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 & Spencers, through its M&S Money Direct 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.

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 M&S Money Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Household Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Marks and Spencers than you might imagine.

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

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks and Spencers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Motor 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 Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks & 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 Motor Insurance from Marks & Spencers Money, you get more, and you pay less.

Autograph Loretto Right-Hand Chaise, at Marks and Spencer
All-weather synthetic rattan Silver-effect rattan Quick drying foam seat pad made from 100% polyester H62 x W200 x D97.5cm Seat H30.5cm Suitable for indoor or outdoor use This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Knitted Cropped Cardigan, at Marks & Spencer
Modern and stylish, this cardigan features 3/4 length sleeves. A great work-to-evening style

The World Is Not Enough DVD, at Marks n Spencer
Rating Parental Guidance,

Machine Washable Diagonal Multi Stripe Tie, at Marks & Spenser
No more trips to the drycleaners! This striped tie is machine washable

Grow Your Own Vegetables, at M&S
This kit contains everything you need to grow your own great tasting vegetables at home or on your allotment.

Portfolio Pure Linen Button Front Wide Leg Trousers, at M&S
Part of Portfolio's Shades of Paradise trend, featuring the earthy tones of nature combined with rich, tropical highlights. Elegant and feminine styling makes this a chic summer look

3 Cool & Fresh Cotton Rich Assorted Trunks, at Mark & Spencers
Made from soft breathable stretch cotton, these comfy trunks are ideal for everyday wear

5 Pairs of Younger Girls' Cotton Rich Assorted Socks, at Marks & Spencers
Fun and fashionable, this pack of 5 pairs of cotton rich socks features assorted design

Fishing Penguin Dad Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover text: Dad, Relax, chill out and... ...Enjoy your birthday! Inside message: Have a really cool day Approx size: 215 x 150mm

M&S 2-Slice Toaster - Black, at M & S
2 slice toaster 850W Defrost, reheat and cancel settings Automatic and manual switch off Removable crumb tray for easy cleaning With indication light Cord storage Wide slots (33mm), fit for all kinds of bread Elegant design with stainless steel body Dimensions: H21 x W30 x D18cm 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

Formula One 2008 Season Review DVD, at Marks & Spencer
Rating Universal, suitable for all,

Multiple Bead Shanghai Hoop Earrings, at Marks & Spenser
Hook fastening Hoop style Multiple bead design For hygiene reasons, refunds will only be given in accordance with your legal rights

Limited Collection Bow Detail Faux Pearl Long Necklace, at Marks and Spencer
Clasp fastening Adjustable length Faux pearl design Bow detail Necklace length 107cm, extendable by 8cm

Cotton Rich Drawstring Velour Joggers, at Marks and Spencer
Relaxed and comfy, these casual joggers are made from soft cotton and feature a drawstring fastening. A practical easycare choice.

A Friend Like You Book, at Marks & Spencer
Panda and Monkey are going on a special journey up into the mountains. Monkey is so excited about the beautiful surprise ahead, he just can't wait for Panda! 'Let's get going, Panda-plod!' he cries impatiently and rushes off. But soon Monkey finds he needs his friend much more than he though

Masquerade Stretch Bracelet, at Marks and Spencer
Wide style Marble stone effect Chunky design Stretch fit

Pure Cotton Short Sleeve Hello Kitty Top, at Marks and Spencer
Fans of Hello Kitty will love this cotton top featuring the popular character. A practical, easycare style

Pure Silk Assorted Squares Tie, at Marks & Spencers
Add a luxurious finishing touch with this smart assorted square tie in pure silk

Stripe Seat Pad, at M&S
Tie fastening Stripe design Padded, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Per Una Long Sleeve Riviera Cardigan, at Marks & Spencers
A sophisticated long sleeve cardigan in a soft fabric. Featuring a chiffon trim to give it the Per Una touch

School Riptape Plimsolls, at M&S
Made with breathable cotton, these plimsolls are a practical choice for PE or play. Riptape fastening gives a good fit and makes it easy to put them on quickly

Non Iron Long Sleeve Bold Bengal Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spenser
Smart and innovative, this easycare shirt has a special finish on the fabric and is cleverly constructed to make it non-iron. A great time saver, ideal for work wear

Portfolio Cap Sleeve Crinkled Dress with Camisole, at Mark & Spensers
Get this season's look with this gorgeous abstract print cap sleeve dress. It's fashionably styled with a crinkle finish

Glitter Dress 40th Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencers
Approx. size: 230 x 114mm Cover text: 40 party girl! Inside message: Have a great birthday!

Cut Flowers Refresher & Burner Oil, at Marks & Spencer
Floral scent 15ml, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Younger Boys' Mr Men Clogs, at Marks & Spencers
Round toe Flat sole Adjustable strap Mr Men print Mr Men and Little Miss™ & 2007 THOIP (a Chorion company). All rights reserved

Pure Cotton Long Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt, at Marks n 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

15 Denier Ladder Resist Sheer Shine Hold Ups, at Mark's & Spencer
An M&S exclusive. Extra stretch is added to every stitch of these sheer shine hold ups to stop ladders from forming

5 Pure Cotton Slips, at Marks and Spencer
The soft, easy to care for qualities of pure cotton means these comfy slips are a fantastic option for day to day wear

125 Years 2 Storage Containers Set, at Marks n Spencer
Set of 2 Jelly design 'Marks & Spencer the Milk is in the mix' slogan, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

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 M+S are so useful. M&S Money Direct financial products are, of course, designed to make Marks&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, 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 M&S Money Direct 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 M&S Money Direct Household Insurance than you will anywhere else, and you may even pay less with M&S.