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 MarksandSpencer 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 Mark's & 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 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 financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks and Spencer 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 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 Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

M+S 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 Car 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; Car Insurance and Home 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 Home 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, M+S Money Insurance does not have these insurance limits, excepting liability and cash cover, and therefore you can not be under-insured.

Rosina Corner Group, at Marks&Spencer
H82 x W252 x D97cm (actual length 252cm from end to back) Seat H45cm (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 Solid birch feet with a medium finish Can be arranged to fit both left and right room corners 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

Woodspice For Men Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, at M & S
Anti-perspirant Woodspice fragrance 200ml This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Burn After Reading Blu-ray DVD, at Marks and Spencer
Rating Suitable for 15 years and over,

Corbières 2007 - Case of 12, at Mark's & Spencer
Style: Full bodied Grape variety: Mixed Red Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 12 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Portfolio Pure Cotton Denim Belted Skirt, at M & S
Part of Portfolio's Parisienne trend. Feel bold and chic in this feminine look inspired by Parisian style. With a striking colour palette of cream, ruby, black and dove grey, this is a style-conscious trend for the new season

Linen Blend Multi Button Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Fashionable and fabulous, bootcuts flatter curves and make legs look longer. This pair sits on the waist and is designed to give a shapely feminine silhouette. A look that's always in style

Limited Collection Slouch Boots, at Marks and Spencer
Round toe Slouch style Block heel Pull on Plain

Limited Collection Wide Leg Flat Front Trousers with Belt, at Marks & Spencer
Fluid and feminine, these wide leg trousers are cut to flatter, giving an elegant silhouette. Practical and fashionable, they make a great choice for work or smart occasions

Per Una 3/4 Sleeve Waterfall Stripe Top, at M+S
A feminine 3/4 sleeve top featuring a gorgeous stripe print, the waterfall design makes it extra stylish

Maternity Cotton Blend Boyfriend Cardigan, at Mark & Spencers
Relaxed and casual, this cotton blend cardigan is designed to flatter you and your bump. A ribbed waist gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. A practical, versatile choice

Per Una Styled Modal Rich Floral Padded Bra, at Marks & Spensers
Fresh and feminine, this feminine bra is made from a soft comfortable modal rich fabric. Soft padding and underwiring give support and an enhanced natural shape. Pretty everyday fashion

Rosemary Tree, at Marks & Spensers
This stylish herb tree will look stunning on a patio or doorstep and provide delicious flavours in your cooking Available for delivery until 30th September 2009

Older Girls Cotton Rich Star Print Crop Top & Shorts Set, at Marks & Spencers
This pretty matching set is soft, stretchy and comfortable to wear. The crop top makes a great way of getting girls used to the idea of wearing bras

2 Piece Cotton Rich Racoon Dungaree & T-Shirt Outfit, at MarksandSpencer
It's the racoon motif that makes this 2 piece outfit fun and fashionable. Soft cotton and velour fabric makes it comfy and practical

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

MoDA Brown and Cream Floral Bamboo Paper Blank Card, at Marks&Spencer
Cover text: Blank Inside message: Blank for your own message Dimensions: 150 x 150mm Our MoDA range has been screen printed onto paper made from bamboo. Bamboo is a truly sustainable and renewable resource as it's the fastest growing plant on the planet!

Ceriso Rio Silk Bikini Knickers, at Marks and Spencer
Fun and funky, these modern bikinis feature a lace design. The low rise, high leg brazilian style gives a fabulous body-conscious fit. Designed for women who want the latest look

Collezione Single Breasted Funnel Neck Parka, at Marks and Spencers
Elegantly stylish and meticulously finished, this funnel neck parka is inspired by sophisticated Italian fashions

Lacqured Wood Photo Frame 13 x 18cm (5 x 7''), at Marks and Spencer
Narrow border Removeable mount card Aperture: 13 x 18cm (5 x 7'') Dimensions: W24.5 x H29.5 x D2.5cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cosmetox Rejuvenating Cleansing Cloths, at Marks & Spencers
Visible results in 4 weeks Suitable for all skin types Hypoallergenic

Younger Boys' Thomas & Friends© Trolley Bag, at Marks & Spencer
A must-have for fans of Thomas & Friends, this extendable grip handle trolley bag features Thomas, the tank engine

Twinkle Jet Trio Stud Earring Set, at Marks and Spencer
3 pairs Butterfly fastening For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Pure Cotton Floral Print Nightdress, at Marks & Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this floral print nightdress is made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Burgundy Celebration Cake, at Mark & Spencers
36 portions Fruit Cake: Made with vine fruits, nuts and cherries laced with brandy. Cake weighs 2.7kg. Can be eaten up to 14 days after collection Sponge Cake: All-butter sponge filled with buttercream and raspberry jam. Cake weighs 1.7kg. Can be eaten up to 5 days after collection Cake size: 20.5cm square Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers Suitable for vegetarians Comes in a box suitable for storing the cake before serving As featured on page 68 in the food to order brochure Order by 5pm to collect in 7 days Available for collection in the majority of our UK mainland stores

Barton Large 2 Seater Sofa, at Marks & Spenser
Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Silk Blend Long Sleeve Cardigan, at Marks & Spensers
A cosy knitted cardigan in luxurious silk mix fabric featuring a revere collar

Construction Set, at Marks and Spencer
Suitable for ages 3-6 years 5 construction vehicles Includes a die cast dumper truck, excavator, crane, bulldozer and a digger Imaginative play This product conforms to the EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Push & Go Giraffe, at Marks and Spencers
Suitable for ages 0-3 years Giraffe design Encourages activity and hand-eye coordination Press down, then let go and watch him speed away Rattling bead-filled wheels This product conforms to EN71 and the Toy Safety Directive, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Maternity Pure Cotton Pintuck Top, at Mark & Spencers
Fashionable and modern, this pintuck top is designed to flatter you and your bump. A drawstring waist gives a neat, comfortable fit with room for growth. Enjoy your pregnancy in style!

Silver Plated Amazing Abalone Tri-Stand Necklace, at M+S
Tri-strand design Abalone nugget Assorted multifaceted beads

When you're shopping at M & S 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 Home Insurance and Car 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 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."