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&Spencer 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 Finance website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor 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 Finance 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 Finance 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 Finance Home Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.

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

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

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

Petite Single Breasted 1 Button Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Chic and stylish, this single breasted jacket is tailored to fit and flatter. A great choice for work or smart occasions and it's machine washable for added convenience. Specially designed and perfectly proportioned for the petite frame

XBOX 360® Project Gotham Racing™ 4 Game, at Marks & Spencers
A unique and exciting racing experience compatible with the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel More than 120 iconic vehicles, including motorcycles, from the world's top manufacturers Race against the elements of Mother Nature Xbox LIVE gameplay 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, Platforms: Xbox 360, ESRB Rating: Kids to Adults

Limited Collection Skinny Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
Part of Limited Collection's London Crowd trend. A quintessentially English look featuring quirky prints in monochrome with bright pops of colour. Kitsch styling and playful designs give this trend a fun London feel

Girls' Limited Plain Leggings, at Marks & Spencer
Part of Girls' Limited, a contemporary casual collection in trend-conscious styles and soft comfortable fabrics, designed for easy layering. Perfect for stylish girls who love looking fashionable

Limited Collection Tribal Hobo Bag with Charm, at Marks & Spensers
Fashionable and fabulous, this tribal hobo handbag is designed in one of this season's key shapes. It's a practical as well as trend-conscious accessory. Get the latest look!

Autograph Modal Blend Pyjama Bottoms, at Marks & Spencers
Create your own look by mixing and matching these plain pyjama bottoms with our tops and t-shirts. Great for relaxing in style whether you're heading for bed or just chilling out at home

Big & Tall Flat Front Trousers, at Marks and Spenser
A relaxed formal look, these comfortable trousers make a stylish and practical choice for everyday wear

Scrapbook Style 60th Birthday Card, at Marks & Spencers
Cover text: 60 today Inside message: With love This card is made with material from FSC certified sustainable forests. Protecting the world's forests for the future Approx size: 150 x 150mm

Maxim Rice Bowl, at MarksandSpencer
Rice bowl Versatile fine dining range Pure white porcelain Diam 15cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Tracksuit Jacket, at Marks & Spensers
Stylish and practical, this great looking tracksuit jacket is comfortable, easycare and easy to move around in

Single Breasted 2 Button Plain Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Boasting a sophisticated cut and quality fabrics at everyday prices, impeccable styling needn't cost the earth, with our impressive Outstanding Value suits range

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt, at Marks and Spencer
A casual contemporary street style, this mock layered t-shirt features a graphic print. The soft cotton fabric makes it comfortable, practical and easycare

3 Cool & Fresh Pure Cotton Keyhole Feature Trunks, at Marks & Spencers
Made from soft breathable cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

Organic Cotton Erin Eco Shopper, at Marks & Spencer
Shop greener by using this organic cotton shopper instead of plastic carriers. The portrait of model Erin O'Connor was commissioned from eminent fashion illustrator David Downton, making this bag a must-have stylish accessory

Pure Cotton Jersey Woven Pyjamas, at Marks and Spencer
Pretty and feminine, these jersey woven pyjamas are made from soft breathable cotton for a comfortable night's sleep

Portfolio Parisienne Drop Earrings, at Marks&Spencer
Hook fastening Drop style Dual bead design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Contrast Brim Bow Detail Straw Hat, at Marks and Spencers
Keep ahead of the trends with this contemporary contrast brim sunhat, an essential look for style in the sun

Dine In Dozen - Case of 12, at M+S
2 Domaine Mandeville Sauvignon Blanc 2007: A fruity Sauvignon Blanc from the South of France, with juicy citrus and gooseberry flavours, finishing on a fresh, crisp note... 2 Ctes du Rhne Blanc 2008: With its appealing aromas of honeysuckle and baked pears, this soft and gently spicy white is classic Ctes du Rhne at a fantastically affordable price... 2 Macon Villages 2007: A fresh and fruity white made from 100% Chardonnay, with a really appealing, lively scent of apples and lemons and a hint of ripe, rounded peach on the finish... 2 Chteau de Balan Bordeaux 2006: A very well balanced claret with an aroma of blackcurrants and a hint of chocolate... 2 Domaine Mandeville Shiraz 2007: This is a beautifully smooth, ripe, flavour-packed, single estate French red... 2 Ctes du Rhne rouge 2007: With its bright cherry flavours and floral, savoury scents, this is a scrumptious modern-style Ctes du Rhne... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Per Una Notched Buckle Belt, at Marks & Spensers
A bold buckle makes this fashionable belt even more special. Add a stylish finishing touch from Per Una

Pure Cotton Scoop Neck Jersey T-Shirt, at Marks & Spencers
This short sleeved t-shirt will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a smart scoop neck for a stylish casual look

Hastings Double Wardrobe & 2 Bedside Chests Set, at Marks and Spenser
Wardrobe: H188 x W96 x D54cm Bedside chest: H58 x W47 x D43cm Wardrobe has 1 hanging rail and 1 shelf Bedside chest has 2 drawers Crafted predominantly from solid pine and fibreboard 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 manufacturer's instructions, and be aware that polishes can add sheen. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Andante Rim Dinner Plate, at Marks n Spencer
Ideal for everyday use, durable Plain Diameter: 27.5 cm, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Nectarine and Orange Collection Scented Spheres, at Marks & Spencer
Nectarine and orange scent Pot pourri, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Blue Harbour Zip Fastening Fleece Jacket, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and cosy, this fleece makes a warm and comfortable extra layer

Large Dan's Mouse Balloons Husband Birthday Card, at M+S
Cover Text: To my lovely Husband Inside Message: With love on your birthday! Approx size: 220 x 220mm

Is It Bedtime Wibbly Pig?, at Marks and Spenser
The perfect bedtime companion. Mick Inkpens' lovely children's book is about the adorable character 'Wibbly Pig' and his dislike for bedtime (something most children can relate to!) With charming illustrations and a simple storyline this book is sure to be a hit with your little toddler

Laser Cut Church Christening Card, at MarksandSpencer
Cover text: Christening Wishes, on your Christening Day Inside message: Blank for you own message Approx. size: 178 x 126mm

Swirl Wine Glass, at Marks & Spencer
Conical shape Swirl design Handmade Height: 24.5 cm Capacity: 38 cl, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Faux Pearl & Diamanté Duo Earrings, at Marks and Spencers
2 pairs Encrusted diamant pair Faux pearl pair Stud design earrings For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Hepworth Coffee Table, at M & S
H48 x L118 x D60cm 4 drawers 2 toughened-glass shelves Brass detailing Made from European Birch solids and veneers Treated with a rich stain and aged with dark patina known as a housemaids rub Finished with 2 coats of durable, clear lacquer of mid sheen Solid European Birch legs Drawer boxes made from solid European Birch. Drawers made from veneers Handles made of solid antiqued brass Side panels and back panels are veneered. Top panel is veneered with solid birch edging for strength 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 Hepworth Collection Set. This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

When you're shopping at Mark & 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 Finance. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Home Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark's & Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Finance. 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 Finance, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Finance 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."