I have to agree with Merlin. I really hate how people pester you about the various rewards cards. The only ones that I actually find to be useful are the ones from groceries and for sporting goods stores. I don't wanna plug anything, but Dicks sends you some amazing coupons if you wind up spending enough over a certain period of time. Plus, they'll give you coupons for x amount of rewards points. I think like 1 point = 1 dollar, and essentially, they'll give you coupons for 200 additional points. When you buy a ton of equipment, it's pretty sweet. Grocery stores are kind of the same way. They'll offer you ridiculous deals if you have their card, but even if you don't have it, they'll still let you use a store card, so you get the same deal regardless.

I'm positive that it's just a means for people to track what you do/ buy, even if you pay cash. You have to provide at least a name, address and phone number to get a card. That information is all stored in their system, along with your purchases, amount paid and how you paid for it. I'm sure each and every one of those databases is linked with some kind of government computer...

Shady shit.

Other than that, I don't really look for the best deal for certain things. For sporting goods, I'm very very picky. It took me 2 weeks to decide on which catchers glove to pick up.

As for regular, everyday clothes, depending on the store, I won't even try the clothes on. I'll look for what I need, size 32x30 jeans and medium t shirts, athletic fit if possible, and I'm set. For dressier clothes, like button down shirts and suits, I'll try everything on and try to get the best fit possible.

For everything else, it's usually a matter of necessity. Do I NEED it vs do I WANT it?