During times like this when economy is not good, being frugal and wise is important in shopping.  One of the things that I find being wise is using my card when shopping because it gives me points which when accumulated could be exchanged with items and freebies from the credit card company.  Some credit card companies make partnership with restaurants/fast food chains which would give free cake, pizza, lunch,etc when you spend a certain amount.  You just need to present the printed reciept to the partner establishment to claim the freebies.   Receipts that are being printed are very detailed that it shows the card number, amount and  swipe machine provider.  Printer companies which manufactured reciept printers are quite brilliant such as epson receipt printer, cannon receipt printer, etc.  Such inventions are awesome.