI14700

Stainless Steel Melon Baller, at Marks & Spencer
Hanging loop Stainless steel, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Funnel Neck Half Zip Fleece Jacket, at Marks & Spencers
An essential part of any wardrobe, this great value half-zip fleece is warm and cosy. A fashionable and practical choice

Sleeveless Longline Knitted Waistcoat, at Marks & Spenser
Elegant and stylish, this sleeveless waistcoat is made with cool comfortable cotton and features a tie waist feature for a fashionable look

Handcrafted Classic Grandma Mother's Day Card, at M&S
Cover text: Grandma Inside message: With love on Mother's Day Approx size: 178 x 126mm

DeLonghi Icona Toaster - Azure Blue, at Mark & Spensers
Power 1.8kW 4 slice toaster Electronic controls: reheat, defrost, bagel and cancel 2 toasting slots operate independently All functions with neon indicator Hi-rise facility - extra 20mm lift for removing toast Variable browning controls Extra deep crumb tray Non-slip feet This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

M400 Mattress - Firm, at Marks and Spencer
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: 24cm 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 edge-to-edge support. This allows you full use of the sleeping surface Individually pocketed springs Spring Count: 1054 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

Autograph Weekend Boyfriend Cardigan with Wool, at Marks & Spensers
Part of Autograph Weekend's Sloane trend. Casual yet sophisticated, this is weekend dressing at its most stylish. Featuring a cool colour palette of crisp navy, neutrals and red, this is an effortlessly chic look for the new season

Per Una Pure Cotton Floral Print Nightdress, at MarksandSpencer
Modern and feminine, this pretty nightdress is made from soft cotton so you can relax in comfort and style. Part of Per Una's sleepwear collection

Limited Collection Short Sleeve Leather Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Get a high fashion look in this luxurious leather jacket with short sleeves and a fuss-free simple design

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Floral Print Top, at Marks & Spencers
A fashionable floral print top featuring a pleat neck detail. A tie front feature gives it the Per Una touch.

Connoisseur Scottish Lochmuir™ Salmon, King Prawns & Terrine Platter, at Mark's & Spencer
Serves 4 Ready to eat Includes a table-presentable platter Gluten free 400g total weight As featured on page 22 of the Food to Order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 5 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Cotton Rich Low Rise Spot Print Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Low rise shorts are perfect for wearing with hipster styles and these stylish spot print shorts are shapely and modern. Added stretch gives a comfortable, flattering fit

Griffin iClear Touch Case, at Marks & Spencer
iClear's transparent and unobtrusive design protects your iPod with a tough polycarbonate shell, strong enough to take the daily abuse of active lifestyles

Blue Harbour Pure Cotton Plain Polo Shirt, at M&S
Featuring classic detailing and a relaxed fit, this plain design polo shirt is the perfect addition to your casual wardrobe

Jacquard Front Floral Full Briefs, at M&S
Stylish and flattering, these full briefs give complete coverage at the front and back and are extremely comfortable to wear

Per Una Knee Length Pleat Detail Skirt, at Marks and Spencer
A fashionable knee length skirt in pure soft cupro fabric. The bow tie detail gives it the Per Una touch

Firm Control Cotton Blend Low Leg Shorts, at Marks and Spencer
Look slimmer in seconds! These firm control shorts gently flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette. They're designed without hems for a smooth no-show look under clothes

5 Pairs of Younger Boys' Monkey Socks, at M&S
Brighten up his underwear drawer with these fashionable assorted socks

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money. Not least of these is Marks and Spencers Standard Car Insurance. With M&S Money you can keep the cost of your Car Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Car Insurance cover from M&S Money, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Car Insurance policies on offer from Marks and Spencer, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Car Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.